Company Dinner, Barber-Surgeons’ Hall – Thu 18 Nov 21

On Thursday 18 November the Company of Nurses were able to finally hold a formal dinner in person at the splendid Barber Surgeons’ Hall. The last time we had dined together was in November 2019 so the anticipation and excitement to attend this event was palpable. Tickets sold out very quickly and we were very pleased to welcome 125 Freemen, visiting Masters and Clerks, our Sponsoring Alderman Dr Sir Andrew Parmley and invited guest speaker Steve Ford, Editor of the Nursing Times.

There was such a buzz in the room and lots of laughter and chat.  The food was lovely and our Honorary Chaplain, Revd Canon Charles Pickstone said Grace before we tucked in. As is our tradition, we passed the Lamp after dinner symbolising the unity and friendship among us.

The Nursing Times is the most widely read nursing journal and we enjoyed an interesting and entertaining speech from Steve. Our Foundation Past Master led the toast to our guests and the Master responded with a vote of thanks to all of those attending. She was delighted to thank Court Assistant Colonel Jane Carey-Harris who presented a beautiful cup – the very first piece of Company silverware! This will be awarded to the worthy recipient of a military unit and we are in the progress of identifying a unit that will fit with our Company.

We all enjoyed the fellowship of those present and look forward to the next time we can come together.

More photos of the evening are in the Gallery.