OUR STORY OF CITY CONSORTS - 2017
Told by City Consorts Society Founder Von Spofforth, Past Mistress Chartered Accountant 2015-16
During my time alongside my husband, initially as Warden's Consort and then working my way up to Master's Consort, I soon became aware of gaps in my knowledge and understanding of this wonderfully historical "City System" that often left me uncertain about my duties, my responsibilities, or even what to wear on which occasion!
It became apparent that it was assumed all Consorts would know what they should be ready for - how to dress, what protocols to follow, etc. It was also clear that the Clerks do not have the time to support the Consorts in addition to the Masters. And although I now know there is literature to read and a "Wardens and Court Assistants Course" which is also available to Consorts, I did not know this then.
Handovers are sometimes "too little too late." The current Consort does not always know their successor or how to contact them and any passing of information is often done at the end of a Consort's year. With many Consorts still working or with busy social lives and families, it is important to have answers at least a year ahead to understand the commitments and plan accordingly.
It appeared to me then, that there was no single source from which an ‘up and coming’ Consort could get the answers they need, or even just satisfy their curiosity about the complexities of the City.
I thoroughly enjoyed my year as Consort (in spite of my initial uncertainties) and wanted to share what I had learned. I wondered if other Consorts felt like this after they completed their year alongside their Master. I wondered too if new Consorts, as they took up their role, felt the uncertainties I had. It appears they do on both counts. It seemed that there was a real opportunity to give something back by sharing our experiences and giving future Consorts a ‘head start’.
Encouraged by my husband and Clerk, and together with a few others, I realised this idea could become a reality, and after many discussions and meetings City Consorts was created. The rest as they say is history.
We had our first AGM in September 2018 with a lunch afterwards where the Lady Mayoress Samantha Bowman was our guest and we looked at what had emerged in the time since the Society started. We were delighted to hear how the membership had swollen to over 200 with a good mix of present past and future Consorts, who often told us how valuable the Society was to them personally. In the year, our events were varied and well-received with members asking for more, and for repeats of some events. We have taken this ‘on board’ in the planning of the events programme.
The website has been developed very quickly from feedback from members about what they wanted, and there is lots of useful information about the City, the Livery, what one can expect in a Consort year and lots of snippets of advice from members who have ‘been there’ about undertaking the role.
I am delighted that from those initial thoughts, wondering how to share the experiences, City Consorts is moving forward so positively, aided and supported by volunteers and Patrons who give their time so generously and to whom I extend my thanks and warmest best wishes.
Most of all, City Consorts is about the members and it has been an absolute delight to get to know so many people with a common bond which is…. being a Master’s Consort in a Livery Company of the City of London.
It became apparent that it was assumed all Consorts would know what they should be ready for - how to dress, what protocols to follow, etc. It was also clear that the Clerks do not have the time to support the Consorts in addition to the Masters. And although I now know there is literature to read and a "Wardens and Court Assistants Course" which is also available to Consorts, I did not know this then.
Handovers are sometimes "too little too late." The current Consort does not always know their successor or how to contact them and any passing of information is often done at the end of a Consort's year. With many Consorts still working or with busy social lives and families, it is important to have answers at least a year ahead to understand the commitments and plan accordingly.
It appeared to me then, that there was no single source from which an ‘up and coming’ Consort could get the answers they need, or even just satisfy their curiosity about the complexities of the City.
I thoroughly enjoyed my year as Consort (in spite of my initial uncertainties) and wanted to share what I had learned. I wondered if other Consorts felt like this after they completed their year alongside their Master. I wondered too if new Consorts, as they took up their role, felt the uncertainties I had. It appears they do on both counts. It seemed that there was a real opportunity to give something back by sharing our experiences and giving future Consorts a ‘head start’.
Encouraged by my husband and Clerk, and together with a few others, I realised this idea could become a reality, and after many discussions and meetings City Consorts was created. The rest as they say is history.
We had our first AGM in September 2018 with a lunch afterwards where the Lady Mayoress Samantha Bowman was our guest and we looked at what had emerged in the time since the Society started. We were delighted to hear how the membership had swollen to over 200 with a good mix of present past and future Consorts, who often told us how valuable the Society was to them personally. In the year, our events were varied and well-received with members asking for more, and for repeats of some events. We have taken this ‘on board’ in the planning of the events programme.
The website has been developed very quickly from feedback from members about what they wanted, and there is lots of useful information about the City, the Livery, what one can expect in a Consort year and lots of snippets of advice from members who have ‘been there’ about undertaking the role.
I am delighted that from those initial thoughts, wondering how to share the experiences, City Consorts is moving forward so positively, aided and supported by volunteers and Patrons who give their time so generously and to whom I extend my thanks and warmest best wishes.
Most of all, City Consorts is about the members and it has been an absolute delight to get to know so many people with a common bond which is…. being a Master’s Consort in a Livery Company of the City of London.
Mark and Von Spofforth, Past Mistress Chartered Accountant 2015-16
