Regrettably we have very little information on our early years – all that we can glean follows.
If anyone can add any further “colour” to this rather dry list we would greatly  

Lloyd’s Connection
One or two of the legible signatures show that leading figures of the time were active members of our club e.g. RW Sturge and John Meacock both leading Lloyd’s Underwriters of the era.

See also – “Our Club”

N.B. Prices/Costs where shown are shown as £. S. D (Pounds, shillings and pence) – this was pre decimalisation
e.g. £3.10.0p (Three Pounds Ten Shillings)

= £3.50p
(240 pennies to a £, not as today 100p to £1)

20 Shillings to a Pound
£37/6 = £1.17.6p = Aprox £1.85p
£1/1/0d = 1 Guinea

The inaugural meeting was held on the Thursday 17^th January 1946 at 4 Angel Court, Throgmorton Street.
Unfortunately no notes exist prior to this date regarding the actual creation of the Club, although it seems likely that some discussion must have taken place beforehand to come up with the structure created.
Present were;
Alderman Sir Bracewell Smith BSc – who became our 1st President. (elected Lord Mayor in November 1946)

Major Alfred Rice JP, CC, who became Master
Mr W.A. Hicks – who became Upper Warden
Mr R Jeffryes – who became Lower Warden
Mr H.L. Tabor
Mr E.V.Wood
Mr G.McDonald
Mr A.E. Johnson
Mr R.T.Rivington MA. LLB – who became Hon Secretary
Mr R.M.Hicks – who became Asst Hon Secretary
Mr E Wheeler FCII who became Hon Treasurer

In addition, the following were appointed as Vice Presidents;
Deputy Sir H Percy Shepherd CC
Rt Hon Ralph Assheton M.P.
He was MP for Rushcliffe 1934-1945, for City of London 1945 – 1950 (when the constituency was abolished) and the only
MP for Blackburn West 1950 -1955 as this constituency was created in 1950 and abolished in 1955.
and
Alderman Sir Percy Walker Greenaway Bt

Committee
Mr Gardener
Mr C.F.Lewis CC
Mr W.E.Rice O.B.E., J.P.
Mr H.R. Tabor
Mr E.W.Wood
Sir Edward Worthington K.C.V.O.

At the proposal of the President and seconded by Mr Tabor it was agreed that the Rules of the Club as proposed by the Master should be adopted (Copy not yet found
It was agreed that the Officers of the Club be elected annually at a meeting to be held in February or at any other time as may be agreed upon.

The Master and the President both addressed the meeting as to the reasons for the creation of the Club and the advantages the Ward would derive from it. (Original reasons not found or minuted.

12 members in attendance.
Over 30 new members were elected including Mr RW Sturge (Lloyd’s)
A talk was given by the President on the Office of Alderman in the City of London.

13 members in attendance.
A further 9 members were elected.
A talk was given by Mr George Hicks MP on “Working in the House of Commons”
N.B. The Minutes were signed off in October.

5 members.
A new hand taking the Mniutes, although this was the fifth meeting  shown as the “first” – new venue as well. 15-18 Lime Street (Forum House) – in the Ward.
The “Signing in Book” was probably “lost” for a time as the next entry is November 1947.
It was proposed that the Master Major Rice JP CC be congratulated on becoming “Deputy” for the Ward. At the same time Mr Hicks CC (Upper Warden) was congratulated on his co-option to the Court of Common Council.
Some discussion took place on the future structure of the Club. It was suggested that a Dinner should be held after the next meeting at the Great Eastern Hotel (Above Liverpool Street Station) and that Guests should be allowed.
It was unanimously agreed that Rule 13 of the Rules (No copy of original rules yet found) be amended to allow the Committee to elect Members and inform the Membership at a future Meeting.

A number of underwriters had been proposed for Membership – the Master would find time in his diary to interview them.

9 members in attendance. Shown as 2nd Meeting in the Minutes.
First resignations from the Committee! – Messrs Gardner, Woodthorpe CC and Worthington.

