A Virtual Walk of London – Charles Dickens Lost and Found

A rather dingy evening in March (for most parts of the country) found us warm inside enjoying a ‘walk’ round London with the comfort of an armchair and a cup of tea to hand.

 

Richard Burnip treated us to an enthralling hour.  Richard is an actor and lecturer and dropped in to the talk a couple of works relevant to his talk on which he’d done the talking book J  His soft advertising worked, as I’ve just ordered Gaol: the story of Newgate (Kelly Grovier).

 

The virtual walk concentrated  on the western side of the City of London and round the Inns of Court.  As most will know, fact very much intermingles with fiction as there were no streets, buildings or obscure nooks of this area which Dickens did not know, from working in Gray’s Inn as a teenager through to his famous long, all but manic, night walks taken all his life.

 

Particularly interesting was Richard’s regular referral back to contemporary maps.  He look a passage in a book, perhaps just a reference of someone noting a glance from a window, and then he traced it ‘in the flesh’.  For a view noted by Miss Flite in Bleak House, the maps helped to show that, whilst the view doesn’t work now, a certain building did not appear until the later nineteenth century so, for Dickens, the view was real.

 

The only disappointment of the evening was to discover that The Old Curiosity Shop, familiar to many of you just across from the LSE Library, was certainly not real, with Dickens noting that the shop of his story ‘had long been pulled down’.  But the current Shop has certainly been labelled such since around 1868 and Dickens would have known the building so it is certainly part of Dickens’ London if not the story itself.

 

The talk was perfectly placed for a livery company with Caroline Turnbull-Hall noting the livery connection with St Bartholomew.  And whilst it only lasted an hour, a lifetime’s worth of things to look up and look out for on any walk around London was provided.

 

Carrie de Silva

 

Budget Banquet Tuesday 17 March 2026

The Company’s annual Budget Banquet was held on Tue 17 March in the wonderful surroundings of Stationers’ Hall, occupied by the Company since 1611, and celebrated for its grand and capacious interior, impressive stained glass and banners, and historic atmosphere.

More than 150 Liverymen, Freemen, their guests, and guests of the Company gathered to enjoy a welcoming Drinks Reception in the Court Room and a wonderful Dinner in the Livery Hall.  Masters of almost all the Financial Services Group of livery companies were present, along with senior representatives from CIOT and ATT.  The Company also hosted representatives of Rathbones, our corporate partners.

We were honoured to have the Very Reverend Dr Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark, as our guest of honour.  Recognised as ‘one of the most distinctive, intelligent and refreshing voices in the Church of England’, the Dean’s after-dinner speech was all those things.

 

“Our Worshipful Companies are not here to be examples of power; they are here to show the power of example,” he invoked.

“Be a Company that is proudly loyal to your creation but also creatively and compassionately loyal to the future, not just our own, but those we share this life with, because so many need you. Sometimes in such great institutions our past gets a superiority complex. But it is our task to prove that our future is equal to it.  Look around us now – we have so much resource, tremendous personalities, talents, time if we make it, and there is so much need at the moment.  Be of good and healthy heart – and then take it for a walk in the world.”

Excellent speeches were also delivered by Howard Ashmore, as Middle Warden introducing the guests, and Matthew Peppitt, the Master.

Cadets of the City of London and North East Sector Army Cadet Force provided an outstanding stair guard, the size of the detachment enabling them to be present and prominent throughout the Hall.

The talented pianist, Andrew Cowie, provided superb accompaniment to the Master’s procession, the singing of Closing Grace, and the passing of the Loving Cup, before his outstanding finale –performing a variety of pieces with an epic, cinematic theme.

Earlier in the day, three new Freemen were admitted at Court and duly took wine with the Master at dinner, along with six others following ceremonies at previous Court meetings.

Photographs from the Budget Banquet can be found, and digital images downloaded, here.

The Budget Banquet next year will be held on Tue 16 Mar 27, at Grocers’ Hall

 

United Guilds Service 2026

The Master, Deputy Master and Wardens were pleased to attend the annual United Guild Service at St Pauls Cathedral. The service was attended by the Lady Mayor, the Sheriffs and the Court of Aldermen along with the Masters and Representatives of all the Livery Companies in the City.

 

 

 

 

Charities’ 2025/2026 Annual Report

The Charities Committee has released its latest Annual Report. Please click on the Charities Report 20252026 to navigate to the Report or check out the Charities’ section of our website. The Report covers the Charities’ financial position to 30 June 2025 and the Charities’ activities from 1 July 2025 to March 2026. Further updates on 2026’s charitable activities will be provided in due course in the next edition of the Owl

Pancake Race Shrove Tuesday 2026

It was particularly fortunate that the annual Inter-Livery Pancake Race, held in the Courtyard of the Guildhall and organised by the Poulters, coincided with a very rare day of fine weather. This brought out a large quantity of Livery Companies enjoyed the fun. The outfits were a highlight in themselves with London Bridge winning the Novelty costume first prize, with a particularly eye-catching penguin waddling its way around the course. The cannon (provided by the Gunmakers) firing to signal the start of each race added to the excitement and ceremony of the occasion.

The running team (pulled together by Alison Lovejoy) all enjoyed their races but, alas, did not get through their heats. However, all had good reason not to do quite as well as they might! The Master, Matthew Peppit, was unfortunate (unlike most of the other runners) in that he did not come prepared with duct tape to stick his chef’s hat to his head and lost his hat on the turn around the traffic cones half way through the race and lost to much time retrieving it. Next, our Renter Warden, Michael Ashdown, despite having some trouble with his pancake, came second in his heat but this was not enough to make the finals. Karen Nally, as our Lady Runner, flew around the course flipping the pancake at the right moment and made it safely back to the stand with pan in hand. However, she too did not make the final. The last runner – but certainly not the least – was John Manning, who looked very grand in his suit adorned head to toe (tie included) with playing cards and casino chips – representing the £4bn collected in various betting levies. He caused quite a stir with the paparazzi and was frequently mistaken for the Playing Cards Company. In the race, John crossed the line in a dead heat with the Tallow Chandlers but his frying pan and pancake flew off the table, and he picked up penalty points to finish second. So, he too, did not make the final!

Our runners were cheered on by several supporters from the Company which made a contingent of 11. A table was found together in the Crypt where all enjoyed lunch (provided by the Clink) and pancakes (provided by the Poulters). Everyone went home with their free mug and happy memories of the 2026 Pancake Race.

 

London Scout Association Affiliation

I am delighted to announce that we have agreed a 5 year affiliation with agreement with the London Scout Association which will be supported by TACT. My thanks to Adam Taylor who brought this proposition to the Company and its Charities. The London Scout Association fits extremely well with TACT’s policies, focusing on children, providing them with skills and opportunities which will benefit their communities and enrich their own futures.

Today, 20 February, the Master, his Consort and I had the pleasure of joining Adam at Westminster Abbey  for a  National Scout Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving. Westminster Abbey has significant meaning for the Scouts. Following the death of The Lord Baden-Powell, the founder and Chief Scout of the World, a memorial stone to Lord Baden-Powell was unveiled in the Abbey on 23 April 1947.

Following the service we were guests of the Scout Association at a reception held in Central Hall, Westminster

• Lorraine Parkin

2026 Sheriff’s Challenge

Past Master Michael Godbee  and Court Assistant Alan McLintock supported our linked inner London Academy, Mulberry University Technical College as their team competed in the 2026 Sheriff’s Challenge. The heat was at Anglia Ruskin University’s East India Campus and took place on Thursday 5^th February.

The Sheriff’s Challenge is a two-heat annual competition designed by the City of London to give students in London schools a chance to hone their public speaking skills by delivering a team-work presentation, competitively, on a topic relating to the City of London or the business/wider world. This year the topic was “Given the rise of AI, should the City of London continue to support human made arts?”.  The finalists compete in front of two robed and wigged judges at the Old Bailey.

The Mulberry pupils were all very confident and polished and gave a great performance with an interesting take on the topic (unbeknownst to the audience until the end, one side of the team’s analysis were actually all AI generated answers). Unfortunately, this was not their year to get through to the final but they were all excellent representatives of Mulberry UTC.

COURT, CAROL SERVICE, AND CHRISTMAS SUPPER – TUESDAY 16TH DECEMBER

On Tuesday 16th December, the Court met at Information Technologists’ Hall for its Christmas meeting – at which the Master admitted two new Court Assistants (Liveryman George Duncan and John Whitehead), one new Liverymen (Lorna Slater), and three new Freemen (Jack Mander, Karen Nally, Nicola Hall).  

The Church of Saint Bartholomew the Great then provided a wonderful setting in which members of the Company joined others associated with the Parish (Actuaries, Butchers, Communicators, Farmers, Fletchers, Founders, Hackney Carriage Drivers, and, as recent addition, Glass Sellers), for the annual Inter-Livery Carol Service.    

The Church was absolutely full, as ever, and the Service magnificent.  You may wish to put a note in your diary for 2026: the Carol Service will be on Tuesday 15th December.  

From the Carol Service, a short walk to Supper at Butchers’ Hall, where a strong cohort from the Company – joined by other Companies again – filled the Great Hall, with festive cheer and bonhomie.  A short choral performance, by Rupert Gough (Great Saint Bart’s Director of Music) and two of his choristers (Cecily Beer and Hannah Dienes Williams), provided an uplifting prelude to a splendid Supper.  

The Master concluded the evening with good wishes for Christmas and the New Year.   

Pictures of the event can be found, and downloaded, here: 

Court & Ceremonial

Carol Service and Supper

Harvest Festival Delivery to City Harvest

Our heartfelt thanks to all the members of the Company who contributed towards our Harvest Festival Drive for City Harvest. Yesterday the  Master, Court Assistant Loraine Parkin and her husband had the pleasure of delivering 180 kilograms of long life shelf food to City Harvest’s Acton depot. Many thanks also to Julia and Ruby of City Harvest for taking delivery of WCTA’s donation. The impact this donation made means that 429 more meals can be delivered by City Harvest’s community partners to London’s most vulnerable people. Once again, a huge thank you to all of our Freemen and Liverymen who contributed.

 

History of Tax Lecture – 14 Oct 2025

HISTORY TAX – ORIGIN OF THE CGT EXEMPTION FOR THE HOME

DAVID COLLISON

14 October 2025

 

WCOTA was delighted to welcome David Collison to give the most recent History of Tax talk. This was David’s second visit to the History of Tax group, but as his first was a talk on the origins of CGT given on line during Covid, it was good to welcome him in person.

David returned to the topic of CGT, this time to discuss the origins of the CGT exemption for the home. At the start he quoted the late John Tiley as saying that the exemption of the main private residence from CGT was anomalous and was a political decision, and then gave a masterly explanation of the development of this relief which included views from academia, as well as political pragmatism and the influence of the (then) Inland Revenue.

