The Livery Newsletter and Gazette Issue 29 Summer 2018 | Page 15

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 re-
presentation 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
Menzies, Clerk to the Master Mariners and never shy
of a challenge saw to it that it was displayed on the
Quarterdeck.
the tasting, judges were also presented with mini
Panettones made at Harry’s Bar to bring the flavours
of his pairing together and help round off the
experience. Naturally service was conducted with
bone china and silver cutlery brought over from
England specifically for the purpose.
The final round of the competition saw Darius up
against the Cuban competitor, Mabel Durran. Each
were given a mock scenario involving two guests
and they were required to offer information and
advice on the cigars they found in the humidor. They
also needed to recommend a suitable drink for the
guests while also demonstrating their service and
presentation skills.
“A lot of hard work has gone into achieving this
result and I’m just delighted it had paid off.” Said a
clearly elated world Champion.
Whilst all this was going on, apparently biblical-
style downpours were being had all over London
- oblivious to all that drama we ended our lunch
and trooped back to the quarterdeck where Coffee,
Cigars, and Cognac awaited us (I did mention that
our Livery enjoyed dining on the High C’s..) and
which seemed to hit the mark – Liveryman Jemma
Freeman had kindly provided the torpedo cigars
and had had them placed in souvenir tubes with our
Crest emblazoned on it. Several of us also sported
a limited edition Livery Smoking hat - originally
conceived as a sort of shooting hat, it serves its
purpose so well as a “team” hat, that of the twenty
ordered, but one remained by the close of the day!
Thank you to the Master Mariners for allowing us the
use of the venue, to Tim for being a perfect Principal
Guest, and for everyone attending and giving my
year such a special start.
The Master
Jemma Freeman
Liveryman
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