Agreed to have a “House Dinner” at the Great Eastern Hotel with a speaker.
Sub Committee set up to organise. Max cost 8s/6d (Eight Shilling and Sixpence = 42.5p)

16 Committee and Members, in attendance.
Congratulations were given to both Messrs Hicks and Jeffreys on their being co-opted onto the Court of Common Council

Talk by Mr John Betts – Editor of his newspaper “The City Press”
Dinner included a further 19 visitors

It must have been fun taking the Minutes, as these are numbered as Meeting no 5!

 Only 5 Committee Members in attendance.

The Master read out the text of an illuminated address that had been presented to the incoming Lord Mayor – Alderman Sir Bracewell Smith. (President of the Club) The Master being on the Lord Mayor’s Committee participated  in the Lord Mayor’s Show along with Mr W.A.Hicks CC

Agreed that the next Meeting would be only  a Christmas Dinner.

A short talk before the “house dinner” was given by Mr Adrian Oswald  who gave an address on “Recent Discoveries in Roman and Medieval London.”

This is the last Meeting of our first year, Shown as the Third. Very definitely in total, including the inaugural Meeting, Meeting 8.
5  Committee Members, in attendance.
Proposals were put forward to slightly amend the rules (Copy not as of now, not available), Basically to do with when Meetings would be held.
It was agreed that the Lord Mayor would be invited to a Lunch or Dinner.This would be organised by the Master elect.

3 donations were made to Club Funds by Major Rice  £30/0/0, Mr Hicks £15.0.0, Mr Jeffreys £15.0.0. They were thanked very cordially for their generosity

President – Rt Hon The Lord Mayor – Alderman Sir Bracewell Smith
Vice Presidents Rt Hon Ralph Asheton MP and Alderman Sir Percy Greenaway

Given the huge efforts put in by Major Rice to get the Club set up on such a firm footing it was proposed by the Upper Warden  that Major Rice be appointed as Master for a 2nd Term. This was unanimously approved.

Mr W.A. Hicks CC – Upper Warden
Mr Russell Jeffreys – Lower Warden
Mr RJ Rivington – Hon Secretary
Mr R.M. Hicks – Hon Asst Secretary
Mr Edgar Wheeler – Hon Treasurer

Mr  R.J. Rivington – Hon Sec
Mr R.M. Hicks – Asst Hon Sec

7 Members in attendance

Apart from electing the Officers as above. A rule change was proposed and agreed.  Only 4 Committee Meetings a year would be held including the AGM. These would be on the 3rd Thursday of Feb, April, October and November.
No information on Membership or finances

Meetings April and October – no entry in the Minutes Book – no reference in the November Minutes

Committee Meeting
8 Members in attendance

4 new Members proposed and accepted
Peter Tearks
Mr Harvey Bowring (Lloyd’s Underwriter) Syndicate Pseudonym WEH
Sir Phillip Dambrumenil (Lloyd’s Underwriter) Syndicate Pseudonym PdA
Mr John Meacock Syndicate Pseudonym SAM

A new Hon Secretary is appointed – Mr George Marshall (29/30 Leadenhall Market)
Rules Sub Committee set up to “peruse the rules of the Club

Ordinary Meeting
Advised members of new Members agreed as above
A talk was given by Mr Albert Dobbs on “Lloyd’s
The Meeting was followed by a House Dinner

6 Members in attendance.
Proposed changes to the Rules were put forward by the Sub committee and agreed – Still hunting the original rules and changes.
Agreed to invite Lord Mayor and Sheriffs to the Club’s AGM and Banquet – They all agreed to attend

President Sir Bracewell Smith. Bart HCVO.
Vice President  Rt Hon Ralph Asheton MP
Alderman Sir Percy Greenaway, Bart CC

Master Mr W.A. Hicks.
Upper Warden  Mr Russell Jefferyes CC
Lower Warden  Mr Mr H.R. Talbor
Hon Treasurer  Mr Edgar Wheeler F.C.I.I
Hon Secretary  Mr G.H. Marshal ACIS

Hon Auditor  Mr G.I. Russell

19 members in attendance.
A very major debate took place about the Membership Subscriptions which was 1/11/6d
Motion A) – increase to 2 Guineas (2/2/0d)
Motion B) – decrease to 1 Guinea (1/1/0d)

Both were put to the Meeting and both LOST!