Whilst CGT was introduced in James Callahan’s first Budget in November 1964, a tax on capital gains had been considered as early as 1919 by Austen Chamberlain. Central to David’s talk was Nicholas Kaldor, arguably the main architect of CGT. Kaldor was a Socialist economist who was appointed as Callaghan’s special adviser on taxation, and throughout his career he had considered mechanisms to tax capital gains, including gains on the disposal of a taxpayer’s main residence. In 1951, as a member of the Royal Commission into the taxation of profits and income, he was instrumental in appending a Memorandum of Dissent to the Royal Commission’s report, outlining a minority view in favour of the introduction of a tax on capital gains.

Following the Royal Commission, Kaldor continued to consider taxing capital gains and his ideas were considered by a Labour working party in 1964. Whilst the working party broadly supported taxing large gains from the sale of substantial properties, there was less support for taxing gains on smaller houses.

Despite the academic rigour of Kaldor’s arguments, David posited that the deciding factor for an exemption from tax for the main home, was an Inland Revenue report on a capital gains tax, and specifically the wording of that report. The Inland Revenue suggested three different approaches for relief from capital gains on the home – a full exemption, an exemption up to a limit, and a form of rollover relief. The report indicated that any approach other than a full exemption would be costly to police. It was this resource issue that David suggests swayed Callaghan, as an ex Inland Revenue official, to opt for a full exemption.

David’s talk was clear, most interesting, and extremely well researched. We very much hope that David will return to give another History of Tax talk in the future.

The next History of Tax event is on 3 February 2026 when Dr Maria Kendrick will talk on “The debt experiment: how the history of taxation informs the future of public debt”.

Visit to HMP Brixton and lunch at the Clink

‘Changing Attitudes’. ‘Transforming Lives’. ‘Reducing Re-Offending’. Thus proclaimed the freshly installed poster outside the Check-In Cabin outside HMP Brixton. Inside the prison lay the excellent Clink Restaurant, and on Sunday, 12^th October company members and their guests entered to partake of a delicious three-course meal, in a very good cause.

As might be expected of a Category C establishment, security was paramount. Days and weeks in advance, all twenty of us had given details of our names and dates of birth as they feature in our passports. On the day, there was virtually nothing we could take with us – mobile phones, hats, and even handkerchiefs were barred, and then there was the challenge of passing through an airport-style scanning device. No dog was immediately visible, but eagle-eyed diners observed one on patrol in the sun-drenched courtyard outside the window as the meal progressed.

We were well served by a gentleman who was studying for his City and Guilds qualification, and with a month to go to release, there was every prospect of his securing gainful employment and hopefully little temptation to err and stray again.

The cutlery was made of robust plastic rather than steel, and there was nothing alcoholic on the menu; members arriving by car thus had nothing to worry about under the ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ heading. But who would have been concerned about that aspect when the choice of cocktails to start with comprised Strawberry and Lime Mojito, Elderflower and Cucumber Spritz, Blackberry Grove and Beez Knees. And that was just to begin with.

Then there was the food. Space does not permit a full listing, but the main course options included fennel and sage porchetta, striploin of beef, lemon and line roasted chicken, BBQ jerk monkfish, and stuffed napa cabbage.

We left after a couple of hours inside, hopefully leaving the world a better place.

James Dixon.

WCTA: INSTALLATION DAY – TUESDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2025

On Tuesday 23rd September 2025, Richard Geldard completed his highly successful year as Master Tax Adviser. 

His successor Matthew Peppitt was duly installed as Master for the year 2025/26 at a meeting of Court held at Ironmongers’ Hall.  Company Wardens for the year were also installed: Caroline Turnbull-Hall as Upper Warden, Howard Ashmore as Middle Warden, and Michael Ashdown as Renter Warden.  Richard Geldard accepted Matthew’s invitation to serve as his Deputy Master. 

The new year also sees Past Master Michael Godbee stepping down from Court after ten years’ service, the departure of Assistant Vaughan Robinson (on a potentially temporary basis only), and the admission of Adrian Stevens as a new Court Assistant (with John Whitehead and George Duncan elected to follow suit, once they become available to be admitted at Court).  It also saw Middle Warden Howard Ashmore relinquish the appointment of Honorary Treasurer, and confirmation of Assistant Jeremy Coker as his successor. 

Details of Court and Committee members, and other Company officers, are on our website: The Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers | City of London 

The Court meeting also saw eight Freemen advancing to Livery, after gaining their Freedom of the City that morning, and the admission of three new Freemen. 

Photographs from Court, and from throughout the day, are available here: Gerald Sharp Photography | Tax Advisers  

From Ironmongers’ Hall, Court members processed to Great Saint Barts church for a Thanksgiving Service, officiated by the Honorary Chaplain, the Rev Marcus Walker.  The Master and Immediate Past Master both delivered readings, the Chaplain his sermon, the Choir several pieces including one from Handel’s Messiah, and the congregation hearty renditions of several hymns culminating in ‘Guide me, O thou my great Redeemer’.  An uplifting start to the new year. 

Returning to the Hall and joined by the Rt Hon Chris Philp MP and other Company guests, the new Master hosted his Installation Dinner in the Banqueting Hall.  In this wonderful setting, a splendid dinner was served, the Master took wine with new Liverymen and Freemen, Loving Cups were passed, and we were entertained by a highly dramatic, and wonderfully melodic, alphorn duo. 

The Renter Warden welcomed and toasted the guests, after which Chris Philp spoke enthusiastically in favour of entrepreneurship and enterprise being afforded a higher priority in political debate and in government policy.  The Master closed the dinner by thanking all those involved in its delivery, and he briefly outlined his ethos for the year ahead: Good Company for each other and for the City. 

The evening concluded with a convivial Stirrup Cup, and with shared promises to meet again at the Christmas Carol Service and Supper on Tuesday 16th December, if not before. 

 

LORD MAYOR’S CADET MUSIC COMPETITION 2025

A chilly October Sunday morning saw Upper Warden Caroline Turnbull-Hall and Liveryman Adam Taylor sitting in Guildhall Yard for the Lord Mayor’s Cadet Music Competition.

The Competition was started by Alderman Sir Andrew Parmley during his Mayoralty, and is in its seventh year. It is an opportunity for uniformed youth organisations to demonstrate their musical and wider skills. This year there were four bands competing – the London Area Band of the Sea Cadets, the Greater London South West Sector Army Cadet Force Corps of Drums, the London and South East Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Band, and St Dunstan’s College Combined Cadet Force Corps of Drums.

The standards of both musical ability and drill were exceptionally high, and the bands’ repertoire extended from military standards such as Men of Harlech to Sweet Caroline and the Teddy Bears’ Picnic. There were also bugle solos and, which must have made the judges’ job a little easier, each of the buglers played Sunset.

Following a reception in Guildhall the Army Cadet Force Corps of Drums was awarded the prize for the best Drum Major and the best Corps of Drums, St Dunstan’s College the best overall bugler, and the RAF Air Cadets Band the best band overall.

It was an inspiring event that paid tribute to the hours of effort put in by the cadets to perfect not only their musical performances, but also their drill, as well as the support of those adult volunteers who give their time freely to support the cadets.

Thank you from the British Red Cross after the Escape from the Tower Events

 

Each year City of London Livery Companies support a fund-raising appeal on behalf of the British Red Cross, in which the Masters are Jailed, on various charges, at the Tower of London and have to be Bailed out through members donations to release them.

Last autumn many Members, friends and clients supported my appeal by raising £1,820 and the event as a whole raised over £30,000 to support the work of the Red Cross. This year you supported Richard by raising £1,850.

On Thursday Wendy and I were invited to attend a thank you reception at the wonderful venue of The Reveller at the Tower of London, pictured above (with no bail required this time!).

During the evening we were delighted to hear from 2 wonderful Red Cross volunteers

Dara Leonard, an incredible emergency response volunteer, who has spent the past ten years responding to emergencies across the UK – from floods and fires to evacuations and power cuts. He shared his personal journey and reflected on the critical role volunteers play in reaching people when they need it most with simple but powerful examples, such as offering a blanket to a child arriving from Sudan and lighting a torch during a storm to comfort an elderly person alone in the dark. His message was that humanitarian work isn’t about grand gestures, but about showing up, listening, and offering kindness when it’s needed most.

 

Carrie Garavan, an exceptional nurse and humanitarian recently deployed to the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah- a critical facility delivering emergency healthcare in one of the world’s most challenging environments. During her time there, she provided life-saving medical care to those affected by the ongoing conflict. Carrie showed a wealth of experience from this and previous deployments in Syria, Ukraine, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Benin, Iraq, and Romania., in all of which she provided life-saving medical care to those affected by conflict. Her reflections highlighted the extraordinary resilience of the teams of volunteers.

The presentations included many references to emergencies and conflict and the related experiences and demonstrate how the funds raised make it possible for volunteers to deliver both practical, emotional and life-saving care in the most challenging circumstances.

Thank you for your continuing support to the charitable appeals that the Company makes.

Mike Gibbons

Past Master

Charity News – Summer School Sponsorship

The Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers, through the Tax Advisers’ Charitable Trust, sponsors places for pupils at City St. George’s Future Professional Summer School. We had two pupils attend this year from Mulberry UTC, one of the schools with whom we work closely.   We have been developing a relationship with City St. George’s University for a few years because of their focus on business and their encouragement of young people to consider careers in the professions, including ours.  We are one of the first two Livery Companies, along with the Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers to sponsor the summer school. It’s the second year we have done so and we hope to continue with this support.

I was a guest of honour at the summer school graduation ceremony this year. It was inspiring and gratifying  to experience the enthusiasm of the students.

Attached (Future Professionals 2025 Evaluation Report (1)) is the Evualtion Report on the Future Professionals School 2025, which we have just received.

Lorraine Parkin.

Court Dinner – 9 July 2025

This years’ Court Dinner was held in the elegant surroundings of Coopers’ Hall in Devonshire Square, on Wed 09 July 2025. 

The Master, Richard Geldard, presided over a friendly and enjoyable gathering of twenty-five Wardens, Court Assistants, Past Masters, and guests – a number already energised by a day of committee meetings at IT Hall. 

A daring hypothesis, that Dinner could be conducted successfully without the Beadle’s supervision, proved to be entirely valid.  The occasion ran smoothly, and decorum was maintained throughout.  Grace by Past Master Erica Stary, and warm words of welcome from the Master, were followed by trout, duck, and pudding – interspersed with spirited conversations around the Company’s highly successful 2024/25 year to date. 

At the end of the evening, the Master spoke briefly … 

• identifying some highlights of his year so far 

• thanking all Court Members for their invaluable supportand 

• wishing the Upper Warden, Matthew Peppitt, every success for his year of office. 

