Thanksgiving Service and Reading of the Ordinances 2025

On Tuesday 14^th October, the Tallow Chandlers’ Company held its Thanksgiving Service at St James Garlickhythe Church and 386th annual Reading of the Ordinances.

Following a beautiful service given by The Reverend Anthony Howe and Tallow Chandler Freeman The Reverend Bill Christianson, Company members returned to Tallow Chandlers’ Hall for the Reading of the Ordinances, the first to be given by our new Clerk, Group Captain Nel Doherty, MBE.

Attendees were briefed on Nel’s background and her appreciation of the Company’s philanthropy, values and aspirations which align so well with her own and which initially drew her to the role. Nel then presented an overview of the Company’s Summer Works which this year consisted of a complete upgrade and replacement of the Hall’s professional kitchen, as well as the restoration and renovation of the Main Hall.

Our trusted builders worked tirelessly for 11 weeks. The time spent between them approximated at 5,000 hours, with 40 litres of primer, 135 litres of emulsion, 2,500 palladium sheets and 30,000 gold sheets very well spent. Most notable is the new colour of the ceiling, which is closer to the 19th century original than the previous green, and which marks an impressive change to the overall appearance of the Hall.

Nel ended her speech looking to the future of the Hall by explaining that “Caring for a 17^th century gem is a long-term prospect and one that will continue to take priority within the Company. We all understand that our fellowship, and thus our philanthropy, is underpinned by this glorious building.”