The Almoner provides a link between the Company and any Member who, through illness, is prevented from participating in activities and enjoying that degree of good fellowship which is an essential element of our Livery life. News of friends, and their good wishes, are generally welcome in times of sickness; the Almoner aims to be in touch from time to time, by visiting in person if invited, or in writing or by telephone — and, when appropriate, by making the circumstances known to Members at large through the good offices of our Clerk.

Members who know of any other Member whose circumstances are such that the Almoner might usefully make contact are asked to get in touch with Almoner Adrian Williams directly, or with the Clerk.

In those sad circumstances when a Member passes on, the Almoner will attend the funeral, or seek another Member, perhaps someone who was a close personal friend of the deceased, to represent the Company on the occasion. There is sometimes the opportunity to make a donation in memoriam to a charity that had been held in special regard by the deceased Member.

The continued extension of goodwill towards a deceased Member’s dependants is another aspect of the tradition of Livery which, the Court of Assistants feels, should be a part of the Company’s ongoing activities. Here again, the Almoner has a rôle to play, in keeping in touch with dependants and offering assistance in a practical way if the occasion arises.