Civic and Charities Luncheon – 11 June 2025

This years’ Civic and Charities Luncheon was held at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall on Wed 11 Jun. 

In prudently prearranged fine weather, Drinks were served in the Hall’s fine Courtyard before Luncheon in the splendid Dining Room.  The Middle Warden, Caroline Turnbull-Hall, begun proceedings with Grace, delivered as only a regular Latin-speaker really can.   After a superb meal – widely complimented for the toothsome duck – there was time to recognise our civic and charitable connections and endeavours.   

The Upper Warden (and Master Elect), Matthew Peppitt, spoke engagingly about the Company’s guests representing TaxAid and Tax Help for Older People, City Harvest, Mulberry University Technical College, and the Guild of Freemen.  He welcomed our guest of honour, Sheriff David Chalk, and Consort Miranda Chalk.  While familiar to many through their deep involvement in civic and charitable activities across the City and beyond, both were guests of the Company for the first time. 

The Sheriff replied, on behalf of the guests, with an amusing account of his tenure thus far and provided some valuable insights into the stature and value attributed to the Company by the Mayor, the Corporation, the Livery, and the City more broadly.  Fulsome praise indeed. 

The Master, Richard Geldard, responded by thanking the Sheriff and other guests for joining the Company at such an enjoyable Luncheon.  He concluded by presenting, to the Sheriff, donations to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, Mansion House Scholarship Fund, and the Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund, and to the CEOs of TaxAid and Tax Help for Older People, and City Harvest, donations to their respective charities. 

This year’s Civic and Charities Luncheon proved to be a most happy and convivial affair. 

There is bad news, however: a long wait until the next one.  But good news too: we have the date.  So please do set aside Thu 11 Jun 26 when the next Luncheon will be held, at Bakers’ Hall. 

In the meantime, photographs from this year’s Drinks Reception and Luncheon are available via the website (Members’ Area) in the usual way:  The Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers | City of London  

Elections Court – 11 June 2025

The Master, Richard Geldard, presided over a meeting of Court on the morning of Wed 11 Jun at Tallow Chandlers’ Court.  The meeting was observed by Alderman Simon Pryke, assigned by the Court of Aldermen as our ‘affiliated alderman’.  Simon was presented with his certificate as a Companion of the Company and briefly addressed the Court, highlighting the very high regard in which the Company is currently held in City circles.   

At the beginning of the meeting, Liveryman Jeremy Coker was admitted as a Court Assistant. 

During the meeting the following appointments were approved, to take effect from Tue 23 Sep: 

• Master: Matthew Peppitt 

• Deputy Master: Richard Geldard  

• Upper Warden: Caroline Turnbull-Hall 

• Middle Warden: Howard Ashmore 

• Renter Warden: Michael Ashdown 

The following Liverymen were approved to become Court Assistants, after Tue 23 Sep: 

• George Duncan  

• Adrian Stevens 

• John Whitehead 

Seven new Freemen were admitted to the Company: 

• Ben Craig 

• Don Korb 

• Anthony Torbey 

• Chris Smith 

• Mark Schofield 

• Alex Baulf 

• Joe Leach 

Court photographs are available via the website (Members’ Area) in the usual way:  The Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers | City of London  

 

30th Anniversary Celebration

HISTORY OF TAX 18 FEBRUARY 2025

GLASS TAX MAGNIFIED – CARRIE DE SILVA

On 18 February the Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers was delighted to welcome not only Carrie de Silva, one of our Liverymen, to give a presentation on glass tax, but also members of the Worshipful Companies of Glaziers and Glass Sellers.

Most of us are familiar with window tax, but glass tax is perhaps less well known. Carrie’s talk was fascinating, combining a history of glass tax with a clear explanation of the manufacturing process, and the origins of some of the well known glass manufacturers that we know today. Indeed, Carrie was inspired to explore glass tax after hearing a presentation on the history of Pilkington.

Glass tax was in force between 1746 and 1845 and was a consequence of war, as it was first imposed by the National Debt Act 1745 introduced during the War of Austrian Succession. And like other taxes raised during periods of conflict, it survived the peace. However, it was not the first time that glass had been taxed in England, as a levy on glass had been introduced under both Cromwell, and William and Mary.

Initially the tax was levied on raw materials, but later it was imposed on finished products, and Carrie illustrated the unintended consequences that the tax had on both the industry and the use of glass. Possibly the most significant impact (although this may have been overstated by some commentators) was the chilling effect that the tax had on innovation. Due to the requirements of excise officials present during the manufacturing process, developments in colouring glass were impacted significantly, as the officials’ requirements for the process to be stopped was not compatible with the colouring proess. At the time glass was sold by weight and decoration was untaxed value added to items, so manufacturers  responded to the tax by producing smaller items, for example small decorated items such as glasses with hollow stems (known as “excise glasses”).

Carrie also gave an insight into the development of the Irish glass industry. Following the introduction of the tax some English businesses moved to Ireland where there was no tax, at least until 1800. It was the introduction of the tax in Ireland from 1800 that drove a number of smaller glass manufacturers out of business, with Waterford being one survivor – although it is by no means certain that at the time Waterford was producing higher quality glass than that produced in England.

Following the repeal of what was described as an “objectionable” duty in 1845, there was a revival of the glass making industry, wider use of glass, including for the Great Exhibition and also for roofs of railway stations, and greater use of sheet glass (which had had a fiscal disadvantage over the alternative crown glass).

Carrie gave a clear and informative talk and we hope that she will return to give a future History of Tax talk.

The next History of Tax event is on 14 October 2025, and is “The origins of the CGT exemption for the house” by David Collison.

London’s Spies and Spymasters (1 May 2025)

On a beautiful May evening we were privileged to have a fascinating tour around St James’s in London learning about the locations that were the location for some of London’s famous spies and spymasters. Despite the glorious weather, we were able to enjoy the tour from the comfort, and cool, of our homes as Richard Burnip, our guide, was taking us on a virtual tour.

Richard was in credibly knowledgable and covered both real life spies as well as fictional ones. It was notable just how much espionage history is contained in a relatively small area of London, and what a significant part London clubs played. In an hour we covered George Smiley, James Bond (of course), Anthony Blunt, and the early days of MI5 and MI6, plus others. We now know why the Chief of the Intelligence Service is known as C, and also where Burgess and Maclean failed to have lunch before they defected.

The Company aims to have at least one virtual event a year to cater for those who are out of London, and we were joined by members from across the country, including Cheshire and Leicester, and also Saudi Arabia. Do consider joining a virtual event if you are not London based and join the in the fellowship for which the Company is known.

-Caroline Turnball-Hall

 

Livery Climate Action Group

 

Livery Climate Action Group Spring 2025 Newsletter and a Save the Date for the January 2026 LCAG Conference open to all Dear Livery Climate Action Group Supporter, Our Spring 2025 Newsletter is available to read or download here: https://liverycag.org.uk/lcag-newsletter-spring-2025/ Note particularly the “save the date” of 26 January 2026 for our next LCAG Conference which will be open to all. Further details and booking links will be sent in due course. We are pleased that we have 27 Climate-action Plans or policies posted on our website helping us to learn from each other. We are encouraging our Single Points of Contact to keep them coming in to info@liverycag.org.uk. There’s another 80 to come from our signed up LCAG membership of 107. We are also encouraging all companies with their special domain knowledge to take the lead for a SPOC online forum: 20 minute talk followed by 30 minute Q and A. The ethos of sharing is what LCAG is all about and this is an excellent vehicle for that. Please volunteer your knowledge, experience, stories and challenges. We’d like a healthy mix of Company-led and external-led in the forward programme. Contact info@liverycag.org.uk to volunteer a speaker and topic. Thank you so much for being a supporter of LCAG in your various ways. Your enthusiasm, advice, and encouragement keeps us going!    Alison Gowman Founder and Chair, Livery Climate Action Group Gordon Masterton LCAG lead for Memberhip & Engagement Past Master Engineer

 

British Museum Trip (9 April 2025)

13 members and guests of the Worshipful Company of Taxes enjoyed a special guided tour on Wednesday at the British Museum on the theme of “Around the World in 90 Minutes”. Covering key exhibits such as the Rosetta stone, Sutton Hoo helmet, Elgin marbles, Lewis chess men and several more, our British Museum guide provided expert insight and background stories to each exhibit on the historical context, where the exhibit was found, why, how and when it was created and its historical value. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and there may have been some cake and coffee involved.

The Social Committee of the Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers organises visits and events throughout the year for both retired and working members (plus guests). Fellowship is a key element of our company, and we are always ready to welcome new members.

• Alan Mclintock

Student Career Day at Lloyds of London with upReach

We were pleased to be part of the inaugural Financial Services Group day for associates of upReach, inspiring university students from diverse and impoverished backgrounds to consider a career in taxation.

The idea, which was executed beautifully, was to bring 50 undergraduates from disadvantaged backgrounds into London and show case some key roles and dispel the myths that the City of London is full of stuffy old jobs only available to the elite.

Court Assistant Alan McClintock took part in a Dragon Dens type pitch talking about his career and why the associates should consider a career in Tax.

We were pleased for the assistance of the CIOT/ATT at the event and with proving some of the merchandise that we handed out.

 

 

UNITED GUILDS’ SERVICE – 28 MARCH 2025

On Friday 28 March the Master, Wardens, plus a number of Past Masters and Liverymen attended the 81^st United Guilds’ Service (UGS) at St Paul’s Cathedral.

The UGS was first held on in March 1943, and was intended to lift the spirits of the City following the Blitz. Since then, it has become an annual event and is a wonderful spectacle when all of the Livery Companies and Guilds come together.

As you would expect from a major City event there was a significant amount of ceremony, with the Aldermen and their beadles, as well as City dignitaries and representatives of the Cathedral processing up the aisle ahead of the Lord Mayor. This was followed by a beautiful service which focused on the fellowship and service of the Livery Companies and included an inspiring sermon by the Dean of Southwark. The service ended with the whole congregation singing the National Anthem before departing the Cathedral by the west door, into glorious sunshine with the bells of St Paul’s pealing. It is a wonderful spectacle seeing representatives of the Livery Companies milling around in front of St Paul’s in their robes. Goodness knows what any passing tourists made of it!

We then retired to Plaisterers’ Hall for a delicious and convivial lunch – much less formal than many Livery events – which embodied the fellowship for which the Livery movement is renowned.

I would encourage anyone who has not attended the UGS to consider doing so – it is a great occasion and one of the highlights of the City year.

Contribution: Caroline Turnball-Hall.

Budget Banquet – Mercers’ Hall – Thursday 13th March 2025

The Company’s annual Budget Banquet was held in the thoroughly splendid surroundings of Mercers’ Hall on Thu 13 Mar.   

