On Friday evening I was invited to dine at the Mansion House as a guest of the Master of the Worshipful Company of Loriners. I had previously only been to one livery company dinner (farriers) and had never dined at the Mansion House before so it was a big night out for me.
My evening tails just about passed muster if you didn’t notice the moth holes and the only sartorial mishap was when three waistcoat studs popped out on the tube. Really it was embarrassing enough travelling in white tie and tails without that. At dinner I was flummoxed when a huge gold bowl with rose petals was passed around. I dipped my fingers in hesitantly but subsequently observed less gauche diners dipping in their napkins. Also my technique at guarding my neighbour’s back when the loving cup came round attracted some criticism. After dinner the Master, the Lord Mayor and Sir Donnell Deeny spoke succinctly.
The Master reminded us that while supporting equestrian charities and institutions, Loriners should not forget to have fun; something that we were definitely doing on Friday evening. The Lord Mayor (Alderman Charles Bowman) spoke about his limited equine experience and more seriously about his initiative to improve the trustworthiness of the UK financial services sector. Rather sad that it is necessary to restore the public’s confidence in the City. Sir Donnell Deeny reminisced about being a Name at Lloyd’s.
https://youtu.be/ADB7oozxPA4
So true: how to travel about in a tailcoat in the heat? It seems as though one should have a topcoat or some other covering, but it would be too warm. As for the dinner, how marvellous that these things are still done as they are (and I’m sure the little ceremonies with the rose water and stirrup cup are taken in good fun by all — for guests, at least). A very fine evening, indeed.