The Ward Clubs of the City of London were originally formed as Rate Payers Associations but have long since developed a new role. The Ward of Cordwainer Club was founded in 1902. Its centenary was marked with the publication of The Ward of Cordwainer Club 1902 – 2002, obtainable from the secretary, and the commissioning of the Cordwainer Statue.
The objects of the Club are to promote and encourage interest in the affairs of the City, to generate a friendly spirit and improve the quality of life mainly within the Ward. It is also intended to give support to the Alderman, his Deputy and Common Councillors in carrying out their considerable duties on behalf of the City of London and the Ward in particular.
The Ward maintains a strong link with the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, founded over 700 years ago, and which today plays a strong role in nurturing young talent in the fashion and shoemaking industries.
The Club is managed by a Committee consisting of President, Vice President, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, the two immediate Past Chairmen, together with other elected members of the Club and Common Councillors of the Ward. Former Presidents of the club include a number of Lord Mayors who have also served as Aldermen in the Ward – Sir Walter Vaughan Morgan, Sir Cuthbert Ackroyd, Sir Peter Venneck, Sir Brian Jenkins and Sir Roger Gifford.
Other than the President, Vice President and the Common Councillors, the Committee is elected on a rotation basis and the Officers are elected annually.
Ward Club Committee 2026-2027
President: Alderman Alexander Barr
Vice-President: Sir Michael Snyder
Chairman: Jamie Lester
Vice-Chair: Dominic Tayler
Hon. Secretary: Joyce Sarpong
Assistant Hon. Secretary: Mirka Pike
Hon. Treasurer: Juliet Sturridge
Richard Clarke
Nigel Heilpern
Jamel Banda CC
Amy Horscroft CC
Henry Shaw
Richard Robinson
Tamara Hutton-Brown
Marlon Wright
Hon. Independent Examiner: Adrian Houston
The Club currently has over 150 members (as at January 2025), with membership open to individuals with an interest in, or association with, the Ward. Potential applicants are invited to contact the Secretary or complete and return the Ward of Cordwainer Application Form. The annual membership subscription is £70 for the first year , thereafter £35 pa.The Club organises various functions and activities throughout the year for its members and their guests. Visits have included the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Guildhall Art Gallery and the Old Bailey.
The Club also organises formal and informal luncheons to which members are welcome to bring guests. There is an annual ‘members only’ luncheon which provides an opportunity for members to meet each other and to welcome new members to the Club.
The Club’s major event is The Annual Lunch which is held in December at one of the Livery Halls in the City of London, and the Club is usually honoured to have the Lord Mayor and one of the Sheriffs as its guests.
Upcoming Events
- College of Arms Tour -10th September 2026
- City Giving Day – 23rd September 2026
- Inter-Ward Quiz – 11th September 2026
- Young members networking evening, Puttshack, Bank – 15th October
- Switching on of Bow Lane lights, Bow Lane / Bow Churchyard – 18th November 2026
- Annual Luncheon, Trinity House – 4th December 2026
- Churchill War Rooms – 11th February 2027
Recent Ward News and Previous Events
The new appointments of Chair Jamie Lester and Vice-Chair Dominic Tayler
Networking Drinks at Sarasin – 25th June 2026
Over 30 guests and Ward of Cordwainers club members where hosted by Sarasin & Partners on their beautiful terrace. We were treated not only to wonderful hospitality but also to a fascinating talk from Alex on the background, structure and vital role of the City of London Corporation in supporting a sustainable and thriving London.
It was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with friends, strengthen existing connections and meet the next generation of members and professionals.
Spending a sunny evening on their lovely Marylebone terrace, surrounded by such great company and conversation, made for a truly memorable occasion.
Annual Luncheon – 5th December 2025
Members and guests had a fantastic social event at the Bowls Club in Finsbury Square on 10th June.
Great fun was had trying our hand at bowls, catching up with colleagues and friends, and enjoying plenty of delicious food and drinks.
Events like these are a great reminder of the value of bringing people together outside of the workplace to build relationships, strengthen connections, and enjoy each other’s company.
Annual Luncheon – 5th December 2025
On 5th December, The Ward of Cordwainer Club hosted its annual festive luncheon in the iconic surroundings of the Guildhall. Our Chair, Nigel Heilpern, welcomed the Lady Mayor, Dame Susan Langley and her Sheriff, Robert Hughes-Penney. We were honoured to have the Lady Mayor as our guest despite her busy schedule.
The guest speaker this year was The Honourable Tom Sackville. Tom was born in London and educated at Oxford and Madrid University, before starting a career in financial services in New York. In 1983 he became a Member of Parliament, later serving in Margaret Thatcher’s and subsequent administrations as Whip, Health Minister and as Lord Commissioner of the Treasury. He took up his present role as CEO of the International Federation of Health Plans (iFHP) in 1998. Tom was for some years President of FECRIS, a French based European federation of support organisations for families who have lost members to pseudo-religious cults. Tom recounted his time as a Member of Parliament, and his interactions with fellow MP’s, sharing both interesting and amusing andedotes from his life and career.
For information about the Ward Club contact –
Joyce Sarpong – Honorary Secretary
LINK TO APPLICATION FORM FOR JOINING THE WARD CLUB