What could be more appropriate than the Durbar Court in high summer if the Fruiterers were to move out of the square mile for the Summer Court Dinner?

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has been and is the bastion from which the UK’s international policies have emanated and, in this year, when the first overseas Master is at the helm, there really was no better venue. There is always a very relaxed atmosphere at the Summer Court and so it was during the evening of July 17.

Nearly 200 Fruiterers, partners and guests sat and enjoyed the latest delights in the series of dishes from across the Atlantic that the Master has built into the menus during his year of office. A tian of lobster and salmon tartare set the mood to be followed and enhanced by creole chicken and vegetable jambalaya. An ensemble of tropical fruits with lime sorbet and cinnamon spiced syrup was a perfect dessert for a balmy, July evening.

Alderman Sir David Brewer CMG, Lord Lieutenant of Greater London and a past Lord Mayor, was the principle guest accompanied by Lady Brewer. The Masters of the Worshipful Companies of Chartered Architects, Gardeners, Mercers, Environmental Cleaners, Upholders and Immediate Past Master of the Musicians’ Company added to the panoply of distinguished guests along with the Dowager Countess of Lonsdale.

The tables had been dressed with the most attractive and interesting floral arrangements offset by bowls of juicy, irresistible English cherries generously donated by Past Master Bryant.

During the proceedings the diners were serenaded in an enchanting fashion by singers from the Guildhall School of Music, who gave their renditions of many popular and well-known pieces.

The Master proposed the guests to which Sir David Brewer responded with a witty and eloquent speech. Relating some of his experiences created amusement in what proved to be a relaxed evening characterised by an ambience of togetherness and unity.

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