Worshipful Company of Security Professionals - Christmas Luncheon – 9th December 2016
“He went to church, and walked about the streets, and watched the people hurrying to
and fro, and patted children on the head, and questioned beggars, and looked down
into the kitchens of houses, and up to the windows, and found that everything could
yield him pleasure. He had never dreamed that any walk – that anything – could give
him so much happiness.” Well he obviously had never been to our Christmas Lunch
(With apologies to Ebenezer Scrooge and Mr. Charles Dickins)
Once again this was a superb event and if you missed it you need to book for next year. The Saddlers’ Hall, as usual,
made us all welcome and there was a happy throng as the pre-lunch drinks were provided. I always find that this
event really heralds the real arrival of the Christmas season and
the mood was excellent.
Prior to and during lunch a festive musical interlude was provided
by four Students from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama,
Caspar Singh, Eleanor Neate, William Thomas (known to some as
Vlad) and Nancy Holt. Speaking to the choristers prior to their
performance, it was obvious that they were all looking forward to
this event and were more than happy to join us and lead the
musical items.
Top table processed into the Hall including Andrew Gillies of Amberstone, generous sponsors of this event.
Lunch started with Smoked River Trout followed by an excellent main course of roast Norfolk turkey with all the
trimmings. Lights were dimmed and the flaming Plum puddings were ceremoniously brought in with ample brandy
butter and cream. All accompanied by a fine selection of wine and port.
Toasts were proposed and speeches made, the Master gave us a well received, well timed (short !!) speech and
proposed the Loyal toast and that to the Guests, with a very good response from Mr Simon de C Grant-Rennick, past
Master Gunmaker, who was a guest of the Beadle.
Then, the highlight of the day, Carol singing by the assembled diners. Any that might have thought that they could
refrain from joining in this activity, were quickly appraised by our redoubtable Beadle that such slacking was in no
way acceptable.
A ‘gentle’ attempt at ‘Good King Wenceslas’ set us off, after the Beadle insisted that there was a need for a second
start to ensure that ‘gusto’ was in each person’s performance. Then, the traditional lengthy rendition of The Twelve
Days of Christmas, beloved by many regular attendees. Sections of the diners were tasked by the Beadle with
particular days to sing: top table stood for verse one, sprig 1 then rose
for verse two and this standing and sitting in turn continued for all
subsequent sprigs and verses.
All sprigs seemed to have well rounded performances this year (had
some been practicing?). All the required standing up and sitting down
on your allocated days was closely supervised by The Beadle. The
poor choristers in the minstrels’ gallery could hardly sing for their
laughing. And finally, as by then we were all in good voice, a
memorable rendition of ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’.
A great time was had by all as was evident in the fond farewells and
promises to meet again next year. Join us for one of the most amusing lunches you can imagine.
Richard Sweetman
Court Assistant