More than 150 Liverymen, Freemen, their guests, and guests of the Company gathered to enjoy a welcoming Drinks Reception in the Court Dining Room and a wonderful Dinner in the Livery Hall. 

We were honoured to have Sir Jim Harra KCB as our guest of honour.  Jim provided fascinating reflections on his four decades with the (now) HMRC, including more than five years at the helm.  The evolution of tax collection from paper records to computers (believed ‘unlikely to catch on’ when first introduced) was not altogether surprising.  That the process now enables £100 of tax revenue to be collected for a little over 50p was impressive, however. 

Excellent speeches were also delivered by Caroline Turnbull-Hall, as Middle Warden introducing the guests, and Richrd Geldard, the Master.  The former encouraged Comitas amongst those within and associated with the Livery, at a time when it might seem somewhat lacking elsewhere.  The latter’s account of his hectic schedule as Master, over just the past few weeks, provided some wonderful examples of Comitas amongst staff and pupils at Treloar’s School, Army officers in Winchester, pancake racers around the Guildhall, watchmen at St Pauls, and much more! 

Those at the Budget Banquet also enjoyed Edward Dye’s musical accompaniment to the Master’s procession, the sharing of the Loving Cup, and the Singing of our Closing Grace.  Evie Hill and her fellow musicians from the Guildhall School of Music provided a superb and soulful jazz performance.   

Earlier in the day, ten new Liverymen were advanced and three new Freemen were admitted at Court, including Paul Johnson CBE who became an Honorary Freeman. 

Photographs of all the day’s events may be seen, and downloaded, here: Gerald Sharp Photography | Budget Banquet 13-3-25  

WCoTA Visit to the Postal Museum – 21 February 2025

The events committee organised a tour of the Postal Museum in Clerkenwell, London. Even though we were inside the day was a pleasant sunny day. The museum was on the site of the once huge Mount Pleasant sorting office. What is unknown to many was that Mount Pleasant was also once the centre of the Post Office’s own underground railway system. A system that once stretched from Paddington station in the west to Whitechapel in the east. Built in the 1920’s it was fully automated with no drivers. Part of the system around Mount Pleasant is now available to rides for the public. It was here that we started our tour with a 20 minute train ride in special carriages through these narrow tunnels.

From the rail part of the museum, we crossed the road to the other part of the museum. We had a guided tour of the many exhibits. These included an original mail coach, firearms of the coachmen, the first post box in the country and a full sheet of penny black stamps. There was also a special exhibition of uniforms use by the Post Office from early times to the current day.

From there we walked to a nearby Sicilian restaurant for an evening meal. The food was excellent and everyone enjoyed their day.

Contribution: Peter Allen

 

 

 

ANNUAL PANCAKE RACE 2025

On Shrove Tuesday we gathered in the Guildhall Yard to take part in the annual Pancake Race, organised by the Worshipful Company of Poulters.  It was a glorious sunny day, and the proceedings were set off by a very loud cannon shot from a very small cannon.

The Tax Advisers fielded four contestants, Master Richard Geldard in the Master’s Race, Howard Ashmore running for the Liveryman,  Karen McNicholls for the Ladies Race and finally Adam Taylor ran in the Novelty Race.  Everyone except the Novelty runners had to race in their gowns, gloves and chef’s hat carrying a very heavy pan containing a pancake which had to be tossed twice.  The Novelty Race runners had to wear a costume which either reflected the Lord Mayor’s chosen charity, A Better City for All, or their own Company.  Our Adam dressed as the famous VAT case which decided whether Jaffa cakes were cakes or biscuits: they remained cakes!  Alas, Adam did not win but there was a great deal of competition with some very elaborate costumes, some of which made it almost impossible to run.  Costumes included a sky scraper, a bee keeper and a chest of drawers but the winner was Sir Knit-A-Lot of the Framework Knitters who was dressed up as a knight in a skein of wool with two knitting needles on his chest.

We made a very good showing with three of us winning their heats (is this a record?) and Karen qualified for the Ladies final where she finished an excellent third.  We look forward to further progress next year.  We then enjoyed a buffer lunch in the Crypt where we were joined by several other Company members.

Contribution: Alison Lovejoy

Inter-livery Bridge Competition

The Tax Advisers were awarded the Financial Services Group prize at last night’s Interlivery Bridge, organised by the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards. The prize went to the pair from an FSG company that finished highest – which was my partner Morris Zelkha and me. We finished 6^th out of a field of 54. Other tax advisers were past master Nicholas Woolf, under his Gardener guise, who was 9^th; and John Whiting, who finished 12^th. Adam and Sarah Broke also played but I’ve not yet seen their placing, as the results have not yet been posted.

The prize was donated by the Actuaries and is a glass bowl with an engraved stand, which  the Clerk has secured from the Playing Card Makers for our presentation cabinet.

Cobtribution: Bill Dodwell.

INTER-LIVERY QUIZ

WCoTA INTER-LIVERY QUIZ

The annual inter-livery quiz took place at the Guildhall on Thursday 20^th February 2025 and was, once again, a great success. It was good to see an increase in participants with 9 livery companies represented across 11 teams with the winners once again being the Information Technologists retaining the trophy despite very stiff competition from the Architects, Communicators and Chartered Accountants. Despite not winning, the Tax Advisers did not disgrace themselves, finishing “mid-table”. Maybe next year…

As well as the quiz, everyone enjoyed an excellent buffet provided by the Cook and Butler.

Contribution: Kevin Offer

Treloar’s School Visit

Each spring, the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and many Livery Masters visit Treloar’s School and College in Hampshire.  Treloar’s was set up in 1908 by Sir William Treloar, then Lord Mayor of the City of London, to provide outstanding education, therapy and care for physically disabled young people and empower them to live more independent and fulfilling lives.

Treloar’s is an inspirational place to visit. Some of the students told how since arriving at Treloar’s they have been able to far exceed the expectations that they, and their parents, had. They also show great skills at sports and don’t like losing!  Much of the equipment that they use is very high tech (= expensive), for example wheelchairs which can be steered by eye movement alone.

The Tax Advisers are proud to be regular supporters of Treloar’s and to have responded to one off appeals for new hoists (to allow transfer from bed to wheelchair, etc) and a height adjustable sink.

If you wish to find out more about Treloars, then follow this link:

We know no limits | Treloars

CHRISTMAS COURT, CAROL SERVICE, AND SUPPER

On Tuesday 17th December, the Court met at Information Technologists’ Hall for its Christmas meeting – at which the Master admitted one new Court Assistant (Liveryman Kevin Offer), two new Liverymen (Jeremy Coker and Craig Kay), and four new Freemen (Stephen Hasson, Michael Smith, Steven Martin, Craig Chatwin).  It was also confirmed that Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (and soon to be provost of The Queen’s College, Oxford) had accepted the Master’s invitation to become an Honorary Freeman of the Company. 

The Church of Saint Bartholomew the Great then provided a wonderful setting in which members of the Company joined others, associated with the Parish (namely: Actuaries, Butchers, Communicators, Farmers, Fletchers, Founders, Hackney Carriage Drivers), for the annual Inter-Livery Carol Service.   

The Service was a delight, as ever, and the atmosphere magnificent.  The Church was absolutely full (and apologies to those who were unable to secure tickets this year) … you may wish to put a note in your diary for 2025: the Carol Service will be on Tuesday 16 December, and the flyer will go out in early October. 

From the Carol Service, a short walk to Supper at Butchers’ Hall, where a strong cohort from the Company – joined by other Companies again – filled the Great Hall to capacity, with festive cheer and bonhomie.  The evening finished with the Master’s well-chosen (few) closing remarks, and mutual good wishes for Christmas and the New Year.  

The Master has since circulated his Christmas Mailing (see the Master’s Mailing webpage). 

Pictures of the event can be found here:

Admissions court:  https://sharpphoto.co.uk/p307659252

Carol Service & Reception:  https://sharpphoto.co.uk/p417240541

Clink Charity – Brixton Prison

 

It may have been raw and chilly outside, and indeed very wet underfoot as yet another storm passed overhead, dropping its contents in profusion, but on Wednesday, 27 November, nine members of the Company, accompanied by relatives and friends, made their way up Brixton Hill – to check in with the Clink charity,  Brixton prison.

As one would expect of a prison, security was tight, and into the lockers went all the contents of our pockets and many other things besides, especially gadgets such as mobile phones. Then through X-ray machines, body searches, and the like before heading in a larger group to the comfort and warmth of the restaurant.

We had pre-ordered our menu selections, and at a leisurely pace the majority preferences were for duck rillettes, roast turkey and pear & ginger pudding. No alcohol, obviously, but a wide selection of cocktails and other delights were on offer. Robust plastic cutlery was the order of the day, for security reasons. And even though it was not yet quite December, we pulled crackers, adorned our heads with paper hats and, yes, cracked silly jokes. Mine: “What do you call recently married spiders?”. Answer: “Newly webs”.

So to paying the bill. A very reasonable price, and it would be difficult to get a decent three-course meal elsewhere in London today at this level. We were able to leave a substantial donation to the Clink charity, which works to train prisoners in hospitality skills and provide them with a secure living upon release, whilst reducing the possibility of re-offending.

James Dixon

 

{Photo of exterior of Brixton Prison on a fine day}

Lord Mayor’s Show 2024

As I made my way to Ironmongers’ Hall, it began to hit home just how big an event I was about to become a part of.  As marching bands practised around Smithfield Market, and floats lined Aldersgate Street and London Wall, the sheer size of the Lord Mayor’s Show became all too apparent.  What had I let myself in for?

When the invitation went out for Liverymen wishing to join the Master, Middle Warden, and Renter Warden on the parade, I did not hesitate to put my hand up.  Who knows when such an opportunity might come up again, and I am a firm believer in always saying yes when these things do appear.  And so, there I was at 9am on an overcast Saturday morning, meeting up at Ironmongers’ Hall for a quick bacon sandwich, putting on my Livery robe, and joining the world’s largest, unrehearsed procession to welcome the new Lord Mayor, Alastair King.

Having only previously watched the parade on television, it seemed much bigger, brighter, and louder, in reality.  The 1.5-mile route from Mansion House through Cheapside, passing St Paul’s and onto Fleet Street, was full of people cheering, waving, and clapping.  Shortly after 11am, we joined the procession, along with other modern livery companies. There was something rather surreal about walking around the familiar corner at Bank junction to see BBC TV cameras trained on us, broadcasting around the world to an audience of millions.  And I’m pleased to say we got some of our own airtime, with the Tax Advisers being specifically mentioned in the commentary.

