From the Treasurer

Number 45, Autumn 2025

Master Geraldine Andrews

I am often asked the well-meaning but misguided question: ‘how are you enjoying being Treasurer?’ Being Treasurer is not about having a good time, as the question implies, but about what I can achieve for the Inn in my short time at its helm, with the help and support of its dedicated staff. Whilst I have enjoyed many aspects of the role, that is a bonus. If you were to ask me the more pertinent question, ‘are you pleased with how things are going?’ the answer would be a resounding ‘yes’. Thus far, I have managed to achieve everything I set out to achieve, with more than ‘a little help from my friends’, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. I could not ask for more.

We have embarked upon a root and branch review of the Inn’s strategy for 2026-2030, with a view to ensuring that our objectives are clearly expressed, our governance structure is transparent and there is proper accountability. A great deal of work has already been done, with invaluable input from focus groups drawn from a wide range of the Inn’s membership. It is still a work in progress, but I am confident that it will be completed before the end of 2025. This is a key project, and I am grateful to the Under Treasurer and all those who have helped to drive it forward.

Whenever possible, I have participated in the Inn’s excellent education programmes, from the pupils’ trial exercise to the residential student weekends in York and at Cumberland Lodge. I was glad to be able to pay tribute to Alison Hosking’s sterling contribution to the work of the education department at her recent retirement party. It speaks volumes that, like Alison, many of the Inn’s staff stay for many years. At the Treasurer’s Reception I made a presentation to Kathleen, one of our gardeners, and Steve in the workshop, who have achieved the milestone of 30 years’ service.

It has been a joy to see the Walks looking so spectacular, particularly during the marquee season. Another positive has been the transformation wrought by our new caterers, Searcy’s. The celebration Guest Nights have been a resounding success, thanks to the willingness of the catering team to embrace the challenges I have set them. We have sampled delicious food from Ireland, the Caribbean, and South-East Asia, with appropriate musical accompaniments. The Vice Treasurer is reverting to more traditional fare in September whilst I am away in Singapore and Malaysia, but in November we will be celebrating Indian cuisine. On that note, it was a great privilege to host a celebration on 5 June of the 50th anniversary of the Indian Constitution and the enduring legacy of the Inn’s distinguished alumnus, its drafter, Dr Ambedkar. I welcomed an eminent panel of speakers, including the Chief Justice of India, to a packed Hall.

There have been some sad duties too; rushing back from York to attend the Shiva prayers for Master Terry Etherton, a great and good man, and representing the Inn at the funeral of Tim Dutton KC, who worked tirelessly to promote advocacy training here and abroad.

The many highlights of the year so far include convivial Amity dinners with the Midland Circuit and Lincoln’s Inn; the first two lectures in the ‘Great Advocates’ series, delivered by Masters Michael Beloff and Hilary Heilbron; Master Howard Morrison’s thought-provoking Barnard’s Inn reading; and the memorable Mulligan Sermon preached by Her Honour the Reverend Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the Chapel services, and not just because of the quality of the music. Where else could one hear an inspirational sermon which began with the opening lines of David Bowie’s iconic song, ‘Rebel, Rebel,’ as the Preacher did on the day of the Chapel picnic? My most treasured memories, though, are of the Call Nights in March and July, the Treasurer’s Reception, and my two special projects, the Treasurer’s Concert and the Midsummer Extravaganza, which together I hope will have raised substantial amounts for
the Scholarships Trust. They were magical evenings, and it was heartwarming to see all generations of Gray’s Inn members enthusiastically supporting them. Thank you all – here’s to the next five months!

From the Treasurer

Explore more from this edition

The Treasurer’s Reception

The Summer Extravaganza

Summer Concerts

The Reading at Barnard’s Inn