The Closing Ceremony

                      The Guildhall has been the City Powerhouse since the 12^th Century. Although the present Guildhall was begun in 1411, references to a London Guildhall are made in a document dating back to 1128. In fact the word ‘Guildhall is said to derive from the Anglo-Saxon ‘gild’ meaning payment, so it was probably a place where citizens would pay their taxes.

In an era when the Lord Mayor ofLondonrivalled the monarch for influence and prestige, this was where he and the ruling merchant class held court, fine-tuned the laws and trading regulations that helped createLondon’s wealth.

Today 900 years on, Guildhall is still the home of the City ofLondonCorporation and acts as a grand setting for glittering banquets in honour of visiting Heads of State and other dignitaries, royal occasions and receptions for major historical anniversaries.

Thanks to our co-host tonight, Deputy John A Barker OBE and a past Chief Commoner, we are able to offer our members a buffet reception with wine at this very prestigious location for our Closing Ceremony.

On arrival you will be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine and introduced to members whom you may not know. Following this we will partake of our buffet, which will be accompanied by Guildhall Club red and white wines, whilst continuing to mingle socially with fellow members.

Our buffet menu is as follows:

Selection of Sandwiches to include:

Smoked Salmon on Wholemeal

Roast Beef on White

Brie, Tomato, Lettuce & Red Pesto on White

Humus & Roast Pimento Peppers on Wholemeal

Vegetarian Cocktail Tartlet

Vegetable Samosa

Duck Spring Rolls

Garlic & Herb Chicken Fillet

Goujons of Sole

Deep Fried White Bait

Reception Pastries

This social reception is for our Members and your Committee is subsidising it to encourage you to attend. Nonetheless we will be delighted if you wish to bring guests and offer a special incentive for them. Should your guest decide to join the London Branch following the event, they will receive a reduction in their LB Membership equal to the Members’ subsidy. In addition, to encourage New Members to come and meet others socially, we are reducing the price for those New Members in their first year of membership.