EVENTS CALENDAR

The Company runs a diverse programme of civic, charity, social and business events throughout the year with the aim of offering something to suit all members The dates and venues are included on the events page of the Furniture Makers’ website and in the almanac� The following is not an exhaustive list, more a snapshot of some of the events which take place each year in Cheapside, followed by the whitetie Installation Dinner in the Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor This is the most important event in the Company’s year and all members are encouraged to attend and they are welcome to bring guests�

In late spring or early summer an annual curry night, organised by the Yorkshire regional committee, takes place in the north of England and gives members and friends a chance to enjoy networking and an award-winning curry�

Summer

Throughout the summer months, the charity organises a mixture of activitybased fundraising events which are open to members and non-members alike and are excellent events at which to socialise with other people from the industry or to entertain clients� These include regional golf days, clay pigeon shoots, including the very popular Big Shots event, and a five-aside football tournament�

LATE SPRING

May marks the start of the Company year which begins with the Installation Ceremony of the new Master Traditionally, a service is held at St Mary-le-Bow church

The Election of Sheriffs takes place every Midsummer Day The responsibility of electing London’s Sheriffs has rested with livery members since 1475� Liverymen who have been members for more than one year can vote in this election held in Guildhall, the home of the City of London Corporation Afterwards there is a lunch at Furniture Makers’ Hall�

Autumn

Autumn starts with the annual Master’s Outing in September� This excursion, which may be one day or several days long, in the UK or abroad, is open to all members� The destination usually reflects the interest of the incumbent Master Attendance is not obligatory but is a great way to meet other members of the livery in a relaxed environment and to create longstanding relationships� Past weekends have been in an array of locations such as St Petersburg, Morecambe and Venice

Another City tradition in which every member should participate at least once is the annual Sheep Drive over Southwark Bridge� In medieval times freemen were excused the toll when driving sheep over the Thames The Sheep Drive commemorates this�

Livery members also have the honour of voting in the annual election of the Lord Mayor, which has taken place on Michaelmas Day (29 September) every year since 1435 The chosen candidate is known as the ‘Lord Mayor Elect’ until the day before the Lord Mayor’s Show� This is a celebration that takes place every November, which includes a procession around the City of all the many civil, commercial and military institutions, including most livery companies, to showcase the role of the City of London to the world�

The annual Young Furniture Makers exhibition – a one day exhibition of designs from emerging design talent – takes place in October in Furniture Makers’ Hall and the Dutch Church� It gives members and the industry the chance to connect with and to encourage young people who are considering a career in the furniture sector

The Royal Charter Dinner – a formal blacktie event which celebrates the anniversary of the Company being granted a Royal Charter by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2013 – takes place in November and is usually held in other livery halls, giving members the unique opportunity of dining in some of the historic buildings in the City�

Winter

The Wine Dinner, organised by the Wine Committee, is one of the Company’s most popular events and for good reason� Guests enjoy a number of wines from a particular region which are paired with a delicious multi-course dinner� The event takes place at the end of January in Furniture Makers’ Hall

Throughout the year, there are many inter-livery events at which members can socialise with members of other liveries� One such is the Inter-Livery Pancake Race in Guildhall Yard on Shrove Tuesday

Early Spring

In March, lectures are hosted in Furniture Makers’ Hall as part of the Frederick Parker Lectures and Dinner Evening This is open to members and non-members

The United Guilds’ Service at St Paul’s Cathedral is a heart-lifting event for all members� The service was first organised in 1943 to lift the spirits of the City following the blitz during the Second World War� With representatives from all the livery companies dressed in gown, this event showcases the splendour of the City to full effect� A lunch is held in Furniture Makers’ Hall after the service�

At the end of each livery year is Common Hall – the annual general meeting open to all members – in April� It provides an opportunity to hear about the achievements of the past year, and then the Master-Elect explains the plans for the year ahead It is followed by a complimentary wine tasting