Mistress Pavior's Luncheon - Tuesday 21st February 2006

When our ladies met for lunch at the Members' Private Dining Room at the Guildhall Club, the warm welcome awaiting them was in stark contrast to the cold, February weather outside.  As always, they were delighted to greet old friends, and to meet new ones, and the elegant room was soon buzzing with conversation.  And, of course, a glass of champagne made a very welcome prelude to a delicious meal.

Our soon to be retired Beadle, Alex Neale, presided over events with his usual efficiency and good humour.  In a break with tradition - as a measure of the respect and affection with which Alex is regarded by the Paviors ladies - the Mistress Pavior invited him to join them for lunch, along with his successor, Ian Low.

The lunch gave the Mistress the opportunity to thank Past Mistresses for their support and guidance during the year (particularly the invaluable "hat or no hat" advice from Jen Cruse!), and Jackie White for her considerable work behind the scenes.  (Unknown to her she had the Master's ear at the keyhole!)  And, of course, an opportunity to thank the aforementioned Beadle - in response to which, Alex said how proud he had been to give service to the Company.  A rousing chorus of "For he's a jolly good fellow" brought proceedings to an end, and a tear to the eye.

Looking to the future, the Mistress Pavior announced that she and the Master were delighted at the prospect of becoming grandparents for the second time, thanks to their daughter, Alexandra.

Barbara Mills

Alex Neale--Our Beadle

After 8 years as the Company's Beadle, Alex has tendered his resignation, due to a deterioration in health and the realisation that age is catching up on him.

Alex has worked in the City for many years, not least as a chef at the Guildhall.  However, many of the senior Members of the Company would also have seen Alex working in the background assisting my predecessor Ron Coe.

Fortunately for all of us Ron recommended Alex when the Beadle's position became vacant, much the same time as I became Clerk.

His calm and cheerful manner organising and overseeing our many and varied Livery events have ensured smooth and stress free occasions, which I for one, will always be most grateful.

He will be a hard act to follow, but I sincerely hope that he will continue to be on hand for that guidance on protocol and perhaps the odd appearance when another pair of hands is needed.

I'm sure you will all join me in wishing Alex and his lovely wife Elsie all the best for the future and our sincere thanks for his dedication during the past eight years.

John White