Agenda item

To consider recommendations concerning the provision of hospitality.

(a)      150^th Anniversary of the Office of Parliamentary Counsel

The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel is responsible for drafting Government bills and for giving legal advice to Government on matters relating to parliamentary bills. The Office was founded in 1869.

It was proposed that, to mark the 150^th anniversary, the City Corporation hosts a lecture given by First Parliamentary Counsel, Elizabeth Gardiner, followed by an early evening reception and small dinner. 

It was therefore recommended that hospitality be granted for a lecture, followed by an early evening reception and small dinner, to mark the 150^th anniversary and that arrangements are made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; costs to be met within approved parameters.

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for a lecture, followed by an early evening reception and small dinner, to mark the 150^th anniversary and that arrangements are made under the auspices of the Policy and Resources Committee; costs to be met within approved parameters.

(b)      Honourable Artillery Company Parade and Reception

The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), formed in 1537 under a charter granted by King Henry VIII, is Britain’s oldest regiment.  The HAC has always had a very close connection with the City Corporation and City of London, with it originally being formed of citizens of London, and until 1778 only Freemen of the City being eligible for membership.  The HAC regularly supports the City at a number of high-profile events including State Banquets, Remembrance Sunday and the Lord Mayor’s Show.

It was proposed that the City Corporation hosts a parade in Guildhall Yard followed by a reception in Guildhall during spring / summer 2019 to mark the Honourable Artillery Company’s service during the First World War. 

It was there recommended that hospitality be granted for an early evening reception following a parade in Guildhall Yard to mark the HAC’s service during the First World War and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; costs to be met within approved parameters.

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for an early evening reception following a parade in Guildhall Yard to mark the HAC’s service during the First World War and that arrangements be made under the auspices of the Hospitality Working Party; costs to be met within approved parameters.

(c)      London’s Small Museums Reception

There are over 300 museums in London ranging from major national museums such as the British Museum and the Tate to medium-sized and smaller museums. The City Corporation supports the Museum of London, and runs Guildhall Galleries, Keats House, Tower Bridge Museum, Monument and the City of London Police Museum. 

Over the last twelve months in the City, museums and galleries have attracted over 5 million visitors, just under 80% of all visits to City attractions, demonstrating their significant value to the tourism economy.

It was proposed that the City Corporation hosts an early evening reception to recognise the contribution small museums make to London. It would also be an occasion on which to celebrate the opening of a new museum in the City of London, with the relocation next year of the Museum of Philatelic History to the City.

It was therefore recommended that hospitality be granted for an early evening reception to celebrate London’s small museums and that arrangements are made under the auspices of the Culture Heritage and Libraries Committee; costs to be met within approved parameters.

Resolved – That hospitality be granted for an early evening reception to celebrate London’s small museums and that arrangements are made under the auspices of the Culture Heritage and Libraries Committee; costs to be met within approved parameters.