Building the Future, Respecting the Past
The Fuellers' Installation Court Dinner – 28 October 2026 - By Carrie Marsh, Past Master
I've attended quite a few City Livery dinners over the years, but I have to say this year's Fuellers' Installation Dinner felt more like a family wedding than a formal occasion! There was that wonderful buzz of conversation, familiar faces, old friends catching up and new ones being welcomed. A real sense of warmth and friendship throughout the evening. And what a setting! Tucked away amongst the City's modern skyscrapers, Merchant Taylors' Hall is another of London's hidden gems. Its beautiful historic courtyard, complete with illuminated fountain and historic architecture framed against the towering glass buildings, was quite stunning.
The evening began with Installation Court, followed by a well-attended Ceremonial marking the close of Ashutosh Shastri's year as Master. Ash has worked tirelessly to champion the energy industry during a challenging period for many, raising awareness of the sector whilst helping the Company welcome so many new members. His enthusiasm and, of course, that magnificent turban have certainly made their mark!
Master Fueller Louise Croucher Thompson at Installation Court, 28th October 2026
We then had the pleasure of seeing Louise Thompson installed as our new Master, becoming the sixth Lady Master in the Company's history. Having all six of us together for a photograph was rather special — a little piece of Company history, with plenty of laughter thrown in! The Ceremonial also saw seven new Freemen admitted, seven new Liverymen enrobed and Jon Clark welcomed to Court. Master Carmen Alison Kemp MBE was welcomed as an Honorary Fueller, Dr Tom James and Iain Poole were installed as Senior and Junior Wardens, and Louise presented the Consorts' pins and brooches.
With the formal proceedings complete, it was time to celebrate! The City of London Sea Cadets provided a splendid carpet guard as guests gathered for a wonderfully warm reception. It was lovely to be joined by visiting Masters, distinguished guests, our military affiliates including 152 Regt, RNAESS, OEA, AFSEA and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and Louise's family and friends, all sharing in the celebrations. A gorgeous three-course dinner followed, accompanied by the London Banqueting Ensemble. The strains of James Bond during our main course were a majestic delight, while the traditional Post Horn duel was, as ever, enthusiastically received. The Loving Cup added another lovely moment of fellowship.
Our Principal Guest, Deputy Henry Pollard, entertained us with insights into his City career, including the rather unusual distinction of having a City Police horse named after him! Louise's speech was full of warmth, humour and enthusiasm for the year ahead. She recalled how, at just 18, she had started working for a fuel oil company in the City, where buying an ice cream for Past Master Doug Barrow began a connection that would eventually lead to her becoming Master. Who would have thought such a small gesture could have such far-reaching consequences? Our new Masters theme “Build the Future, Respect the Past” seems particularly fitting as we celebrate our traditions whilst continuing to champion an ever-changing energy industry.
Master Carmen later complimented us on the warmth of our welcome and remarked that the Fuellers certainly know how to put on a show. I couldn't agree more!
Thank you to Alex, our Clerk, and his team, our Beadle, the Merchant Taylors' team, the musicians, photographer Mark Dalton and everyone behind the scenes who made the evening such a success.
It was wonderful to celebrate Ash's achievements, reconnect with fellow Fuellers and look forward to Louise's year with such enthusiasm. As always, the evening was over far too soon.
Root and branch, may it flourish forever!
Louise Croucher is the 6th Lady Master of the Worshipful Company of Fuellers. Here she is in a " Can Can" line up with left to right, Past Masters Averil Macdonald OBE, Chloe Andrew James, Louise Croucher, Elena Oderstone, Janet Harrison, adn Carrie Marsh (who wrote the above article)