Nomination Dinner 2023

Our Nomination Service was held, by kind permission of the Reverend Stephen Baxter, last November in St Stephen Walbrook.  Phoebe Chow was the organist who enthralled the congregation with her playing.  This was the overture to a wonderful evening for the Company.  This well attended service was led by our Chaplain, Colonel the Reverend David Cooper.  

After our procession to The Mansion House, Dr Tom Hughes was Clothed as a Liveryman Gunmaker. This was the penultimate act of Master McBeath’s year.

The last act of Master McBeath’s year was to present, to the delight of the Company present and abroad, Past Master Richard Gallyon with his Lifetime Achievement Award.  Richard is a sixth generation gunmaker whose outstanding reputation and industry at his family business earned a Royal Warrant in 1938 and was only reluctantly surrendered in 2000.  Richard was Clothed as a Liveryman 50 years ago in April 1973 and was Master of our Company in 1982 and 1997.

Another very good parade of 250 diners attending the Nomination Dinner was chaperoned by a smart Stair Guard from 31 (Tower Hamlets) Squadron Air Training Corps, commanded by Flying Officer Edward Simmonds, to a welcoming champagne reception in the Salon before enjoying a four-course banquet.  Guests included the Masters of the Armourers and Brasiers, the Bowyers and the Fletchers’ Companies; Major Richard Glover, OC B Sqn (The Guards) The Light Dragoons; Mr Simon Metcalf MVO, The King’s Armourer and Ms Emma Mawdlsey, Keeper of The Tower Armouries.  Fifteen new Liverymen were welcomed to the Company by taking wine with the Master for the first time. Musical entertainment was provided by the London Fanfare Trumpets. 

During the course of the dinner in the Egyptian Hall of the Mansion House, our new Master was installed.  Lt Col Simon West OBE was Clothed by the Retiring Master, Mr Rowlie McBeath, assisted by our new Beadle Andrew Williamson.  Col West read the Declaration of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers.

“I, SIMON RUPERT WEST, do solemnly and sincerely declare that I will be true to Our Sovereign Lord, King Charles the Third, his Heirs and Lawful Successors. That I shall endeavour myself the best I can whilst I continue in Office, whereunto I am now chosen, justly and indifferently to execute and cause to be executed my Office in every respect and put in due execution all the good and lawful Laws and Ordinances in the Book of Ordinances expressed and contained without assessing or punishing any Person for reward dread favour or affection and of all and every such goods plate jewels sums of money or any other hiring or things whatsoever that by reason of my said Office shall come to my hands charge or custody I shall according to the Ordinances make touching the same yield and make good true and plain account.”

It was a splendid evening and a great start to another Livery year.

The London Proof House looking ready for the Christmas celebration.

Christmas Greetings 2025

December 21, 2025
A brief message from the Master of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers to all Liverymen at Christmas.
Coat of arms with weapons, flags, and Latin inscription:

The Achievement of Arms

October 5, 2025
Our identity as the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers certainly transcends the words themselves. In fact, our particular style of Livery is a unique combination of our heritage, the work of the Proof House and the Clerk’s office, and the day-to-day contributions […] The post The Achievement of Arms appeared first on Worshipful Company of Gunmakers.

Gunmakers Master Made Fellow

October 2, 2025
Richard Hefford-Hobbs Awarded Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering  Richard Hefford-Hobbs FREng has been awarded the esteemed Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering, a prestigious honour recognising his exceptional contributions to the field of engineering.   The announcement was made on the 24th of September 2025, highlighting Richard as one of a select few […] The post Gunmakers Master Made Fellow appeared first on Worshipful Company of Gunmakers.
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