President- Alderman Robert Howard

Vice President-  Alderman Sir Charles Bowman

Master  Dr. Louise Otter

Upper Warden  Mr. Jonathan Woodrow

Lower Warden Mr. Peter Dunphy MBE

Hon Secretary Mrs. Patricia Dinsdale

Hon Treasurer  Mr. Chris Otter

Independent Examiner Mr. Rowland Hughes

Hon Chaplain Rev. William Taylor

Annual General Meeting/Installation Dinner  10th February 2026 – Wax Chandlers Hall

The Master, President, Vice President and 32 Members were in attendance at the AGM, held in the Court Room of Wax Chandlers Hall

They heard a report on his year from the outgoing Master, Teresita Cutting

Treasurer Mr Chris Otter was pleased with the overall finances of the Club and confirmed that our regular donations would be continued  to:-

Lady Mayor’s Charity
St Peter upon Cornhill
Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund
COLA Shoreditich Park
Lady Mayor’s Big Curry (H.M. Forces)

They saw the installation of Dr. Louise Otter , as our new Master , Mr. Jonathan Woodrow as Upper Warden and Mr. Peter Dunphy MBE as lower Warden.

As the President and the Vice President had agreed to swap roles every year, Alderman Robert Howard  was elected as President for the forthcoming year .

Peter Cave reported on Honorary Membership and New Members of which, there were 6 people nominated and approved to join the Ward Club .

President Alderman Robert Howard proposed a vote of thanks to Immediate Past Master , Teresita Cutting  , and the meeting was declared closed by the new         Master at 18.50 hours .

At the Dinner, a really warm welcome was given to our new Master, Dr. Louise Otter   by the 61 in attendance.   Immediately after Grace given by  Rev’d Henry Eatock Taylor, the Master made a short speech of introduction, touching on his chosen charity for the year, ”The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre‘ and had great pleasure in presenting Teresita Cutting  with her Past Masters Jewel and introducing our new Upper Warden, Mr. Jonathan Woodrow  and Lower Warden, Mr. Peter Dunphy MBE  .

Dinner was provided by Cook and Butler and consisted of :-

Filo Pastry Envelope of Sea Bass & Aubergine Caviar , Watercress sauce ,   Neethlingshof Unwooded Chardonnay 2026 Stellenbosch Fine Cape Estates
Selection of Breads –

Fillet of Rare Breed Cornish Grass Fed Beef , Port Wine Sauce ,Dauphinoise potatoes, Honey Roasted  Vegetables – The Pavillion 2019 Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Western Cape Boschendal

Peruvian Coffee Creme Brulee, White Chocolate Ice cream , Sailor Jerry Spiced Jamaican Rum Creme Anglaise– Barao de Vilar Port or Cognac

Fair Trade Rich Roast Coffee, Tregothnan Cornish Estate Grown Tea  and  Chocolate Truffles,

.

The Master’s Guest speaker, who proposed the Toast to the Lime Street and Cornhill Ward Club on behalf of the guests, was Mr.. Murray Craig  who most people know,  was the Clerk of the Chamberlains Court, until recent retirement , whose speech was interesting, amusing and thought provoking.

The President thanked everyone for coming to the Dinner , also to Wax Chandler for allowing the Ward Club to use their splendid hall,  also thanking Mr. Stanley Liu who is a Past Master of Lime Street & Cornhill Ward Club &  the Beadle of Wax Chandlers. Thanks also went out to the  caterers Cook and Butler and the President wished the new Master well for her year.

Two Tours – Umbrella Factory & Olympic Stadium – 18th March 2026

Members visited Ince Umbrellas, the oldest umbrella maker and manufacturer.
A small family run manufacturer who have been in the business of making and wholesaling umbrellas for over 215 years. They are recognised as the longest established umbrella manufacturer in the UK.
Members were able to witness the craftmanship of making an umbrella. Learning about all aspects of crafting an umbrella, and the industry.
Members then went over to the Olympic Stadium for a private tour.
Built to host London 2012, the former Olympic Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is home to Premier League football club West Ham United and UK Athletics. With rock concerts through the intervening months, this versatile venue has also seen hosting the Rugby World Cup, international and domestic Rugby Union, The Race of Champions, the RFL Four Nations and was home for the first Major League Baseball games to be played in Europe.

Attendees at Olympic Stadium Tour

Members delighted on walking the player tunnels and learning all about the history of West Ham.
Members visited the changing rooms, including for the baseball.