Master's Day 2018
The new Master's Installation took place on a particularly warm day on 11th July at the Church of St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate, the 'home' church of the Company. Seventy five Bowyers and their guests were present to see Ian Spring take the oath as Master and David Laxton and Nigel Heilpern take the oaths of the Upper and Renter Warden respectively. The ceremony also marked the investiture of the outgoing Master, Tony Kench, as the Immediate Past Master and the return to the Court of Past Master John Hayton and outgoing Renter Warden Mark Elliott, who has decided to take a short break from progression. Following the Ceremony, the Service was conducted by our Chaplain, the Reverend Dr Alan McCormack, with hymns and music chosen by the new Master. The service included music sung by the excellent choir of St Botolph. As always the Bowyers were in good singing voice. Thanks must go to Mhairi Ellis of St Botolph for her invaluable help in planning the service.
After photographs, some of which accompany this article, the Bowyers moved a short way to Gow's Restaurant for a welcome glass of champagne, followed by a lunch of scallops and haddock and chips accompanied by a chilled white burgundy. Toasts followed lunch and then our new Master welcomed those present before paying tribute to the work and achievements of the outgoing Master and outlining his vision for the next two years. The formal part of the lunch concluded with Mrs Enid Kench presenting the Mistress Bowyers broach to Mrs Theo Spring and paying tribute to the convivial and welcoming nature of the Company. This important and enjoyable day concluded with a number of the more hardy moving upstairs to the Gow's Bar to continue the celebrations.
The Company thanks Tony Kench and Mark Elliott, who remains on the Court, for their extremely hard work in their respective roles over the last two years and wishes the new team of officers, Master Ian Spring, Upper Warden David Laxton and Renter Warden Nigel Heilpern all the very best in their positions.
Archived event reports
- A full list of archived event reports is available in the Members' area