Royal Charter Dinner 2025

Members and guests gathered in fine spirits at Furniture Makers’ Hall to mark the anniversary of the granting of the Company’s Royal Charter in 2013. A convivial assembly of nearly eighty diners filled the Hall, its familiar surroundings lending the night a fitting air of heritage and pride.

In traditional style Grace by the Master and a three course meal were followed by loyal toasts observed with due ceremony: to His Majesty the King, to the Royal Family, to the Lord Mayor and Corporation of the City of London. Glasses were raised with the time-honoured sincerity that binds City traditions so closely to the life of the Company.

The Master, proposing the toast to the guests, addressed the Company with warmth, reflecting on her year so far. A particular highlight was the introduction of George Joyce as this year’s recipient of the Graham Kirkham Award, recognising outstanding contribution to the Company’s work and spirit. George, Sales Director of corporate member Wolf Components, achieved a fund-raising total of almost £5000 in running the London Marathon earlier in the year. The award was presented by the principal guest, Lord Kirkham, to the delight of all present. Liverymen then rose to toast their guests with enthusiasm.

Lord Kirkham, President of the Charity, responded on behalf of the guests. He expressed deep appreciation for the continuing support given by the industry to young people and to those who serve the trade during times of challenge. Reflecting on the role of AI and the opportunities to use it as a tool to enhance the skills of the craftsman, in a charming nod to optimism he recalled the sentiment of the 1944 Johnny Mercer lyrics to “accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch onto the affirmative and don’t mess with the in-betweens” which brought a ripple of smiles across the Hall. He concluded by proposing a heartfelt toast to the Company.

The Master then invited all to join her for a stirrup cup providing an opportunity for further socialising before departing

The evening proved an excellent occasion for fellowship, with friends, old and new, gathered in unity, tradition and good humour. The spirit of the Company was very much in evidence, ensuring that the celebration of the Charter anniversary will be valued by all who attended.