City Briefing March 2023

A number of Needlemakers - both new to the Company and more experienced - went to a City Briefing at the Guildhall on 6 March. They are held regularly throughout the year. The objective of the briefing - which was attended by over 100 people from numerous Livery Companies, is to explain more about the City of London Corporation and the important role the Livery Companies play within it.

The presentations were made by an Alderman (Sheriff Alastair King who spoke in particular about the Sheriffs and the Judiciary) along with a number of people from the Corporation of London as well as a Liveryman who is closely involved with them. The agenda is set out below. The presentations were lively, informative and entertaining. Lots of questions were asked and I came away with a much clearer idea of how the Livery Companies, the Sheriffs and the Lord Mayor operate within the City of London.

A number of Needlemakers then got together for a convivial pub supper. It was great to get to know some fellow Needlemakers better over an informal meal. I thoroughly recommend the briefing for those who want to find out more about the workings the Corporation of London and the Livery Companies. Do let me know if you would like to attend one and we can help arrange it for you.

City Briefing programme and timings - timings and content are a guide:

5.30pm - Welcome: Chair of the Livery Committee

5.40pm - On being an Alderman: Sheriff Alastair King

5.55pm - The role of the City of London Corporation: Greg Moore, Town Clerk’s Department

6.10pm - The Freedom of the City of London: Laura Miller, Clerk to the Chamberlain’s Court

6.25pm – Livery companies, their membership, and activities: Paul Jagger, The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists

6.40pm - Panel discussion with Q&A

7.00pm - Closing remarks: Chair of the Livery Committee

7.05pm - Drinks reception

8.00pm - Close

Charles Barrows, Court Assistant