In fact , too damp to have the Champagne Reception in Harris Gardens – the venue for this moved to The Long Bar , which was a glorious setting under roof . It did not deter a regular outdoor break for a puff on the cigar for many !
The ‘ Outswingers ’ provided music during the reception – and they feature at all major Lord ’ s cricket fixtures and so it was especially fitting . Before long we were called to luncheon in the infamous Long Room . As a fan of cricket , it was quite a thrill to wander through the famous pavilion and sit down for lunch overlooking the sweeping grounds where so much sporting history has been made . A vast room with high ceilings , I can only imagine the atmosphere when a batsman walks through on his way to take guard for the first time at the hallowed square .
The Long Room is lined with paintings of famous cricketers and administrators , from the 18th century to the 21st . For contemporary or overseas players to have their portrait placed here is a considerable honour and very few have been awarded this distinction . For example , only four Australian
The lunch was deliciously catered by Mark Grove and his team at Cook & Butler and we cracked along at a goodly pace . Our guests were admirably introduced by Liveryman Fran Morrison and our Principal Guest , Tim Wonnacott gave a generous and very humorous reply to which I responded initially by drenching poor Tim in a glass of water - he was very kind about it ( sorry Tim !). I was very pleased to show off the newly found Livery Grant of Arms and Letters Patent which have been missing for many years - our Clerk tenaciously sought them out , and the new Immediate Past Master , Chris Allen , and his IPM , Mark Gower-Smith have funded a beautiful representation and they are now resplendent in frames carved with tobacco leaves ( or close to ); Sandra also located a huge banner not seen since 1985 and Angus
53rd Tobacco Trade Lunch Menzies , Clerk to the Master Mariners and never shy of a challenge saw to it that it was displayed on the Quarterdeck .
It was a damp Tuesday in St John ’ s Wood , London , at Lord ’ s Cricket Ground , home to the venerable MCC , Whilst all this was going on , apparently biblical- and once again venue to the annual Tobacco Trade Lunch , the proceeds of which go to our Welfare Fund . style downpours were being had all over London - cricketers oblivious have to all ever that been drama honoured we ended in our this lunch way : Sir and Donald trooped Bradman back , to Keith the quarterdeck Miller , Victor where Trumper Coffee and , Cigars Shane , Warne and Cognac ; and of awaited those four us (, I only did mention one has played that our international Livery enjoyed cricket dining the on last the 50 High years C . ’ s ..) and which seemed to hit the mark – Liveryman Jemma Freeman Paresh Patel had welcomed kindly provided the guests the and torpedo
Master cigars
Elect and Ralph had Edmondson had them placed presented in souvenir the Retailer tubes of with the Year our
Crest Trophy emblazoned to James Barber on it . of Several
Otley . of Birthday us also sported greetings a were limited mentioned edition to Livery
Liveryman Smoking
Sally hat Brookes - originally
, and conceived she received as a cupcake sort of shooting
– thanks hat to
, Dad it serves
, Past its Master purpose Roger Merton so well - a as key a “ team organiser
” hat , for that this of the annual twenty event ordered who works
, but tirelessly one remained to ensure by the a great close time of the is had day ! by
Thank all . you to the Master Mariners for allowing us the use Following of the venue a delicious , to Tim lunch for , being we were a perfect humourously Principal Guest entertained , and for by everyone Alexander attending Armstrong and , the giving comedian my , year actor such , TV a presenter special start and . singer – fantastically
talented ! A late afternoon in the neighbouring pub Lord ’ s Tavern , with plenty to smoke , was how many of us chose to continue the popular annual The event Master .
32 3
Another wonderful day – and thanks to the numerous sponsors for their kind and generous donations .
Assistant Paul Taberer