Once at the Royal Courts, and as we waited for the parade to reset for the return leg, we enjoyed lunch and a drink aboard HMS Wellington, kindly arranged by The Worshipful Company of Firefighters. After not too many beverages, we made the returned along Embankment and Victoria Street, eventually to Mansion House.

Taking part in the Lord Mayor’s Show was an amazing experience.  I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who gets the opportunity to join in future … perhaps next year?

Tom Wallace

WCoTA Visit to the Middle Temple – 4 October 2024

The events committee organised a tour and lunch at the Middle Temple for 4 October 2024. Although regrettably we have all had a poor summer weatherwise. The day was a perfect. It was warm and the sun shone all day. In the morning, we had a tour of the Middle Temple estate. A beautiful and unique place away from the bustle of London. The tour guide, who by coincidence was a retired accountant, showed us and explained the long history and architecture of the area. The land was owned by the Knights Templars and at their dissolution given to the legal profession as a base in London. We saw the much-filmed Temple Church. The guide explained how the Middle Temple prepared for the Second World War by placing the unreplaceable stained-glass windows and their art treasures into storage in Wales. She demonstrated the extent of the bombing damage to the estate and its rapid reconstruction post war replicating the original buildings. An amusing fact is that you can tell whether a building is in the Middle Temple or the Inner Temple, a sister Inn of Court with which it shares the estate, by two details; the Middle Temple buildings have a Lamb and Flag symbol and white window frames while the Inner Temple has a Pegasus badge and cream windows. Of course, as Tax Advisers we had to see and have photos taken at Pump Court Tax Chambers.

We also had a three-course lunch which was served in the Elizabethan Great Hall of the Middle Temple. A lovely building with an oak beamed roof and original Elizabethan stained-glass windows. The food was excellent. A delightful experience and everyone enjoyed their day.

Peter Allen

Annual Service of the Worshipful Company of Musicians

There is seldom an opportunity to be seated beneath the huge dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, to be surrounded by more than 130 Liverymen in their ceremonial and ordered finery, participating in a Choral Evensong in the traditional Anglican manner, and enjoying splendid music performed by the Royal College of Music String Orchestra.

But one such occasion was on Wednesday, 2^nd October, when the Master, Richard Geldard, Honorary Assistant James Dixon, and Freeman James Carr attended the Annual Service of the Worshipful Company of Musicians.

Some time before the service began, those taking part assembled in the Crypt to change, with our own Company’s gold chain and Master’s badge being as always the object of much admiration. We were then marshalled, for want of a better word, into order of seniority, with the Drapers’ Company in the vanguard.

Processing upstairs, the cathedral was already full as members of the Musicians’ Company itself assembled on the south side of the arc facing the altar, whilst members of all the other Companies moved on to the north side.

This service was led by the choir, who sang responses, canticles, an anthem, and the psalms set for the day on our behalf, allowing us to experience the beauty of the music in this iconic setting. There were some readings from the Bible, and prayers were said for the Church, the World and ourselves. 

Of note, there was also a performance of Elgar’s Elegy for Strings, specially composed by the great man himself, once a member of the Musicians’ Company, for these annual occasions.

Overall, we could not but be struck by the acoustics of Wren’s masterpiece, with the echo effect of the dome lingering in the memory.

This was then followed by a reception back in the crypt, as we circulated amongst many of those who had attended the service.

James Dixon

 

101 SQUADRON RAF DINING -IN NIGHT

On the evening of 12 September, the Master Mike Gibbons and Liveryman Adrian Stevens (with their respective partners) joined 101 Squadron RAF for their Dining-in Night, held at Aerospace Bristol under the wings of Concorde: a very special venue with an appropriate aviation heritage.

The Squadrons operational achievements over the last 12 months were highlighted during after-dinner speeches, when prizes were awarded for meritorious service and fines for misdemeanours!

Before dinner, the Master and Wing Commander Paul Summers, the Officer Commanding 101 Squadron RAF, co-signed the Armed Forces Covenant as a demonstration and confirmation of the Company’s continuing support for the Armed Forces community.

Charity Update – London Air Ambulance

Those of you who contribute to the Tax Advisers’ Charitable Trust can be very proud of yourselves as your donations have directly contributed to the launch of London Air Ambulance’s two new helicopters. In addition to supporting the London Air Ambulance (LAA) on a regular basis, the Company, through TACT, supported its Up Against Time Appeal to replace two helicopters.  These were urgently needed as the lifespan of the previous helicopters was coming to an end and sourcing parts for repair and maintenance was becoming increasingly challenging.

On 1 October 2024 I had the pleasure of attending a London Air Ambulance reception, hosted by Fieldfisher, to thank the many charities, trusts, philanthropists and individuals for the money raised. The target had been £15 million in two years. Between us, we smashed that target and raised £16 million within the designated time frame. Unfortunately, the bad weather on the night meant that we could not witness a flypast of one of the helicopters. However, the hope is that the weather is good enough for them to take off on active service on 2 October.

Attached are photos of me with Jonathan Jenkins, CEO of London Air Ambulance, who led the thanks to donors. You can also see me with one of the many fantastic members of the medical crew with pictures, in the background, of the new helicopters as they were being built.

A video shown on the evening can be found here: https://youtu.be/HjzrmWgT0eo

Lorraine Parkin

INSTALLATION DAY – MON 23 SEP 24

On Monday 23rd September, Mike Gibbons MBE completed his highly successful year as Master Tax Adviser, and Wendy her equally accomplished year as Mistress Tax Adviser, during 2023/24. 

Richard Geldard was duly installed as the new Master, for the year 2024/25, at a meeting of Court held at Merchant Taylors’ Hall.  Company Wardens for the year were also installed: Matthew Peppitt as Upper Warden, Caroline Turnbull-Hall as Middle Warden, and Howard Ashmore as Renter Warden.  Mike Gibbons MBE accepted Richard’s invitation to serve as his Deputy Master. 

The new year also sees two Past Masters stepping down from Court (John Dewhurst and Bob Harland), and the admission of two new Court Assistants (Winnie Cao, and (from December) Kevin Offer).  Management of the Company will be bolstered by a particularly strong cohort of new Committee Members and Company Officers. 

The Court meeting also saw eight Freemen advancing to Livery, after gaining their Freedom of the City that morning, and the admission of three new Freemen, to a packed house of over 60 Company members and guests. 

Photographs from Court, and throughout the day, are available in the Members’ Area.  

From Merchant Taylor’s Hall, Court processed to St Michael’s Church Cornhill to join the Company’s St Matthew’s Tide Thanksgiving Service, officiated by the Honorary Chaplain, Rev’d Marcus Walker.  His thought-provoking sermon and the excellence of the choir were memorable attractions of a highly enjoyable Service, attended by 100 Company members and their guests. 

Returning to the Hall, and joined by the Rt Hon Baroness Hale of Richmond and other Company guests, the new Master hosted his Installation Dinner in the Great Hall.  In this wonderful setting, a splendid dinner was served, the Master took wine with new Liverymen and Freemen, Loving Cups were passed, and we were entertained to organ music from the gallery and swing from the Satin Dollz on the dining room stage.  The Renter Warden welcomed and toasted the guests, after which Lady Hale made a compelling case for equity – especially in public service, and heraldry in particular (as Patron of the Equality of Arms Campaign).  The Master closed the dinner by thanking all those involved in its delivery, and briefly outlined his aims for the year ahead.  Emphasizing his wish to engage with – and be engaged by – the membership of the Company, the Master indicated that results of the recent survey would be published in due course and presented Liveryman Derren Joseph with a bottle of champagne as winner of the survey’s prize draw! 

The evening concluded with a Stirrup Cup, and promises to meet again at the Christmas Carol Service at Great Saint Bartholomew’s’ Church and Supper afterwards at Butchers’ Hall, on Tuesday 17th December, if not before. 

City of London Freedom

On Monday lunchtime last week,  nine members of the Company obtained their City Freedom at the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall. The Master (Mike Gibbons at that time) and two of our Court Assistants (Lorraine Parkin and Michael Ashdown) were there to support our Freemen. We were pleased that Jaspreet Hodgson, a member of Common Council, was also able to attend to support our new Freemen.

Patrick Ronan, Tom Wallace, Colin Lafferty-Smith. Maceo Frederick, Maria Kendrick and Ben Branson were advanced to livery at the Court meeting later that  afternoon and took wine with the Master at the Installation Dinner in the evening.

 

Museum of Brands

A small, but enthusiastic, group of six met for lunch at The Knight of Nottinghill pub on Ladbroke Grove on a sunny Thursday in September, prior to walking no more than one minute round the corner to the Museum of Brands, a collection devoted to consumer history.  The museum is crammed with packaging and other items largely from the Victorian period to date (although some much earlier), often with contents intact, hitherto forgotten toys and faded chocolate foils glinting to take us back in a time machine, to ‘another country’.  And most of us had more than one regret of ‘why on earth did I throw that away!’ The museum’s roots are with Robert Opie’s collection first displayed at the V and A in 1975, which expanded to a permanent exhibition in Gloucester from 1984, moving to London in 2002.  The present site opened in 2015.  Younger visitors to the museum must have tired of overhearing all the WCoTA party saying ‘I remember that’, ‘I had one of those’ (with all but one of us taking advantage of the museum discount for over 60s!).

As with many WCoTA events and visits: something I would have been unlikely to do otherwise, and very much enjoyed.  Largely entertainment, and a little education, with a group of good companions.  A perfect afternoon in London.

For those interested, the museum’s founder, Robert Opie, wrote/collated many books on consumer history and packaging, easily found new and second hand.

Carrie de Silva

City Giving Quiz

Members of the Company took part in the City Giving Day quiz last night suporting the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

There were 5 teams in the room – we were running a close second at the half way point but lost ground in the second half and scored a duck in the sports round. We finished fourth, the winners being a brilliant team from the Mercers. However it was a very sociable occasion and we all learned a few things!

 

Livery Food Initiative Update

In September, Livery Companies that support the Livery Food Initiative were invited to the Old Bailey. This was partly a thank you to their supporters and also to hear an update on their impressive achievements.

The Company, along with sixty other Livery Companies has provided funds in support of a new lorry for City Harvest, a partner of the Livery Food Initiative.  City Harvest rescues food that is going to waste and delivers it to over 375 charities across London.

Howard Ashmore received a commemorative plaque on behalf of the company.

The link below is to a video highlighting the truck’s impact.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72At-ECe3-4

Air Ambulance Centre- 23 August 2024

On Friday 23^rd August, the Master, Consort and members of the Company visited London’s Air Ambulance centre at the Royal London Hospital (the view from the helipad was amazing). We were shown round one of their two helicopters and had a very good talk with one of their Senior Flight Paramedics who explained how extremely organised everything is from the placement of kit, order of seating and the team’s respective roles and responsibilities. The helicopter typically gets a patient to the landing pad at the hospital in between 6 to 11 minutes after departure from the accident scene but also often assists with a ground escort to hospital.

