Letter: Parish Clerks don't eat hymn sandwiches in church
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.I READ with great interest your article ('Dinner rites that take the cake', Business, 20 December) regarding the Worshipful Company of Parish Clerks, of which I am Master. There were, however, several points upon which I would presume to correct Richard Thomson. Firstly no person may enter the company unless they are a duly appointed Parish Clerk. We do not allow, nor can we, as other livery companies do, admission by Patrimony, Servitude or Redemption, thus ensuring that all our members have strong ecclesiastical connections. We do not indulge in hymn sandwiches: our church services always consist of either Evensong or Holy Communion. The Master does not read out a long list of benefactors; this is done by the Clerk and is known as the Silent Toast, why I do not know, as it is anything but silent. Cross-toasting is enormous fun; it can be noisy, but never constitutes 'an appalling din'. We have not had champagne for years as we cannot afford it, having had our property confiscated by Edward VI. I do not agree with one of my brethren that the Master in his regalia 'looks rather daft'. I think I look bloody stupid, but that is a small price to pay for maintaining a tradition of over 700 years.
L L Brace
Master, Worshipful Company
of Parish Clerks
London SW8
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments