On a cold January night, almost 150 Liverymen and guests met at Ironmongers Hall for our Winter Livery Dinner. The dinner followed the Common Hall meeting where Cian Creedon was admitted to the Livery and we welcomed five new Freemen.

On a cold January night, almost 150 Liverymen and guests met at Ironmongers' Hall for our Winter Livery Dinner. The dinner followed the Common Hall meeting where Cian Creedon was admitted to the Livery and we welcomed five new Freemen. Peter Thompson played the piano beautifully to accompany Master Nick Dumbreck, Wardens Nick Salter and Fiona Morrison and Clerk Lyndon Jones as they entered the hall for dinner. Peter also played the piano for grace before our meal of cured salmon, West Country lamb and bread and butter pudding. Then followed the Loving Cup, a tradition shared among livery companies that goes back centuries. Following the toasts, we were honoured to hear our principal guest, Sir Leigh Lewis. Sir Leigh shared his experience of working in the charity sector, including St Mungo's, which provides shelter for 3,000 people a night, and Drinkaware, which raises the profile of better alcohol consumption.
Sir Leigh reminded us of charities' need for capable, well-led boards of trustees, which actuaries are well placed to serve. He left us with a call to consider becoming a charity trustee, if this is not a role you already hold. The Master thanked Sir Leigh and presented cheques to the charities.