The Rt Hon the Lord Ribeiro CBE FRCS (centre) welcomes Sir Stuart Rose (left) as guest of honour at the Worshipful Company of Barbers Livery Dinner.

 

 

It was a pleasure to photograph Sir Stuart Rose who was guest of honour and keynote speaker at the Worshipful Company of Barbers Livery Dinner held at the Barber Surgeons’ Hall in the City of London in April 2014.

The glittering high profile event was hosted hosted by The RtHon the Lord Ribeiro CBE FRCS (centre) the current Master of the Worshipful Company of Barbers, with Sir Stuart Rose delivering an inspiring keynote speech focussed on change.

Sir Stuart and the guests took part in the Loving Cup ceremony.  The Loving Cup ceremony involves a ceremonial cup that is usually filled with spiced wine termed “Sack.” A guest holding the cup turns to the next guest on his left, who rises to face him. They both bow to each other and the first guest then removes the lid or cover of the cup with his right hand, holding it at or above shoulder height, while the second guest grasps and drinks from the cup. The second guest then wipes the lip of the cup with the attached napkin, after which the lid is replaced.  They both bow and the second guests turns to the next guest on his left and process is repeated with all the other guests at the table.

The custom is said to have originated in the precaution to keep the right, or ‘dagger’ hand, employed so that the person who drinks may be assured of no treachery. For more information of the Loving Cup Ceremony please click here.

Sir Stuart Rose was appointed as Chief Executive of Marks and Spencer in 2004 and in 2007 was named 2006 Business Leader of the Year.  Sir Stuart Rose stepped down as Executive Chairman in 2010, but remained at Marks and Spencer as Chairman until May 2010. Sir Stuart Rose was knighted for his services to the retail industry in 2008.

The Rt Hon the Lord Ribeiro CBE FRCS is current Master of the Worshipful Company of Barbers and has served as the President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England from 2005 to 2008.  In 2010 he was created a life peer and sits in the House of Lords on the Conservative benches.

 

 

Mark Witter, City of London Photographer & Ipswich Photographer provides discreet high quality events and commercial photographic services to the Civil, Financial and Corporate sector within the City of London and beyond.