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The following is based upon the Customs and Etiquette Leaflets
of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners with some detail
taken from other Worshipful Companies.
During the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, when the first
Trade Guilds were formed, the members were drawn from a very
close-knit community. Indeed, it was a pre-requisite that, to
be a member of a Trade Guild in the City of London, one lived
and worked within the City boundaries. Although today the City
is but a square mile (or just slightly over) in those days the
City was even smaller.
It can be easily appreciated therefore that there was little
need for formal rules to govern conduct at gatherings of Guild
members. In any case, it was not until many years later that
social formalities became accepted and were applied. Even then,
as members of the Guilds (or livery companies) were drawn from
within the City boundaries, accepted patterns of formality and
protocol were widely known and readily accepted.
Today, almost all livery companies draw their members from
a much wider area than the narrow confines of the City of London.
It follows therefore, that not all members may be aware of the
livery customs and etiquette and the aim of this item is to inform
and thus make the Guild’s functions more pleasurable for
all who attend.
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Dress: The normal dress
for formal dinners is black tie; lady members and guests should
wear long or medium length dresses. |
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Medals: Medals should
be worn at all formal functions when the invitation stipulates. |
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Smoking: During formal
dinners, smoking before the Loyal Toast is not permitted. |
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Arrival: Members should
ensure that they and their guests arrive promptly, to avoid unnecessary
delays to the programme. Upon arrival, they should make themselves
known to the Master before circulating. |
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Leaving Table: Members
should not leave the dining table before the Master, except, of
course, in a case of emergency. At the conclusion of dinner, when
the Master and guests are due to leave their table, all members
and their guests should stand and wait until the Master has left
the room. A “comfort” break will usually be announced
but if not, a “comfort visit” should be taken during
coffee. Members should not leave table during a speech or presentation. |
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Speeches and Presentations etc:
Silence should be observed during all speeches, presentations and
during any entertainment. Mobile phones should be switched off
prior to entering the dining room and should not be used during
the function. |
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Guests: Members are responsible
for the behaviour of their guests. |
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Addressing the Master: Throughout
the term of his office, the Master should be referred to as “Master” rather
than by name, however familiar one is with him or her. This is
particularly important when other Livery Companies are present
at functions or meetings.
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