Freeman Mark Layzell shares his reflections on our Installation Dinner

Thursday 24th November was the date of one of the Company's annual highlights. The installation of our new Master and his new team of Wardens. Installation night is always an exciting time of the
year; as it is a celebration of the company's year that has just passed, and the welcoming of a
new team that will take the Company of Entrepreneurs forward for the next year.

The evening was in three parts. Firstly, in the splendour of Goldsmith's Hall we welcomed new Freemen at Judy Hadden, the outgoing Master's final event. A full report is here. Then the formal Installation Ceremony held this year at St. Vedast-alias-Foster Church, a short walk from Goldsmith's. Again a full report can be read here. 

The final part and following the service, with a short walk back to the Goldsmiths hall gave the company members an opportunity to mingle in the lobby, establishing new and developing existing relationships, before being formally welcomed by the new Master and his Wardens to the installation feast drinks reception. Excellent service and stimulating company helped the development of the evening before the attendees made their way into the Dining hall.

There is rarely a more enthusiastic audience than a room full of Entrepreneurs, and many new connections were made around the dining table.

The stellar line up of principal guests counted

The Master Gary Dixon
The Master's Consort Linda Dixon
Immediate Past Master Judy Hadden
Senior Warden Mark Huxley FRSA
Middle Warden Alderman & Sheriff Alastair King DL
Junior Warden James Talbot
Alderman Tim Hailes FKC JP
Alderman Kawsar Zaman
Speaker and Principal Guest Professor Turi King
The Master Marketor Dr Trevor Brignall
The Master Framework Knitter Tony Jarvis
The Master International Banker Jason Van Praagh
Patron of the Company of Entrepreneurs Trust Bernard Howard
Hon. Chaplain The Reverend Sophia Acland
RAF Air Mobility Force Commander Air Commodore Anthony Lyle

Following fine food, wine and the traditional toasts, superbly served by the Goldsmith's team, the Master gave his address to the room, and Professor Turi King, our Principal Guest gave her own entertaining and inciteful address. Professor King is probably best known as the geneticist that proved the bones found in the Leicester car park were indeed those of Richard 3rd. She is also a presenter of the BBC series, DNA Family Secrets.

Formalities complete, the Master invited us all to partake of a Stirrup Cup with him, giving a final chance to mingle with fellow Freemen and guests before carriages and a safe journey home.

I feel confident that an entertaining, memorable and remarkable evening was had by all that
attended, while marking a remarkable commencement of the new Masters year ahead.