Page 19 - The Constructor A5V24 V1

The Company Officers

THE BEADLE

Our Beadle is Ted Prior, who is currently the National President of the National
Association of Toastmasters (NAT). Ted’s working life was in the International
Moving Industry, where he often helped people to relocate abroad either personally
or commercially. He took early retirement in December 2004 and pursued his
lifelong ambition to be a Toastmaster. He is a highly valued and respected member
of our leadership team, officiating as he does, at all our formal events. Ted writes:
“My duties as Beadle are ‘to attend to the Master, Wardens and the Court of this Company on all
lawful occasions, properly robed and bearing my staff of office: to guard the door of the Court Room
against intruders, to carry messages, serve summonses, to collect fines levied for blasphemy,
cursing or reproachful speaking and, in former times, to execute whippings as punishment for
offences when ordered by the Master. Also, I protect and identify the Livery on attending Common
Hall when voting for the Election of the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and other Officers of this City’
This magnificent description – read in Court with a certain zeal before clothing new Liverymen for
another Livery Company – encapsulates, in an historic sense, the role of the Beadle but is by no
means the complete picture of a modern Beadle!
Beadles fall into two categories: those representing Companies with their own Halls and those
without!
The former are usually full time employees and are possibly required to manage the Hall, bookings,
staff and much, much more.
Known, affectionately as ‘Magpie Beadles’, those without Halls, whilst being employees, are engaged
on part-time basis for Company events and may represent more than one Livery Company. The role
is wide ranging, requiring different skills such as tact, diplomacy, patience, ‘people’ skills, respectful
authority, presence and a sense of history coupled with an appreciation of theatre!
Assisting the Master and Clerk at Court meetings, collecting Company valuables such as the gowns,
Loving Cups, and other silver from their ‘home’ at Carpenters’ Hall. Safely transporting them to and
from the venue where the Court and Lunch/Dinner or Banquet is being held, ensuring they are
accounted for at the end of the function, all of which is largely an unseen part of the role. Close
liaison with the Clerk enables the smooth running of Court Meetings - where it is very much a
ceremonial function announcing the entry and departure of the Master, Wardens and Clerk and
candidates for the Freedom and Livery.
Candidates often arrive a little nervously, especially young Apprentices or Yeomen, so a friendly,
warm welcome from the Beadle and Senior Steward is important to put them at their ease. The
procedures are explained directly and informally just by chatting and generally making them feel
comfortable. After their admission the smiles on the faces of new Freemen/Liverymen as they have
their photos taken makes it all worthwhile!!
The Company organises a number of splendid formal functions during the year, including the Sir
Christopher Wren Banquet, where the skills of the Toastmaster are pre-eminent. The ‘delivery’ of the
event falls onto the Beadle’s shoulders underlining the importance of the close working relationship
the Beadle enjoys with the Clerk and Master ensuring, as far as possible, a successful evening. The
Beadle is very often the first person Members and Guests meet at functions and a warm, friendly
welcome is important. Also, crucially, the Beadle must build the trust and support of the Banqueting
Manager and their team, as well as other professionals such as photographers and musicians.

Autumn 2015 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors | 19