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WCI Responds to Coronavirus Crisis

In common with all insurance businesses and City institutions, the WCI is responding to the Coronavirus crisis in line with the latest Government advice.
 
“This is an unprecedented challenge for all of us and for our industry.  Our first thoughts are for our members and their families. We hope you are all safe and well”, said Master Rosemary Beaver.
 
“It could impact some people severely and if you face any difficulties and think we can help, please feel free to contact me, the Almoner, Stephen Riley, or the Assistant Clerk. The Insurance Charities are also available to support people facing any sort of hardship as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic”.
 
Further details of the help the Insurance Charities can offer and how to contact them are below.
 
“It will, of course, have a major impact on our events and these will be constantly reviewed and members kept up-to-date. Some will be postponed, others may have to be cancelled altogether”, said the Master.

The following events have been postponed so far:
 
• 17 March  – iWIN Forum
• 2 April – Mansion House Banquet
• 3 April – Livery Lunch
• 6 April – iNED Forum
 
We are keeping a watching brief over events due to take place in May and June and will follow the advice from the Government and Public Health England.
 
In accordance with official advice, our office staff will be working remotely to the greatest extent possible, and we ask for your understanding during this time when contacting the office.
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Insurance Charities – Our Industry Charity

The Insurance Charities is the charity for the UK and Irish insurance industry.  Each year it helps hundreds of insurance employees and their families in times of need. It helps with one-off payments to finance essential items such as household repairs, washing machines, and mobility aids. The Charity also provides on-going financial help giving regular support where income is restricted or insufficient and give practical support to those with health, money and housing concerns.

Adversity can affect anyone: a child with medical needs, relationship breakdowns, mental health issues, domestic abuse, a debilitating illness; events that can turn lives upside down. The Insurance Charities offers practical and financial support making sure no insurance employee in need of help misses out. It is well placed to help anyone adversely affected by the Coronavirus so if you know anyone – WCI member of a member of your staff – who is facing particular difficulties at this time please put them in touch with the Charities.

The Charity was set up over 100 years ago to support those working in the London insurance industry. Staying true to its founding principles it continues to support those working in the insurance industry, young and old, and in any role. It provides help and assistance through challenging times. It awards over £1.7m annually and this figure is increasing year-on-year.

The Charity works with partners to provide specialist and dedicated help to their beneficiaries. Current partnerships with Shelter, The Silver Line, and Alzheimer’s Society, provide housing support, a befriending service for older people and support for those living with dementia.

Insurance Charities Awareness Week will take place on 22-26 June this year so sign up to the Charity's regular e-newsletter via its homepage to find out more. 

You can email The Insurance Charities or call 020 7606 3763 to access support. Please share these details with your colleagues, fellow WCI members and those providing HR support within your organisation and encourage them to get in touch.
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Winter Lunch Hears Vital RNLI Role

Several hundred members and their guests heard a passionate and highly informative talk about the vital role the Royal National Lifeboat Institution plays around the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland at the recent Winter Lunch.

Natalie Adams, a full-time staff Helm at Gravesend Lifeboat Station, a volunteer crew member on the Shannon at Dungeness, and also a Water Safety Officer in North Kent, explained the huge range of work the RNLI does and how it does that without any government funding. The importance of the generous financial support from the public and organisations like the WCI is vital, she told the audience.

The Master, Rosemary Beaver, was able to welcome many of her family and friends to the lunch and explain her life-long connection with the sea, especially through diving. This has given her a deep appreciation of the RNLI which is why it was her first choice as the Master’s charity for the year.

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Game of Two Halves in Inter-Livery Bridge

Alan Punter and Andrew Torrance represented the WCI in the annual Inter-Livery Bridge Competition at Drapers’ Hall on Monday 2 March.

The competition featured 52 pairs of players, representing over 30 livery companies, and comprised 24 hands of duplicate bridge.  Alan and Andrew, competing for the second year, at half-time were in 34th position – but after a fortifying dinner achieved a final 18th position (out of 52) - greatly improving on their last year’s performance. A real “game of two halves”.

This annual event is organised by the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards.  

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Summer Elegance in Mayfair

Members and their guests are invited to join us for a special summer evening BBQ party at a historic private members club in leafy Mayfair, the University Women’s Club. The event is set within the private garden and dining room of this elegant and relaxed townhouse, an easy 10 minutes’ walk from Hyde Park Corner and Green Park tube stations. Often used as settings for period films and televised dramas, the UWC has a fascinating 130-year history and was founded by pioneers of education for women.

This event will take place on Wednesday 12 August with drinks and nibbles from 6pm and the BBQ served from 7pm. The ticket price of £46 includes a welcome drink and nibbles, BBQ supper with a wide variety of grilled meats, salads and dessert, ½ bottle of wine per person and soft drinks plus cash bar to follow. Vegetarian alternatives will also be available.
 
This event is limited to 75 members and guests. Please reserve your tickets now by contacting the Clerk’s office at clerk@wci.org.uk or Cheryl Sweeney, QIC Global Services on c.sweeney@qicglobal.com
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An Evening with the Bard

Join us for an evening with the Bard at the atmospheric Globe Theatre on London’s Southbank, preceded by dinner at the Globe Restaurant next door.
 
We have secured a limited number of the best seats for the production of Much Ado About Nothing on Wednesday 15 July. The evening will start with a pre-theatre dinner at 5.30pm before stepping next door for the play at 7.30pm
 
All the prices are still to be confirmed but they will be in the range of £90-£95 for top priced seats and dinner. (Middle Gallery/Bay G - centre right/Rows 1-4).
 
The Globe cannot yet advise if the performance will be traditional or modern.
 
Please contact Cheryl Sweeney at cheryl_sweeney@live.co.uk to reserve your tickets now.

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Future Events - Make a Date

There is much to look forward to in the varied WCI events programme. All events scheduled to be held in April have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The events listed here may be subject to cancellation or postponement in accordance with the official advice at the time, so please check the website regularly for up-to-date information.
Inter Livery Clay Shoot
Wednesday 13 May
Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds
Full details available from nick.smith@marsh.com

Monthly City Livery Lunch (hosted by the Livery Committee)
Friday 5 June, 12.45pm for 1.15pm
City University Club (inc The Lloyds Club), 42 Crutched Friars, EC3N 2AP
SAVE THE DATE

Master's Summer Event
Hosted by the Master and Master's Consort, Jonathan Westcott
Thursday 11 June
Rothschild Skylab, St Swithun's Lane, EC4N 8BJ
SAVE THE DATE

Clay Pigeon Shooting
Friday 19 June
Fennes Shooting School, Fennes Estate, Bocking, Essex, CM7 5PL
Booking Form - Click here

Monthly City Livery Lunch (hosted by the Livery Committee)
Friday 3 July, 12.45pm for 1.15pm
City University Club (inc The Lloyds Club), 42 Crutched Friars, EC3N 2AP
SAVE THE DATE

iNED Workshop
Monday 6 July
SAVE THE DATE

Much Ado about Nothing
Wednesday 15 July
Shakespeare's Globe
Booking Form - Click here

WCI Summer BBQ
Wednesday 12 August
2 S Audley Street, Mayfair, London W1K 1DB
Booking Form - Click here

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The Worshipful Company of Insurers (incorporated by Royal Charter)
T: 020 7600 4006 | W: wci.org.uk 
First Floor, 21 Lombard Street, London, EC3V 9AH
Copyright © 2020 The Worshipful Company of Insurers, All rights reserved.

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