It was proposed and agreed that the Subscriptions remained at 1/11/6d

The Meeting was followed by Dinner, with the Lord Mayor (Sir Frederick Wells), Alderman and Sheriff Sir Leslie Boyce and Sheriff R.C Hammett in attendance.
“A most enjoyable function” with 77 in attendance. 72 Members and 5 Guests.
Income – 151/4/0d
Outgo    – 215/11/1

The Master made a very generous donation of 30/0/0d the Balance of the deficit coming from Club Funds

 New Member Admitted Major Harry Duckworth. He was going to become an important part of the club in future years.

13 members in attendance with 16 Visitors.
The Club was obviously starting to become more well known as is shown by the attendance at this meeting and at the next Annual Meeting.

President Sir Bracewell Smith. Bart HCVO.
Vice President  Rt Hon Ralph Asheton MP
Alderman Sir Percy Greenaway, Bart CC

Master Mr Russell Jefferyes CC
– A Leadenhall Market Trader
Upper Warden  Mr Mr H.L. Tabor
Lower Warden  Mr Deputy R.W. Vick
Hon Treasurer  Mr Edgar Wheeler F.C.I.I
Hon Secretary  Mr G.H. Marshal ACIS

Hon Auditor  Mr G.I. Russell

Membership 51

21 Members in attendance
The Meeting was followed by Dinner. 21 members and 15 Guest

Club Guests (10) included the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress (Lord and Lady Bowater) and the Master Apothecary
Members and Guests totalled 73
– Lady guests were invited

Income 200.15.0d
Outgo 293/18/3d
The Master contributed 30/0/0d towards the deficit – the rest from Club funds.

9 Members in attendance
It was agreed that the Ward Beadle Mr E.J. Lambert be appointed an Honorary Member
The Meeting was followed by Dinner. 21 members and 15 Guests

19 Members in attendance, with 13 “visitors”

8 Members in attendance.

Major discussion re lack of clarity for Members/potential  new members re the actual purpose of the Club.
It was suggested that the Common Councilors should form a committee to agree on what information they would provide to Ward Club members on a regular basis.

President Sir Bracewell Smith. Bart HCVO.
Vice President  Rt Hon Ralph Asheton MP
N.B. Alderman Sir Percy Greenaway, Bart CC – retired as a Vice President at the AGM

Master Mr H.L. Tabor  – A well known Market Trader
Upper Warden  Deputy R.W. Vick
Lower Warden  Mr J.F. Huxtable
Hon Treasurer  Mr Edgar Wheeler F.C.I.I
Hon Secretary  Mr G.H. Marshal ACIS

Hon Auditor  Mr F Santham and Mr A.J. Hullett

21 Members in attendance with 22 guests. an Address was given by Mr Leslie Laudgragan of the Royal Irish Society

16 Members in attendance with 13 Visitors.
A talk was given by Rear Admiral Miller.

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress together with the Sheriffs and their Ladies were in attendance.
11 Guests and 106 Members in attendance   – The Club reputation must have been growing.
Overall Deficit £74/11/4, to which the Master contributed £46/0/0d. The balance from Club Funds.

Among the costs of the event, some interesting items, perhaps
Hall Hire  £21/0/0d
Cigars £19/13/8d
Artists £21/0/0d
Piano £3/13/6d
Fruit £7/10/8d
Poultry (??) and Flowers 46/0/0d
N.B. Catering –  per person – a further £2/0/0d

12 Members in attendance

President Sir Bracewell Smith. Bart HCVO.
Vice President  Sir Harold Welby MP – N.B. Rt Hon Ralph Asheton MP – resigned during the year (work commitments)
Master Mr R.W. Vick, Deputy
Upper Warden  Deputy R.W. Vick
Lower Warden  Mr J.F. Huxtable
Hon Treasurer  Mr Edgar Wheeler F.C.I.I
Hon Secretary  Mr G.H. Marshal ACIS

Hon Auditor  Mr F Sandham and Mr Jeffryes

10 members in attendance
The Dinner was attended by 20 Members and 14 Guests with a talk given by Mr G.Gibbens MBE., MD., MA. Lecturer in Forensic Psychiatry

9 Members in attendance.

Dinner followed with 17 members and 13 guests. No speaker

The Meeting was followed by a House Dinner
15 members and 17 Guests in attendance.

