Page 30 - PBCOctober2022

V
Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine olume 19 No.2 October 2022

30
Saddlers Hall Gutter Lane

Our Anniversary Black Tie dinner was held Saddlers Hall, one of London’s magnificent
Livery Companies, which has a history dating back over 600 years.

The Worshipful Company of Saddlers, residents of the amazing
venue for our Anniversary Dinner can be traced back to Anglo
Saxon times. Originally a Guild, it was issued with a Royal Charter
by Edward lll in 1363, which meant the Company had the right to
regulate the saddle making trade – and all saddlers within 2miles
of the City were subject to their regulations. The Company ranks
25 in the precedence of Livery Companies (based on the
th
companies’ economic or political power back in 1515)

The Imposing staircase The original Saddlers Hall dating back
to the 14 Century, was destroyed in
th
the Great Fire of London in 1666, was
bombed during the London Blitz of 1940, and as a result has been
rebuilt several times. The Classical style of the Great Hall where
we enjoyed our splendid Dinner, provided exactly what it states in
their website – “an elegant backdrop” for all types of events and
especially so for the Pickwick Bicycle Club. Big stained-glass
windows, the silver display cases, and portraits of Past Company
Masters, and of course the musicians’ gallery, just added to the
ambience of the evening.
We may have waited two additional years, and changed venue The wonderful Saddle Room
but, I think we all agree - it was worth it!

_____________________________________________________________________

The Past President’s Lunch took place at The George in Borough High St. on
14th June, for the first time in two years, and was chaired jointly by Mr Watty & Mr Winkle
Snr. An excellent lunch and good conversation in Pickwickian style was enjoyed by a select
band, comprising of - Thomas Groffin, Joseph Smiggers, Justice Stareleigh, Dr Payne,
Bulman, Buzfuz, Mr Brooks accompanied by Mr Pott, Ben Allen, plus by special invitation, our
President Mr Pickwick. and the two chairmen.
Unfortunately a number of PP’s could not make it, and missed a very convivial lunch.