You are warmly invited to attend our Annual Banquet at the Tallow Chandlers’ Hall 

Our guest speaker will be Gavin Starks, Founder & CEO, Icebreaker One

 During the evening, we will be entertained by music from the acclaimed harpist, Emilia Agajew

 At the end of the evening there will be the traditional offering of a Stirrup Cup

 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm, Carriages at 10.45 pm

Black Tie Preferred / Mess Dress with decorations and miniatures

Places may be booked by using the registration link above.  Please make sure that you are logged in as a member first.

https://waterconservators.org/my-account/

The cost is £160 per head.  Payment will be taken at time of booking.

Any queries should be forwarded to clerk@waterconservators.org

Closing date for booking is Wednesday 28 October 2026.          

Guest Speaker – Gavin Starks
Founder & CEO, Icebreaker One

Gavin Starks is a serial entrepreneur and data infrastructure pioneer. He was founding CEO of the Open Data Institute, co-chair of the UK Open Banking Standard and Smart Data Council, and the founder of Icebreaker One: accelerating net zero through data governance.

The Master’s chosen Charity is the Green Futures Fund

The Green Futures Fund is a grant programme designed to empower young people passionate about tackling climate change and environmental conservation. It was inspired by the late Paul Cornes’ love for nature and seeks to transform his legacy into positive action for the environment. The Fund aims to help young participants develop skills, gain educational opportunities, and pursue careers in sustainability and water management

https://www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/funds/green-futures-fund/

Tallow Chandlers’ Hall

The Tallow Chandlers first moved onto Dowgate Hill in July 1476, buying what was probably a merchant’s house from Dame Margaret Alley for £166 13s 4d. That was developed into their first Hall, which served them well until its destruction by fire. All that remains of it are two large beams, which are currently in the cellars under the present Beadle’s office.

Dowgate Hill is popular for Livery Companies as it is the route of the river Walbrook which now runs in a conduit below the street.  The Dyers, Skinners and Tallow Chandlers located here as they needed a plentful supply of water and a ready means of getting rid of their waste to the Thames.  They also created a bit of a smell, hence their location away from the heart of the city, and made use of the river for transporting raw materials and products.

The current Hall was probably designed by the Company’s surveyor, Captain John Caines, under the guidance of the surveyor and polymath Robert Hooke. It was finally complete in 1677, and has been in continuous use since then.

Apart from the loss of the original musician’s gallery, the Hall’s basic size, shape and layout has changed little over the years. They were particularly fortunate during World War II – bomb damage led to some minor repairs and rebuilding, but the Hall itself survived largely unscathed.

Nowadays, the Hall has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most welcoming and well preserved of London’s livery halls.