Each flight contains a pilot and co-pilot, a consultant, senior doctor and a paramedic. Each member of the medical team has around 12 years’ experience including A&E postings. Each incident might involve deciding whether a longer ambulance road trip of say 30 or 40 minutes (but where they can more easily work on the patient) is better than a quick air ambulance journey, despite the care that can still be provided in the confined space of the helicopter.

The London Air Ambulance Charity has now raised the needed £15m funds to replace both their ageing helicopters with around 30 of  the City of London livery companies (including the Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers) playing an important role in donating money for the new helicopters. The Charity continues to have to raise £15m a year for running costs so we will continue or support.

The  A big thank you to everyone who donates money to the WCOTA charities and who have indirectly helped fund these new helicopters….and for anyone that would like to donate a one off or monthly sum to the Tax Advisers Charitable Trust, here is the link – https://www.taxadvisers.org.uk/making-a-donation/.

 

PETANQUE: WCTA JOINS THE ‘GREAT XII’

A triumphant triumvirate of Tax Advisers secured the Company a richly deserved place amongst the ‘great XII’ (petanque-playing) livery companies … when they came joint 12th in the recent Inter-Livery Petanque Competition held at the London Petanque Club Ground at Battersea Pleasure Gardens.

A full entry of 32 teams from across the City Livery entered and, after beating the Cooks, the Tax Adviser’s team narrowly lost 6-5 to the Merchant Taylors.  A friendly finale resulted in a draw against the Needlemakers, with much friendly banter and camaraderie shown throughout the evening.

Will Hess and James Carr provided much needed skill to the team, which was lead by Marcus Fincham.

The monies raised by this charitable event are donated to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

 

CHARITIES BRIEFING – THU 18 JUL 24

Lorraine Parkin, Chair of the Charities Committee, briefed assembled members of the Company on the Tax Advisers’ Benevolent Fund and the Tax Advisers’ Charitable Trust.

These are the two charities through which the Company delivers its benevolence to those in need. The Tax Advisers’ Benevolent Fund focuses, in particular, on hardship cases and on tax education. The Tax Advisers’ Charitable Trust focuses on supporting TaxAid and Tax Help for Older People as well as supporting schools, higher education establishments and selected City organisations such as London’s Air Ambulance and City Harvest.

The charities  disburse the regular donations pledged by members when admitted as Freemen, and subsequently advanced to the Livery. These disbursements are combined with income from funds under management and grants received from other parties, bequests and legacies.

To listen to the presentation and see the slides please click on the link posted to the Members Area of our website.

Bavarian Ball

A group of Tax Advisers recently joined the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress’ Bavarian Ball at Mansion House.  We enjoyed a wonderful, Bavarian inspired evening of dining and entertainment.  The evening raised over £55,000 for the following charities:

• MQ Mental Health Research
• Homewards – a Royal Foundation programme, and
• National Numeracy.

 

Photo credit: PaulinaRootsPhotography.

Inter Livery Croquet Competition

The Worshipful Company of Glovers hosted a number of liverymen, freemen and their guests for a delightful day of golf croquet at the immaculate Sussex County Croquet Club in Brighton on Saturday 15th June 2024.

Pairs from twenty-one different livery companies participated on a day that began with a downpour which mercifully(!) lifted to an afternoon of clear sunshine. Each pair played five scoring matches, after which the highest two teams emerged to contest the final for each of the two competitions.

The Glovers ran out victors in both the Glover’s Cup (primary competition) and the Inter-Livery Challenge (secondary competition), ran a close second in each by The Leathersellers. See the victors overwhelmed by the adoring crowds in the podium photo below!

The Tax Advisors – on what was a first golf croquet outing for the representatives – performed creditably, with two wins and three losses (three wins with an additional friendly at the end of the day!). A wonderful time of friendly competition and new connections was had by all, and we look forward to the next event next year.

James Carr.

 

Civic and Charities Luncheon 2024

The Company held its annual Civic and Charities Luncheon on Wed 12 Jun, at Founders’ Hall.  The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli was the guest of honour, accompanied by the Lady Mayoress.  Alderman Simon Pryke, the Company’s newly assigned Alderman, also attended. 

The Company hosted representatives from a number of our well-established charitable beneficiaries: Mulberry University Technical College, London’s Air Ambulance, TaxAid and Tax Help for Older People, City Harvest, and the Hackney Carriage Drivers’ Children’s Magical Taxi Tour.

The Luncheon concluded with an address by the Lord Mayor – informative and entertaining in equal measure – and the presentation of donations from TACT to the Lord Mayor (for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, the Mansion House Scholarship Scheme, and the Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund) and to representatives of our other beneficiary organisations.

The Luncheon was preceded by a meeting of Court, at Information Technologists’ Hall, during which the Master admitted five new Freemen.

Images of both events are at: https://sharpphoto.co.uk/f112611449

Leighton House Visit

I am a former resident of Kensington, having had the pleasure of living there, until very recently, for 8 years.  I had heard of the Leighton House Museum in Holland Park, and had always had it on my list of things to do and see, but somehow never got around to doing so.  I was therefore very enthusiastic about joining the Tax Advisers’ visit to Leighton House on 22 May.  We started off the meetup with lunch, coffee and cakes at the nearby Gail’s patisserie on Kensington High Street, and then joined our tour of the house, led by a highly knowledgeable guide.  Leighton House is honestly jaw-dropping in every respect.  Apart from the obvious beauty of the interiors (the Arab Hall, with its teal/turquoise tiles, gilded domed ceiling, and grand staircase is quite breath-taking), there are curiosities and inventive touches in almost every room: I had never seen a fireplace directly underneath a window before, yet there are two in view in the house.  The tour finished upstairs, in Lord Leighton’s gallery and studio, a large and beautiful space that seemed like a combination of the Wigmore Hall and a viewing room from the National Gallery, with its own architectural idiosyncrasies (an ante-chamber with a fireplace, for Lord Leighton’s models to warm-up, and a mezzanine that allowed him to paint huge canvases). The planned walk in Holland Park afterwards was called off due to rain, but it was very good to see familiar faces and meet some for the first time, and I think we all really enjoyed the excursionary feeling of this meetup. 

Dean Ryan

WCTA: RAF AIR COMBAT POWER VISIT

It had been quite a number of years since members of the Company had been flying in a Voyager of 101 Squadron based at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, but the invitation in late May was of an entirely different nature to previous occasions: it extended over two days, and came from all the Squadrons and units based there. No less than sixteen Livery Companies were invited, and it was an opportunity for us to meet members of those other Companies.

On Thursday, 30 May, the Master, Mike Gibbons and Honorary Assistant James Dixon attended what was billed as an ‘Exhibition of the RAF’s Air and Space Power roles and capabilities’, which comprised a fascinating series of presentations on topics as diverse as electronic jamming, search and rescue aircraft, Reaper and Protector unmanned airplanes, combat air control, Space command, and many more. The highlight was a display by the Lightning F-35B, including its ability to hover in a stationary position.

On the following day, eleven members of the Company went flying, eight in a Voyager and three in an A400M transport aircraft. The Voyager was airborne for about five hours, and headed to the North Sea where in a racetrack circuit it refuelled some dozen Typhoon aircraft, a few based in Estonia; it also rehearsed close formation flying in advance of the following weekend’s Trooping of the Colour ceremony.

Meanwhile the slower A400M turboprop plane, the successor to the long-serving Lockheed Hercules, met up with a Typhoon for various photographic opportunities; flew low over Lake Windermere with its rear doors open as if to indulge in paratroop dropping; and finally met up with the Voyager for some formation flying.

A memorable time was greatly enjoyed by all, and many thanks indeed to the friendly members of the RAF who entertained us so well.

 

Guildhall School of Music Voiceworks Concert (9 May 2024)

I attended the Guildhall School of Music Voiceworks concert on Thursday 9 May, 2024 which was held to thank donors. The Tax Advisers’ Charitable Trust periodically  donates to this charity and has provided funds recently for the Guildhall’s young artists appeal. The concert covered the works of post -graduate composers, sung by post- graduate singers, supported by post- graduate musicians. The words to the music were composed by MA opera writing students. The programme was varied and the talent was awesome. The photo is of me with some of the amazing performers. I strongly encourage members to consider attending one of the many concerts put on by the Guildhall School of Music and Drama- gsmd.ac.uk/events.

Lorraine Parkin

Chair

Charities’ Committee WCTA

Wilton’s Music Hall

Aldgate East Underground station is something of an enigma: emerge from its depths, and you find yourself at a crossroads. Which way to turn? All the roads look the same. Yet all the dozen or so members of the Company, and their friends and relatives, managed (some perhaps with a little hesitation) to find their way south to a steak restaurant for lunch one Saturday in March. Yes, it was directly into sun, but all the very high rise buildings in the vicinity cast no shadows at all.

Then after a leisurely meal, we headed further south to the mysteries of Graces Alley, and Wilton’s Music Hall. Dating back to the mid-nineteenth century, some cheekily ask themselves today, whenever is it going to be finished?

It is a fun place, and we were going to see the penultimate performance of Rossini’s Barber of Seville, locally adapted to portray the original plot, but set against the backdrop of the Wild West, Stetson hats and all. No big cast, and the music emanated from a solitary piano, played most energetically. We enjoyed it, as had the reviewer in The Times a few days previously, who had rated it worthy of four stars:

“….this Barber is a reminder that arguably the most famous operatic comedy draws in many respects from the same well of goofy humour and virtuosic patter-song as the Savoy Operas (of Gilbert and Sullivan)”.

The Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers has not paid a visit to Wilton’s for quite a while, but for sure we will be returning again ere long, especially at its most reasonable prices, and in mid-afternoon when it is perfectly feasible to visit from far-flung parts of the country in a day.

 

UNITED GUILDS SERVICE – FRI 15 MAR

The Master and Wardens represented the Company at the annual United Guilds Service held at St Paul’s Cathedral on Fri 15 Mar.  The Master was accompanied by his Consort, and they were joined by a number of other Liverymen, the Clerk, and the Administration and Events Officer.  Lunch was taken at Plaisterers’ Hall afterwards.

At the inaugural United Guilds’ Service, in 1943, all the City Livery Companies and Guilds gathered in St Paul’s Cathedral to worship, and lift their spirits after the Blitz. The Lord Mayor attended, along with the Sheriffs and the Court of Aldermen; the Lord Bishop preached the sermon. The Service continues, in a similar form, to this day and remains one of the few occasions when the City Livery Companies and Guilds gather as one.