23 Members – 15 Guests – Speaker, Sir Charles Petrie

10 Members in attendance
2 Social Events were discussed – the first events apart from Dinners since the Clubs formation.

a) a boat trip – through some of the docks of the Port of London. Hon. Sec reported back that the only information available was that there was a bi-weekly trip available to Members of the Public – he was asked to go and research more. The Ward Club wanted a private launch.

b) Golf Meeting – not much enthusiasm. suggested that a letter might be sent to Members to assess whether there would be support for such an idea.
– neither seemed to come to anything

121 Members and Guests
This event ran at a larger “loss” than normal, even with an increased ticket price of £3.3.0d (from £3.0.0d) owing to the increased costs of hiring Skinners’ Hall as opposed to the Apothecaries Hall and  a general increase in costs. The Master made a contribution of £15/0/0d. Deficit to the club £80/5/3d

13 Members in attendance with 11 visitors

President Sir Bracewell Smith. Bart HCVO.
Vice President  Sir Harold Welby MP
Master Mr G.U. Salvi – Cockburn & Co (Leith), (Port Importers…) 8 Lime Street

Upper Warden Mr A.J. Hullett
Lower Warden Mr Mr E Stuart Hunt CC
Hon Treasurer  Mr Edgar Wheeler F.C.I.I
Hon Secretary  Mr G.H. Marshal ACIS

Hon Auditor  Mr Tabor and Mr Jeffryes

Number of Members 50
A House Dinner followed – 19 Members in attendance with 11 guests

16 Members in attendance  with 13 Guests

The Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress and the Sheriffs and their Ladies were all in attendance . Numbers were low, only 80 in total. (71 Members)  The event made a loss of  £72/13/8d, even after the Master supplied all the Wines. The main issue being the Catering costs.

10 Members in attendance.
The Meeting was followed by a House Dinner, with the guest speaker being Mr W Derby who gave a “most interesting address” on Lloyd’s

President Sir Bracewell Smith. Bart KCVO.
Vice President  Sir Harold Welby MP
Master Mr A.J. Hullett
Upper Warden Mr E Stuart Hunt CC
Lower Warden Mr P.F.Hadley
Hon Treasurer  Mr Edgar Wheeler F.C.I.I
Hon Secretary  Mr G.H. Marshal ACIS

Hon Auditor  Mr Nokes and Mr Jeffryes

20 Members in attendance

The Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress and Sheriffs were in attendance, along with their ladies.
The now anticipated  loss of £59/10/09d was reduced down by a contribution from the Master  of £25/0/0d. This was gratefully accepted by the Club

8 Members in attendance
One Member of the committee raised an issue re the Membership Criteria, suggesting that it was too restricted. A discussion ensued.

President Sir Bracewell Smith. Bart KCVO.
Vice President  Sir Harold Welby MP
Master Mr E Stuart Hunt CC
Upper Warden Mr P.F.Hadley
Lower Warden Mr Charles Trinder CC
Hon Treasurer  Mr Edgar Wheeler F.C.I.I
Hon Secretary  Mr G.H. Marshal ACIS

Hon Auditor  Mr Nokes and Mr Jeffryes

28 Members in attendance
For the House Dinner  – 28 Members and 27 guests

It was reported that there would be a Meeting on April 21st and that the Annual Dinner would be on the 28th September – Vintners Hall
No further information.

An interesting Year – slightly confusing.

For reasons that are not clear No AGM was held in February. A Meeting was called on July 24th to discuss arrangements for a belated AGM on July 31st, followed by a Dinner.
It was also agreed that the Full Membership Fee of £1/1/0d would be charged to all Members BUT that the dinner would be FREE.

At the same Meeting it was announced the the Upper Warden (“Master Elect” so to speak), had decided to resign from the Club, having retired from City life and moving out of London. It was therefore proposed that the Lower Warden stand as Master at the re arranged AGM.

