SHROVE TUESDAY 2020
25 FEBRUARY 2020
Past Master John Norton's bequest was remembered, as ever, with a service in St Faith’s Chapel, St Paul's Cathedral followed by Cakes and Ale back at the Hall.
In age old tradition the Company, headed by its Court of Assistants, Master and Wardens, processed across to St Paul’s for the Annual John Norton service. The Reverend Dr Sam Wells, Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields, preached and the choir of Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy enahnced the musical parts of the service as well as singing the anthems Ave Verum (Elgar) and Dona Nobis Pacem (Anon).
Then it was back to the Hall for the feasting for which Past Master John Norton’s bequest originally provided. Now that this celebration has moved to Shrove Tuesday the offering of cold cuts, cheeses, hotcross buns, fruit and ale of course(!) also includes pancakes.
Before formally closing the event the Master presented Reverend Wells with a framed ten shilling note (the original amount
that the preacher at the service was paid) and he gave the Clerk 'the thirteenth bun' to ensure that he too was well fed!
It was good to see old friends and new and especially to welcome widows of deceased members. Our thanks go to the Almoner, Peter Allan, for organising for them to attend.