From the Clerk’s Desk

The Hall has had a turbulent last few months with legacy maintenance issues cropping up such as the lift being out of action for over a month. This meant that we had to transfer a few of our bookings to other Livery Halls during this period. It also put considerable pressure on Stanley and our Caterers to try and carry on regardless. For those of you who came to the Livery and Escorts dinner on the 26th of October, I am sure that apart from walking up the stairs to the Great Hall, you’d not have known there was anything amiss. So, I’d like to record my thanks to Stanley and Cook and Butler for pulling all the stops out. 

Then just after the lift was repaired, at another function the second-floor servery flooded due to blocked waste pipes. Whilst Staney again managed to temporarily fix the issue, when we called out a plumber to see why it happened, we were shown a hotchpotch of waste pipes going to the dishwasher and sink. This was a culmination of various poor repairs over the years, and we had to completely instal new pipework and get it routed correctly. 

On a more positive note, the new tenant, Edge Commodities, on the fourth floor continues to expand their business and are now employing 10 people. Like all of the other Hall tenants they pay their rent on time and are a pleasure to have using the Hall. 

After over a year we are still unable to let our investment retail property in 53 Fleet Street. Despite having some interest from potential occupiers like Jewellers, Savills have been unable to secure a tenant. Unfortunately, this has meant that the Company is incurring vacant business rates of £32,000 per year which is putting pressure on the Company finances. We really hope to let this property soon. 

Bookings from other Livery Companies, external clients and Masonic Lodges continues to increase. Whilst the lift being out of action for so long meant we took a hit in October, the outlook going forward into next year looks strong. Clients who come to the Hall, all comment on how nice it is compared to other larger Halls. We are also benefiting from the reduction in event attendees from some of the larger non-Hall owning Livery Companies who find the size of our Hall just right for their scaled back events.  

Quarterage

It’s coming to the time of year when quarterage for the forthcoming year is due. The Company has made the decision to keep the quarterage rates the same as last year, which are:   

Freedom £215 per year  

Liveryman £350 per year  

For those of you who joined during the year you will pay a pro rata amount for the part of the year after your free 1-year period – i.e. if you joined in August 2023, you will pay only  5/12 in 2024. If you are in any doubt, please contact Debbie (accounts@waxchandlers.org.uk)  or me (clerk@waxchandlers.org.uk) 

 

Quarterage is raised on the system on 1st January and payable by 31st March at the latest 

If you need an invoice, please ask Debbie to send you one otherwise unless we hear from you, we won’t send one out.  

The bank account details are:  

Handelsbanken 

Account Name: The Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers 

Account Number: 85608986 

Sort Code: 40 51 62 

 

In the meantime, all that remains for me to do is to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New year.  

 

Richard Moule, Clerk