In addition
The Hon. Secretary who had been Hon. Sec since 1947
Mr Wheeler one of the Hon. Auditors both tendered their resignations.

From Mid 1956
President Sir Bracewell Smith. Bart KCVO.
Vice President  Sir Harold Welby MP
Master Mr Charles Trinder CC
Alderman of Aldgate Ward, Sheriff 1964 and Lord Mayor 1968
Business  – Trinder Anderson and Co – linked with Harvey Trinder – Lloyd’s Broker
Upper Warden Mr H Duckworth
Lower Warden W.A. Lesley
Hon Treasurer  Mr Edgar Wheeler F.C.I.I
Hon Secretary  Mr H Duckworth

Hon Auditor  Mr Nokes and Mr White

14 Members in attendance
It was proposed and agreed that any deficit from the Annual Dinner should be met from Club Funds. A “pot’ of over £300 had been built up.
(For the past decade the Master had made a contribution to help reduce the deficit.)

The Meeting was followed by a House Dinner with 17 Members and 15 Guests

10 Members in attendance

4 individuals were put forward for Membership with three were put on hold in view of their failing to pass the eligibility standards under the current Club rules. It was proposed that a Sub-committee be formed to review these conditions of membership.
Almost certainly there was a discussion re the length of speeches at the Annual Dinner and possibly the disapproval of the Lord Mayor. It was agreed that a donation of £10/10/00d (10 Guineas) be sent to the Lord Mayor’s Fund – in later times this became a tradition.

Dinner followed with 17 Members and 22 Guests in attendance

A Review of Rule 4 with the aim of widening the possible scope for Membership of the Club

8 Members in attendance

It was agreed that the Master’s Jewel be insured for £100/0/0d
A review of the proposals of the Rules Sub-Committee took place.

Proposals will be included when Rules are reviewed

9 Members in attendance

Agreement on who will be put forward at the AGM for the various posts.

Request that it be Minuted that the Master had been appointed as Chairman of a special Committee to organise a lunch for The Duke of Edinburgh

President Sir Bracewell Smith. Bart KCVO.
Vice President  Sir Harold Welby MP
Master Mr Charles Trinder CC
Alderman of Aldgate Ward, Sheriff 1964 and Lord Mayor 1968
Business  – Trinder Anderson and Co – linked with Harvey Trinder – Lloyd’s BrokerUpper Warden Mr H Duckworth
Lower Warden W.L.A. Derby
Hon Treasurer  Mr Edgar Wheeler F.C.I.I
Hon Secretary  Mr H Duckworth

Hon Auditor  Mr Nokes and Mr F.R.White

The Accounts were presented unaudited – in view of the very short period of time between 31st Jan and 21st February. It was recommended that the Committee discuss the possibility of changing the accounting period to a more convenient time.

In 2020! it was agreed to change the Accounts Year to 1/1-31/12 for this reason.

It was agreed that the Rule Proposals put forward by the Rules Sub Committee be approved.  No real indication as to what these changes were.

It was proposed that the Committee consider the position of the Beadle in this context?

8 Members in attendance

Proposed and agreed that the Clubs Financial Year shall be amended to 31st December and that the relevant Rules be changed.
– not sure they ever were!

7 Members in attendance.
They decided that the venue for the Annual Dinner be changed to Tallow Chandlers’ Hall and that the Menu would be submitted to the Committee. “Economy at the next Dinner was an imperative”

President Sir Bracewell Smith. Bart KCVO.
Master Mr Norman Tremellen (Insurance Broker – had his own Company)
Upper Warden Mr H Duckworth
Lower Warden W.L.A. Derby
Hon Treasurer  Mr Howard
Hon Secretary  Mr H Duckworth

Hon Auditor  Mr Logan

It was proposed and agreed that the Master approach the Chairman of Lloyd’s to see it it would be possible to hold our Annual Dinner in the Lloyd’s Building.
N.B. The “new” Lloyd’s Building was only to be opened in 1958.

