Dear Members,
Our June committee meeting has proved really fruitful and the LMA now has a programme of event for your calendars.
More importantly, however, is the wonderful news that our Membership Secretary, Hilary Lindsay, has won the 2026 Root and Branch Award, in recognition of her exceptional contribution in the founding and development of the Livery Charity Chairs Group (LCCG) which now has 151 members from 114 livery companies and guilds. Under Hilary’s leadership, LCCG created the Livery Food Initiative (LFI) in 2022, partnering with City Harvest to address London’s food poverty crisis with a strategic programme focused on funding vehicles, logistics, and infrastructure to rescue and redistribute surplus food across London. Between 2023 and 2025, LFI raised an impressive £600,000 from 72 livery companies.
We all send our heartiest congratulations to Hilary for this very well-deserved recognition.
New LMA charity
The LMA’s charitable giving focuses on charities which benefit women and children in the London area. The committee has selected Sister System , a fantastic charity which supports young women affected by the care system. It provides mentoring, support and a safe space for young women who need it. We hope to learn more about their work as the year progresses. Our thanks to Felicity Harding for her diligent research in this area.
Forthcoming Events
Visit to the Spectacle Makers Museum 14 July 2026 10.50am
A FEW SPACES ARE STILL AVAILABLE!
A private guided tour of the museum, followed by lunch in the crypt at St Martins in the Fields. Please see the Events section of the website for details and email Lis to book secretary@ladymasters.org.uk
Programme 2026-2027
12 October 2026 Lunch at Ironmongers Hall
23 November 2026 Zoom talk by Liz Green, past Sheriff
1 February 2027 A Body in the River – talk by Professor Carolyn Roberts, Master Water Conservator and forensic scientist. Venue TBC
8 March 2027 Celebration of International Women’s Day – details of service at St Mary le Bow and lunch TBC
19 April 2027 AGM, Guildhall
17 May 2027 Wardens evening, Guildhall
If you would like to suggest a visit, event or a speaker for the LMA, please email chairman@ladymasters.org.uk
City and Livery Events
18 July Cartmarking Worshipful Company of Carmen, Guildhall Yard
18 September Sheriff’s Ball, Guildhall
23 September City Giving Day
27 September Woolmans’ Annual Sheep Drive
28 September Admission of Sheriffs
29 September Election of Lord Mayor
13 November Silent Ceremony
14 November Lord Mayor’s Show
A full list of City livery events is available on the Livery Committee website.
One in four
Finally, Erica Stary has made a close study of the appointment of livery masters and reports that the number of female masters has hit an all-time high for 2025-2026, with 29 women, which is 25.4% of the total. There are only nine companies who have yet to appoint a female master. Parity is obviously some way off, but this is surely a moment to celebrate. (Read her full paper about women in the livery and high civic office here).
With best wishes for a warm (that’s warm, rather than hot) and relaxing summer.
Judith Millidge
Chairman