About the Appeal
2022 is a very special and significant milestone in the long and distinguished history of the Distillers. It marks the 350th anniversary of our Worshipful Company being granted Livery status by the Court of Aldermen in 1672. From that point onwards, we took our place alongside the other Livery Companies of the day, could vote, take part in civic ceremonies and support the work of the Corporation of London and the Lord Mayor. It also meant that we would become a focal point for the spirits industry.
350 years later, this essence is more alive and well than ever, delivering our charitable goals and helping the Livery play an ever more important role in the community.
The Worshipful Company purpose is to be at the heart of the Spirits industry and through our charitable giving to improve young people’s lives. The Distillers’ Charity is providing vital support to key Livery & City charity partners, as well as funding Vocational Training & Education for the next generation of distillers and developing the new Youth Action Fund in Scotland. Our principal Livery & City charities supported include;
The Drinks Trust, who offer care and support to the people who form the industry workforce, both past and present. The Trust provides individuals with services across vocational, well-being, financial and practical support.
The Alcohol Education Trust, are a leading early intervention charity that supports young people aged 11 – 25 to keep safe around alcohol. AET work is delivered through schools and youth organisations who are supported free of charge with award-winning resources and training.
The Lord Mayor’s A Better City Appeal for Future Zone in Barking & Dagenham. Future is London’s first OnSide Youth Zone, which enables young people to raise their aspirations and confidence creating a happier and healthier next generation.
Our Livery is increasingly young and dynamic, representing the vibrancy of the distilling industry in the 21st century. Every member has the opportunity to engage in the The Master’s 350th Anniversary Appeal through their donations, volunteering and fundraising. To shine a light of all these activities, and to mark the granting of our Livery status in 1672, in the next 12 months I will be visiting 12 distilleries in England and Scotland to promote the amazing work that the Livery and its teams are doing up and to help raise funds for our charities.
You too can take part in this historic moment by getting involved in our charitable work.
Thank you for your support to our 350th Anniversary Appeal. Together we can make a difference so more young people can thrive and have a better future.
Chris Porter
Master
2021-2022
Help Us Reach Our Goal
Raised
Latest Appeal News
Inter-Livery Petanque Competition
On a balmy summer evening in Vauxhall, the first Inter-Livery Petanque challenge took place under the trees in the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, home to the London Petanque Club (LPC) who were our hosts and referees for the evening. A total of 17 teams took part, 3 from the Distillers, 2 from the Educators, and others […]
William Grant & Sons | Glenfiddich & Balvenie Distilleries – Master’s Distillery Visit
I was very honoured to be hosted by William Grant & Sons on my seventh distillery visit during my Year as Master to mark our 350th Anniversary to celebrate the product, people and businesses of our Liverymen all over the country. Family owned and run since 1887, this took us on tours of the Glenfiddich […]
Gordon & MacPhail | Benromach Distillery – Master’s Distillery Visit
My sixth visit of the twelve in my year took me to Elgin and Forres, in the beautiful Moray region of north east Scotland. The purpose of these visits is to focus on our wonderful product, raise our Livery profile, celebrate our charitable partnerships and impact, marking 350 years as a Livery in as many […]
350th Anniversary Banquet at The Guildhall
What an evening we had at The Guildhall to celebrate and mark the 350th Anniversary of the granting of our Livery by the Alderman of the Corporation of London in 1672. When our Royal Charter was granted in 1638, giving the Company control of distilling within a 21-mile radius of the cities of London and […]
