WCHCD Installation Dinner

The Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers held their Installation Dinner aboard HQS Wellington on 4th September.

Malcolm Paice was installed as the new Master. Following the Court meeting the Master and his Wardens welcomed guests on board HQS Wellington for pre-dinner drinks on deck. 99 people sat down to dine in what was once the ship’s engine room but is now a custom made livery hall, adding a feeling of comfort and warmth to the ship with displays of marine paintings, artefacts, gold and silver plate.

Dinner started with Reverend Dr Martin Dudley saying grace by reciting one of his remarkable unique poems about the London Taxi Industry. Guests dined on Smoked Fillet of Sea Bass, Lancashire beef and Baby
Pineapple filled with Creme Brulee. The Master thanked the Master Mariner for allowing the use of the
Hall; he congratulated the 3 new Liverymen and took wine with 10 new Freemen who were admitted to the company earlier that day.

After toasts and a speech from the Master, Doug Cheshire, Chairman of the London Vintage Taxi Association, responded and proposed a toast to the Company. Doug was known to Malcolm not only through the taxi industry but also because Doug, or Mr Cheshire as Malcolm used to know him, used to be Malcolm’s Woodwork teacher.

After the dinner Freemen and their guests were invited to join the Master in a Stirrup Cup.

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