BUDGET BANQUET 2024

The Company held its annual Budget Banquet on Tuesday 12th March in the wonderful Glaziers’ Hall.

After a drinks reception overlooking the Thames, some 150 members and their guests enjoyed a lavish dinner in the striking banquet hall.  The Company was delighted to welcome, as its guests, the Masters of other Financial Services Group (FSG) companies as well as senior representatives of the CIOT and ATT.

After dinner, Paul Johnson CBE (Director of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and our principal guest) provided an insightful commentary on the Spring budget, and what may (or may not) come of it.

Diners were also entertained by musicians from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, whose varied programme and wonderful musicality further added to the occasion.

Some fourteen new Freemen and Liverymen took wine with the Master, half of whom had been admitted at Court that afternoon, marking further progress along the the Company’s continuing path of growth and development.

Images of the Budget Banquet, and preceding admission ceremonies at Court, can be found here: Gerald Sharp Photography | Budget Banquet 12-3-24

WCTA Freemen gain Freedom of the City

The Master joined Freeman Ele Theochari and Freeman James Kean at the Guildhall, on Tuesday 12^th March 2024, to witness them obtaining their Freedom of the City of London.

Freedom of the City is a precursor of advancement to the Livery, and it remains much sought after.  While some privileges associated with City Freedom have been overtaken by events, and the passage of time, participating in the annual sheep drive over London Bridge remains reassuringly extant!  

Both Freemen enjoyed the occasion – and James subsequently advanced to become a Liveryman of the Company at a Court Meeting that afternoon; both took wine with the Master at the Budget Banquet at Glaziers’ Hall in the evening.

The Master thanks Michael Ashdown (Chair of the Membership Committee) and Carolyn Finch (Administration and Events Officer) for arranging and supporting this Group Admission Ceremony, at the Guildhall. The next such Ceremony is planned for Monday 23rd September, prior to the Installation Court and Dinner on that day.

If you are interested in obtaining your Freedom of the City of London, please contact Carolyn: office@taxadvisers.org.uk

History of Tax Lecture: OUT OF THE RUINS – CREATING THE IRISH TAX SYSTEM: A CENTENARY PERSPECTIVE

On 27 February the History of Tax enjoyed a fascinating presentation by Pat O’Brien who gave us a perspective on the creation of the Irish tax system 

Pat O’Brien is a PhD candidate and academic tutor in the School of History and Geography at Dublin City University, and before that had a long career in tax, both with the Irish Revenue and with advisory firms.

Pat seamlessly blended tax history with the wider history of the Irish War of Independence (1919 – 1921 and the Irish Civil War (1922 – 1923), covering the challenges of establishing a working tax system. Unlike the establishment of a new tax system in Japan in the post war peace (as covered by Professor Martin Daunton in February 2015), the Irish tax system was established during a tumultuous period. Whilst the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 gave the Irish Free State fiscal autonomy, the Treaty was not accepted by some nationalists, and so the anticipated period of peace and stability was soon disrupted by civil war.

Against this backdrop, and the pressures of establishing a government and officials from scratch, the Irish tax system was effectively acquired as a going concern from Britain. All British tax legislation was carried forward and many British tax officials, who had been based in the Irish Free State before independence, were seconded to Ireland and remained in post. Having overcome the problems of establishing the tax system from scratch, further challenges remained, as the anti Treaty IRA mounted a campaign to try to seize control of the tax collection system from the Irish Provisional Government. As a result, tax offices and customs posts were occupied, and customs duties of £100,000 were seized in Cork. This campaign culminated in an attempt to burn the headquarters of the newly established Irish Revenue in February 1923. However, the Civil War faded away in spring 1923, and gave way to a period of stability.

Pat explained the importance of studying tax history to understand current developments in tax. It is this background to the Irish tax system that explains the number of similarities with the UK system, but notable that in establishing a consolidated Board for the Revenue and Customs and Excise, the Irish Free State was seventy years ahead of the formation of HMRC.

Pat’s talk was rich in detail, and we delighted to welcome him to speak, and very much hope that he will return at some point.

The next History of Tax session is on 29 October 2024, when David Goldberg KC will talk about the history of tax avoidance, with a focus on Rossminster.

 

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE RACE 2024

I could report a wonderful success at the Pancake races with none of our entrants losing any race or I could report that the races were cancelled due to wet weather!  Unfortunately. it was the latter.

However, all our runners turned up, together with six members of the Company to cheer them on.  The runners were a good mixture of experienced and new members, with Barbara Abraham ready to run in the Master’s Race, Howard Ashmore in the Liveryman section, Karen McNicholls in the Ladies section and Colin Smith as Hector the Tax Inspector in the fancy dress section.

The slippery conditions outside made it impossible to run so we were all herded into the Guildhall Crypts and milled around for an hour or so eating pancakes and socialising.  Eventually the fancy dress entrants were paraded in front of the Sheriffs and the winner was Good Queen Bess worn by the Plaisterers’ Company.  However, Colin’s Tax Inspector did attract a little gaggle of attractive young ladies, so our Company did have a moment of fame!

Then the Masters lined up for a pancake tossing competition and the winner was the Master Tyler and Bricklayer who managed over 80 tosses in 30 seconds!

All this was followed by a very enjoyable lunch and drinks.

I enjoyed organising the event and thanks for all who took part from the Company in one way or another even if it turned not quite as expected.  Let’s have another go at winning next year.

Alison Lovejoy

 

Lord Mayor’s Christmas Bulletin 2023

Please find attached a Christmas Message from the Lord Mayor, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, to all members of the Livery:

Lord Mayors Christmas Bulletin 2023

The Lord Mayor’s Show 2023

The Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers, the Worshipful Company of Marketors and the Company of Watermen & Lightermen of the River Thames participated in the Lord Mayors Show on Saturday 11^th November with a ‘Tri-Company Entry’ led by the Corps of Drums of St Dunstan’s College CCF. The entry also included a parade of 24 Army Cadets including members of our very own affiliated City of London Army Cadet Force, members of which also proudly displayed the 6 Tax placards that accompanied the two Bentleys allocated to the WCOTA. We loudly cheered at the appropriate moment the 695th Lord Mayor of London, Professor Michael Mainelli, who is a member of all three companies. The Master and Wendy, his Consort enjoyed travelling in a rare 1929 Bentley and accompanying nearby in a more recent 2008 Bentley was Alan McLintock. Around 90 members and family of the three companies (including around 25 from the WCOTA) viewed the show outside the Côte Brasserie St Paul’s before enjoying a leisurely lunch there. The weather was surprising sunny and bright and everyone we spoke to thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Please see the links below for the official photographs and a Youtube link to the show (see 1.05 onwards for our entry).

11283 – LMS 23 Worshipful Company of Marketors/Watermen & Lightermen/Tax Advisors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okWZlxGqxpQ

Temple Church Visit

On a wet Thursday evening in November a group from the Company had a guided tour of Temple Church, by the Reader the Reverend Mark Hatcher.

Mark took us round the church explaining its history and the important role that it plays not only in the lives of Inner and Middle Temple but also in constitutional history. It was in the original part of Temple Church that the detail of Magna Carta was negotiated in 1215 between King John and the barons. Later it also had a connection to the American Declaration of Independence, as six members of Middle or Inner Temple were signatories to the Declaration in 1776.

The church is a beautiful and historic building and well worth a visit.

The evening concluded with supper in the Pegasus Bar and Restaurant in Inner Temple.

 

Silent Ceremony at Guildhall

On Friday 10^th November, the Master attended the Silent Ceremony at the Guildhall, during with Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli took up office as the 695th Lord Mayor of the City of London.  The Master was accompanied by Upper Warden Kevin Thomas, and Court Assistants Richard Geldard and Nicolas Kokkinos.

The Master subsequently attended the Presentation of Addresses, and presented to the new Lord Mayor a set of 12 engraved wine glasses bearing the Company’s coat of arms.  The Master was accompanied by his Consort, Wendy Gibbons, and Upper Warden Kevin Thomas, Past Masters Andrew Gillett and Morag Loader, and Court Assistants Richard Geldard and Nicolas Kokkinos.

The Lord Mayor has written a letter of thanks: LM Thank you

Celebration Dinner for Past Master Ian Luder

DEATH TAXES: AN HISTORICAL COMPARISON – PROF MARTIN DAUNTON

On 17 October 2023, the Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers was delighted to welcome Prof Martin Daunton to give the first in person talk since before the pandemic. Martin is well known to the History of Tax group – this was his fourth visit, and he gave us another fascinating talk, this time on death taxes.

Martin considered the death taxes of the UK, US, Germany, and France, focusing mainly on the period since 1900. The various taxes on death in each country were looked at to address three questions, namely:

· Should tax be paid on the total value of the estate, or by each recipient, and at what rate;

· Should inheritance tax be used to rebalance active and passive wealth; and

· Should tax be used to break up large fortunes.

At different times and in different territories, tax has been levied on either the total value of an estate or on a recipient, sometimes with rates varying depending on the closeness of the relationship with the deceased, and limits on testamentary discretion. For example, in Germany in 1906 tax was paid on the amount inherited, at varying rates depending on the closeness of the relationship, with no tax on inheritances by the spouse or children of the deceased. However, there were prescribed limits on bequests, with a requirement that 50% of an estate was to be left to legitimate heirs. By comparison, the US taxed the total value of an estate, with complete testamentary freedom.

As well as being revenue raising, death taxes had a role to play in rebalancing or redistributing wealth. Rebalancing wealth was a theme in the policy underpinning UK death taxes, based on the theory that inherited wealth does not stem from achievement and so passive wealth could be harmful to both enterprise and the morals of the recipient. In Winston Churchill’s 1925 budget he referred to the need for “energetic creation of wealth” as being vital in the post war period, with inheritance tax being a “penalty on inertia”. By contrast the US saw death taxes as a method of redistributing wealth and preventing fortunes from being passed down the generations, effectively creating a new aristocracy and, in Franklin D Roosevelt’s words, perpetuating “great and undesirable concentrations of control”.

This brief summary cannot do justice to the depth and scope of Martin’s talk, and we must wait for his next book to read more on this subject. As always, his presentation was stimulating and very timely with a general election in the next year or so and the debate about the future of Inheritance tax. Much can be learned from the past experience!

The next History of Tax event is on 27 February 2024 when Pat O’Brien will give a centenary perspective on Irish taxation in a talk called “Out of the ruins”.

 

Installation Court and Dinner

On 21 September 2023 the Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers held its Installation Court where Mike Gibbons MBE was installed as Master and Bob Harland was installed as Deputy Master. Wardens of the Worshipful Company were appointed as follows: Kevin Thomas (Upper Warden), Matthew Peppitt (Middle Warden) and Caroline Turnball-Hall (Renter Warden). After the Installation Court, a Service of Thanksgiving was held at The Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great followed by the Installation Dinner at Painters’ Hall. Gary Ashford, President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, was the guest of honour.  In his speech, Gary amplified the Master’s chosen theme for 2023/24: ‘fellowship, affiliation and collaboration, within the Livery and with its affiliates’.

