On the 3rd October, a Leaving Lunch was held for the former Clerk, Ed Macey-Dare, at the Members Private Dining Room on the 3rd floor of the Guildhall.
Ed was joined by his wife, Rowena, and his daughter, Portia, and the 29 other guests from the Livery that included 11 of the 16 Masters that Ed had served, and 5 other Past Masters who were in post before Ed became Clerk, and other members of the Court and Stewards. Grace was said, befittingly in Latin, by Renter Warden Alderman Vincent Keaveney. Speeches before the Lunch were made by PM Charles Maxwell who was Master when Ed became Clerk, and, the current Master, Lorne Mackillop, who was Ed’s last Master. During his speech, the Master announced, that, by approval of the Court, Ed is elevated to the role of “Clerk Emeritus”, and a scroll certifying this was presented to Ed, along with the Cross Quills symbol of a Clerk to be affixed to his Liveryman badge ribbon, and, a bottle of the Master’s Cask Armagnac, by the Master.
Ed responded in a lengthy and humorous speech that detailed his pathway to becoming Clerk, and then his 15 years in office.
The chef was Liveryman and Steward, Jean Deillon, of Cook & Butler who made us a delicious lunch, and joined us for a toast afterwards. The wines were chosen by our Chairman of the Spirits & Wine Committee, PM Allan Cheesman, who, at the end of the Lunch, talked about the wines that had been served.
Ed also toasted the Cook & Butler caterer, and then the WCD and the health of the Master.
All felt that this was a very jolly occasion.