11 Members in attendance

A letter from the Rev Owen of St Peter’s Corrnhill regarding a Harvest Festival Service in September was read out.
It was agreed that the Club would make a donation of  £2/2/0d (2 Guineas) and that the club would promote the Service to Members later in the year.
Very likely the Ward Club’s first involvement with a Service at St Peter’s.

Annual Dinner. As proposed at an earlier meeting a Menu was submitted for approval of the Committee. It should be noted that the Venue chosen was Tallow Chandlers’ Hall. (not Lloyd’s, as was probably hoped for).

City Press (City Newspaper) It was agreed that the Master and the Hon. Sec would keep City Press advised of items of importance and interest.

43 Members and 12 Club Guests = a loss of £75/8/11d in a year when “economies were imperative”

11 Members in attendance

A letter from the the President of the United Wards Club was read out.
It was agreed that he be invited to the next House Dinner to expand on his proposals.
The Club had received a letter of thanks from the Prebendary of St Peters’ for the Club’s donation of £2/2/0d (2 Guineas)

Re the Annual Dinner at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall, as noted above this suffered a loss of, in the main owing to fixed costs and low attendance .

President Sir Bracewell Smith. Bart KCVO.
President  Sir Harold Welby MP
Master Mr  Mr H Duckworth owner of  a Confectioners in Leadenhall Market and possibly in Lime Street
Upper Warden Mr D Cresswell
Lower Warden W.L.A. Derby
Hon Treasurer  Mr C.N.A. Howard
Hon Secretary  Mr H Duckworth

Hon Auditor  Mr Logan

15 Members in attendance

Chairman of Lloyd’s not able to accept the title of Patron

Discussions would take place as to whether to continue with the Annual Dinner given the low numbers of attendees and the high fixed costs.

The Master appealed to the Members for an increase in Membership – target to double the current strength.

The Meeting was followed by a House Dinner – 29 members – 21 Guests

9 Members in attendance

The Master suggested that a Wine Tasting be organised – a sub-committee was set up to arrange the details.  We await to see  if it happened. If so the first social event apart from lunches and dinners. It didn’t.

10 Members in attendance.
The resignation of Alderman Charles Trinder was received with regret but the Committee wished to record their good wishes to him as he is appointed Alderman of Aldgate Ward

The Treasurer made a rather strong and clear message re the clubs finances! “At the rate that we are losing money (on the Annual Dinner in particular) we will be able to have one more Dinner and our funds will be exhausted”!

It was proposed to increase the membership from £1/11/6d to £2/2/0d (2 Guineas) – This was supported by the Committee.

President Sir Bracewell Smith. Bart KCVO.
Vice President  Alderman  C Trinder (Past Master and recently appointed Alderman for Aldgate Ward)
Master  Mr D Cresswell
Upper Warden Mr J Holmes
Lower Warden W.L.A. Derby
Hon Treasurer  Mr C.N.A. Howard
Hon Secretary  Mr H Duckworth

Hon Auditor  Mr Logan

15 members in attendance.
7 people were standing for 6 places on the Committee, There had to be a secret ballot. It seems that 6 were elected by a clear majority.

An increase in Membership subscriptions was agree from £1/11/6d to £2/2/0d (2 guineas).
1 member proposed that the Annual Dinner (seriously loss making) be dropped. It was agreed to ask the Committee to review and report back in due course.

The Meeting was followed by a House Dinner with 27 members and 21 Guests.

9 Members in attendance

Agreed that the practice of giving Members a free House Dinner after the AGM be discontinued. An obvious move given the Club’s Finances.
Obviously it was agreed not to charge £2/2/0d at some point and only charge £1/11/6d as this  was to be credited to those who had paid the higher figure”.

A visit to Cable and Wireless was conformed for June 9th – The First Social Event ex Dinners and Lunches that actually happened?

9 Members in attendance

Agreed that the practice of giving Members a free House Dinner after the AGM be discontinued. Not possible yet to see when this “tradition’ was started but an obvious move given the Club’s finances.
“The difference between the 1/11/6d and 2/2/0d was to be credited to those who had paid the higher figure” Did they agree not to charge the higher fee in the end ?

A visit to Cable and Wireless was conformed for June 9th – The First Social Event ex Dinners and Lunches that actually happened?