St Bede's makes music at the Mansion House

A select group of musicians from St Bede's Senior School had the privilege of being invited to provide music and ceremonial accompaniments to the annual court dinner of the Worshipful Company of Farmers. One of the St Bede's governors, Jeremy Courtney, is this year's Master and Prime Warden of the company, based in the City of London.

The jazz choir and selected solo instrumentalists and vocalists were invited to perform amongst the opulence and grandeur of the famous seat of the Lord Mayor of London: Mansion House. (The Lord Mayor was in attendance).

Our young musicians provided a contrasting and creative programme; skilfully co-ordinating items such as Misty and I've Got You Under My Skin, along with Roy Hilton's arrangements of ever-popluar Cole Porter standards. Andrew Barclay, Director of Music, presented items from the gallery and by all accounts, the entire company commented on the incredibly high-standard and sheer professionalism demonstrated by our fine young musicians.

The chief guest for the evening was Sir Tom Shebbeare, Director of the Prince of Wales' Charities, who spoke to the company on a whole range of issues concerning agriculture and farming.

The Worshipful Company of Farmers became a Livery Company in 1952 and was granted a Royal Charter three years later. The Farmers' Company supports farming students, and otherwise promotes education in agriculture and is active in business and networking in the City of London, similar to the other 108 Worshipful Companies in existence today.