Each of the City’s Livery Companies has a Beadle, who performs a ceremonial role by making announcements and carrying the Company’s staff at the head of the procession during dinners, banquets, church services and other events. The Beadle is an essential coordinator, producing the necessary gowns and regalia for the various events, on behalf of the Master; organising receiving lines, Toasts, and ensuring the smooth running of every event.
Our Beadle is Lt Col (Retd) Mervyn Bassett BEM, who enlisted into the Royal Engineers as a Sapper in 1970 and retired after 37 years service. Unsure of a new career, he wanted to be involved in something different. The appointment as the Beadle / Assistant Clerk to the Worshipful Company of Skinners seemed a great challenge, which he enjoyed from 2008 to 2018. Not totally ready for retirement he then worked as a jobbing Beadle with a few Livery companies, with the Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators his newest. The opportunity of meeting new people and supporting ancient traditions in some wonderful surroundings is a role he thoroughly enjoys and does not want to fully give up yet.
In his spare time he is Secretary to the Lord Kitchener National Memorial Fund, a charity providing approx. 25 University Scholarships annually to children of serving and retired forces personnel. He is also President of the Airborne Engineers Association, with some 8 branches across the UK to keep him in contact with many veterans and friends. Finally, with the remaining spare time and as directed by his wife, they enjoy travelling and enjoying their four grandchildren in Kent.