It’s always a privilege to be asked to act as Master of Ceremonies for one of the City of London’s most prestigious and ancient institutions. So, I was honoured to officiate at the 700th anniversary of The Skinners’ Company earlier this month.

The Skinners’ Company originally developed from a medieval trade guild which regulated and controlled the manufacture and sale of furs. It also had a benevolent side, caring for its sick members and those in financial difficulties. In those days, there were strict controls that kept the posher furs such as ermine, sable and marten for royalty and the aristocracy – the middle classes had to make do with squirrel and fox, leaving commoners to get by with lambskin, rabbit or even cat!

These days, the Company is a modern, dynamic membership organisation that’s committed to education and philanthropy.

I worked with the Beadle and team on this lovely event, reading out the official proclamation and welcoming members to the Autumn dinner at the Worshipful Company of Skinners’ Hall.