Governing Court and Master Carman
The Master leads the Company for one year. He is elected annually by the Court, and is usually the previous year's Senior Warden. Similarly, the Junior Warden is elected by ballot of the Court, usually from the two Assistants below the chair, though the Court may, and sometimes does, consider others.
Once elected the Junior Warden progresses to Senior Wardenship by election the following year.
Court members and Officers wear ribboned badges and the Master, Wardens and Officers wear fur-trimmed and embroidered gowns for formal occasions.
The governing body is the Court of Assistants, elected by the Freemen and Liverymen when vacancies are declared by death or retirement.
It comprises Assistants, Wardens, Master and Past Masters, except those retired, who qualify for Emeritus status. There are also Honorary Assistants by reason of special service, expert appointment or Royal or civic status.
The Court is currently limited to Master, Wardens and 24 Assistants and Past Masters.
The Officers of the Court comprise the Clerk, who manages the Company, and the Administration Assistant, who runs the office for the Clerk - both are salaried appointments, elected annually.
The Honorary Solicitor, the Honorary Surveyor the Honorary Treasurer Honorary Editor, Silver Trustee, Honorary Archivist are appointed by the Court from willing volunteers.
The Beadle is a part time appointment, and the Standard Bearer is a services volunteer.
The Honorary Chaplain is elected by the Court, and the Company also has an Assistant Honorary Chaplain and a Chaplain Emeritus.
|
