Baroness Hale accepts Honorary Membership at Inaugural International Women's Day Dinner

Baroness Hale of Richmond was the special guest and speaker at the Company’s first formal International Women’s Day Dinner on 12 March 2022. The dinner, which was organised by a team of women Company members, was held to mark women’s achievements and to support the Company’s Charities.

Baroness Hale is now very well known. During a long and distinguished career in the law, she has worked to improve the position of women and children, was the first woman and youngest person to be appointed to the Law Commission, and the first woman Law Lord. In 2017 she was appointed the first woman President of the Supreme Court.  It was in that role, in 2019, that she was thrust into the spotlight when she announced the Supreme Court’s judgement that the prorogation of Parliament had been unlawful and of no effect.  The clarity of the judgment and its delivery was a masterclass in drafting and presentation. The country listened and took notice.  The judgement and, the brooch she wore when she delivered it, a large spider brooch, attracted international interest. The brooch itself became a hot topic. And suddenly Baroness Hale of Richmond became known as Spider Woman. We were honoured and privileged to have her as the guest speaker at our dinner.

The event was a truly glittering occasion attended by 80 members and guests. Music was provided by Vicky Yannoula, Director of York Music Hub (link to York Music Hub). Baroness Hale and the top table were played in to the tune of ‘On Ilkley Moor Baht’at”, one of Lady Hale’s favourites. Guests joined in heartily!

Past Master Philippa Hale, Lady Hale, Councillor Keith Orrell and Judith (former Lord mayor & Lady Mayoress of York), Dee Mason (Sheriff of York’s Consort), Tricia Ellison

Candlelit tables were decorated with ivy, the symbol of friendship, benevolence, sisterhood and loyalty, and the themed colours of the evening were purple, green and ivory, the colours of the suffragette movement. Candles and fairy lights showed the Company’s Great Hall at its best. The evening included a game of Heads and Tails and a raffle which raised £850 for the Company’s charities.

The theme of Baroness Hale’s speech was Women and the Law. She talked of the first women barristers and judges, attitudes to women in the law, and some of the attitudes she herself had met, and reflected on the changing and improving position now. Her speech was focused, witty and overall optimistic about the future.

The Master makes the presentation to Lady Hale

At the end of the evening Baroness Hale was made an Honorary Member of the Company. She was truly delighted at this, having a long association with guilds herself, and being a former Master of the Fellmongers in Richmond. And we were able to add to her collection of brooches, by giving her a ceramic and silver brooch depicting the Company’s crest, which is held by all women members of the Company.