Ward Club
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
Nigel Heilpern
Richard Clarke
Lance Shaw
Dominic Tayler
Henry Shaw
Richard Robinson
Jamel Banda CC
Amy Horscroft CC
Tamara Hutton-Brown
Marlon Wright
Hon. Independent Examiners: Adrian Houston
The Club currently has over 140 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 £75 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.
The new appointmenet of Chair Jamie Lester and Vice Chair Dominic Tayler
On 19th March 2026, at the Ward of Cordwainer Club AGM, Jamie Lester was appointed as Chair and Dominic Tayler as Vice-Chair of the Ward Club Committee. Congratulations to Jamie and Dominic on their appointment. We look forward to the many events planned over the coming year, and thank them for their commitment to the Ward Club.
Annual Luncheon - 5th December 2025
On 5th December, The Ward of Cordwainer Club hosted it’s annual festive luncheon in the iconic surroundings of the Guildhall. Our Chairman 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 that week
Institution and Induction of Reverend Dr Simon Cuff - 15th September 2025
On 15th September, members of The ward of Cordwainer Club attended the induction and installation of Reverend Dr Simon Cuff as Rector of St Mary-le-Bow Cheapside. We enjoyed incredible music from the Academy of St Mary-le-bow and the service was led by the former Bishop of London and and now Archbishop of Canterbury the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE. This was followed by a reception in the splendid surroundings of the NED.
Tour of the Golden Hinde - 10 June 2025
The Ward of Cordwainer’s most recent event took place on the Golden Hinde, on Tuesday 10-June 2025.
This unique experience, aboard the full-scale reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s historic galleon, offered a rare opportunity to explore maritime history in an immersive and engaging setting.