Coroners’ Court Support Service Reception

On 28 September the Renter Warden (Caroline Turnbull-Hall) and Court Assistant Michael Ashdown attended a reception to publicise the work of the Coroners’ Court Support Service (CCSS).

The CCSS is an independent voluntary organisation, which trains volunteers so that they can offer practical help and emotional support to anyone attending an inquest at a Coroner’s Court, be they members of the deceased’s family, witnesses or others.

The reception was held at the Old Bailey by invitation of HHJ Mark Lucraft KC, Recorder for London, with support from the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers. The evening included a short address by Roey Burden OBE, the Founder Trustee, and a film illustrating the work of the CCSS.

 

Group Admission Ceremony

The Worshipful Company arranged for six members to obtain their Freedom of the City of London at a Group Admission Ceremony at Guildhall on Thursday 21 September.

Tiphaine Le Bian conducted the Ceremony, explaining the history of the Freedom.  After the Ceremony, members were able to see some of interesting items, photographs and artefacts in the Court Room.

The members and their guests thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.  Later in the day, five of the new Freemen were advanced to Liverymen at the Installation Court meeting.

Thanks to Richard Geldard and Carolyn Finch for organising our participation and to Sue Christensen in her final act as Deputy Master.

If you are interested in obtaining your Freedom of the City of London, please contact Carolyn Finch, our Administration and Events Officer (office@taxadvisers.org.uk).

Sheep Drive

The Master took part in the Annual Sheep Drive across Southwark Bridge last week, a privilege only available to Freemen of the City of London. .  Attached is the Certificate which confirms that he drove the sheep successfully as well as a picture.

 

[pdf-embedder url=”http://www.taxadvisers.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20230928081843988.pdf”]

 

 

A Global Centre for Nature Finance

The City of London Corporation, in collaboration with PwC, and with support from the Green Finance Institute present this new report “A global centre for nature finance” which outlines our vision for an innovative and world leading centre for nature finance that supports the ambition of the GBF.

This report evaluates the readiness of the UK to take on this role and the required next steps. Mapping the current UK nature finance ecosystem, including market tools, participants, and the enabling infrastructure, it presents a roadmap for the UK to build on its position as a leading centre for green finance and become a global centre for nature finance.

For more details and to download the Report please follow the attached link:

A Global Centre for Nature Finance

There’s still time to join this September’s Nature Finance UK Conference 2023 to learn how all parts of the UK and other advanced nations can become a nature-positive economy. Discover the actions that leading organisations are taking to make this happen. Hear from leaders and experts, including keynote speaker the Rt Hon. The Lord Mayor Nicholas Lyons. Speakers from Triodos Bank UK, PwC, Knight Frank, National Parks Partnerships and the UK Infrastructure Bank.   Buy tickets now

 

Interlivery Pétanque

Two gallant teams of Tax Advisers rose to the challenge of a competing in a Pétanque tournament held in Vauxhall Park. This was organised by The Worshipful Company of Distillers in conjunction with the London Pétanque club.

Each team consisted of three team members and the knockout stages took the form of three matches against different livery companies.

Experience was in short supply, but this did not present a challenge to any of the participants. The matches were closely fought, but sadly both tax teams were knocked out at the group stage.

The trophy will not be coming home in 2023.

A special thanks is due to Middle Warden, Richard Geldard for organising the company’s entry and for providing food and refreshments.

Our two teams were Marcus Fincham, Keith Gordon, Howard Ashmore and Richard Geldard. Harvey and Sophie came to our rescue at the last minute, replacing two Company members who had to withdraw.

 

 

Livery Dinner

On Monday 10^th July, the Company held a Livery Dinner at Wax Chandlers’ Hall.  The Guest of Honour, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, proposed a Toast to the Company to which the Master, Bob Harland, responded.  The following were also present as guests of the Company: Nicholas Woolf, Master, The Worshipful Company of Gardeners; Erica Stary, Master, The Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers alias Wire Workers; and Dame Fiona Woolf, Upper Warden (Master-Elect), The Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers.

Tax Adviser Awards: HMS Bangor

This picture shows the captain of HMS Bangor presenting our Tax Adviser Awards to two members of the ship’s company.

 

HMS Bangor Deployment

The Commanding Officer of HMS Bangor, our affiliated ship, has sent through the attached pictures of its recent deployment with the Japanese Navy.

 

Old Bailey Tour

Our members were very fortunate to enjoy a tour of the Old Bailey accompanied by Sheriff Andrew Marsden. It proved to be a fascinating evening learning about both the current work of the Courts and its history.

The building dates from 1907 and was built on the site of the old courthouse and Newgate Prison. It is the only court under the control of the City of London. A chair for the Lord mayor is reserved in Court Number One, although their role is nominal, the Judges never sit in this chair.

We were lucky to be allowed into Court Number One and to see the rarely accessible Grand Hall.

Our thanks are due to both Andrew Marsden for his tour and to Sue Christensen for organising.

 

 

The Tax Advisers’ Charitable Trust and the London Air Ambulance

The Tax Advisers’ Charitable Trust (TACT) is a general charitable fund which supports tax charities, education, the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and a number of City and Greater London causes.  Amongst these causes we are delighted to be supporters of the London Air Ambulance and the London Air Ambulance’s Up Against Time Appeal.

Every day the London Air Ambulance crew is up against time to save lives in London. Now they are up against time to replace their helicopter fleet in autumn 2024 so that they can keep London’s only air ambulance flying beyond this time. Almost all of the funding required to run the service and replace the fleet comes from charities, private individuals, the general public and businesses.

TACT’s support will help the London Air Ambulance service to safeguard its 24/7 service for the 10 million people of London. They expect to treat more than 25,000 patients between 2024 –2039* – the expected lifespan of the new helicopters – improving their life-chances after serious injury.

Bob Harland, Master of the Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers and Lorraine Parkin, Chair of the Charities’ Committee were privileged to be given a tour of the London Air Ambulance’s base at The Royal London Hospital on 8 May 2023. They have nothing but admiration for the work and dedication of the crews who save so many lives.

TACT hopes to be able to donate further to the Up Against Time Appeal. If you would like any information on how to make donations to this appeal via TACT, or would like to be put in contact with the fund raisers at the London Air Ambulance to make a personal donation, please do not hesitate to contact Lorraine Parkin @ lorraineparkin6@gmail.com

*Based on historical mission data for their helicopters & cars.

 

Coronation Anointing Screen

Individual members of the Court of Assistants and Past Masters are delighted to have made donations towards the Anointing Screen that will be used during the Coronation of HM King Charles III on Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey.

The Anointing Screen has been designed and produced for use at the most sacred moment of the Coronation: the Anointing of His Majesty The King. The screen combines traditional and contemporary sustainable embroidery practices to produce a design which speaks to His Majesty The King’s deep affection for the Commonwealth.

The screen has been gifted for the occasion by the City of London Corporation and the City Livery Companies, which offer their unstinting loyalty to and support for the Monarchy.

(Image courtesy of Press Association)

Budget Banquet

Our Budget Banquet was held at Ironmongers Hall last week on 2 March 2023 and over 140 members of the Company and guests attended.  We were pleased to welcome David Goldberg KC as our speaker as well as a number of other official guests including Susan Ball, the President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

Installation of New Clerk

At the Court meeting on 2 March 2023 we installed Robert Lowth as the new Clerk of the Company.

 

Livery Food Initiative

As Chair of our Charities’ Committee from September 2022, I was delighted to join the Livery Charity Chairs’ Group (LCCG), which is chaired by the amazing Hilary Lindsay. One area of focus for this group is the Livery Food Initiative. I am told that across London 10.2 million meals are needed each month to sustain people who are experiencing food poverty. At the same time around 13 million meals are wasted each month.  Food wastage is one of the leading contributors to climate change.

 

The LCCG has partnered with City Harvest to collect and deliver healthy food on a daily basis to help relieve what some have called a serious humanitarian crisis in our own back yard. Last autumn the LCCG launched an initiative to raise sufficient funds to keep another City Harvest Van rolling for 3 years at a cost of £140, 000. Each van delivers thousands of meals every day, distributed through other charities and organisations. This is a fantastic example of grant making bodies collaborating together to make a bigger difference. I’m delighted to say that your Charity, the Tax Advisers’ Charitable Trust, is one of the financial supporters of this initiative. We played our part alongside 79 Livery Companies and Guilds and raised the funds required for a new City Harvest Van to hit the road with almost sufficient funds to keep it on the road for 3 years.  It meets so many of our criteria. For every £1.00 we donate I am advised that there is a corresponding social value of £12.70. We’re involved in taking direct action to reduce food poverty and by redistributing surplus food we’re making a positive difference to both society and the planet while living our ESG investment and grant making objectives.

 

To celebrate this first milestone, City Harvest wrapped the van with Livery Food Initiative logos to endorse our support.  On Monday 6 March the Lord Mayor, Alderman Nicholas Lyons, Sheriff Andrew Marsden and their Consorts assembled in Walbrook, City of London, for the launch of this first van. I was delighted that Past Master Marcus Fincham, Past Master Michael Godbee and Court Assistant Vaughan Robinson were able to attend the launch ceremony on behalf of the Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers’ and the Tax Advisers’ Charitable Trust. I am extremely grateful to them. Vaughan took some wonderful photographs of the occasion including a lovely photo of Marcus with Hilary and with the van.

 

If you would like to know any more about the Livery Food Initiative or about our Charities and their activities, please do not hesitate to get in touch either with me or with any member of the Charities’ Committee.

Lorraine Parkin

Chair

Tax Advisers” Charitable Trust

Tax Advisers’ Benevolent Fund.

Lord Mayor’s Briefing Group

Court Assistant Stephen Hodgson was privileged to chair a meeting of the Lord Mayor’s Briefing Group at Mansion House. The Group is a diverse range of tax experts charged with briefing the The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of the City of London on current and emerging UK and international tax issues as he embarks on 12 months of travel to promote the City of London Corporation and UK financial and professional services around the world.

Topics included last week’s UK Autumn Statement, the OECD Global Minimum Corporate Tax, the UK government’s consultation on sovereign immunity, the UK non-domicile regime, UK tax competitiveness, and the impact of Brexit on the UK tax system.

Throughout his year in office, we will continue to provide the Lord Mayor and his team with up-to-date tax briefings as he meets business leaders, politicians, and officials throughout the UK and overseas.

A huge thank you to all the exceptionally talented members of the briefing group for their time and wisdom.