350th Anniversary of Needlemakers and the Glass Sellers

  • Posted on: 16 July 2014
  • By: Hugh Toler

16th July, marked the 350th Anniversary of issuing the Royal Charter to the Needlemakers and the Glass Sellers.  The event started with Choral Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral, which was uplifting.  It also gave me a chance to meet the Virgers and discuss our visit to see the World War I altar frontal later in the month.  Afterwards we enjoyed Beating Retreat in Guildhall Yard performed by the Band Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment.  The band comprising of only 20 musicians, all of whom are Reservists, produced a comprehensive programme featuring many old favourites and was led by a magnificent Bandmaster with an imposing figure and Victorian appearance due to the whiskers.  I had a long chat with the Master Water Conservator and learnt a great deal about their trade both at home and abroad.  Following the Last Post we repaired to Guildhall for a reception where Past Master Colin Hart and I spent much of the time chatting up the Mayor(ess) of Spelthorne who was a spirited lady who was clearly enjoying her punishing civic programme.