Society
What is the Society of the Livery?
The Society of the Livery of the Coopers’ Company, known as ‘the Society’, was established in 1827 and boasts a storied past. In the early 19th Century, members of the Livery became increasingly concerned with financial mismanagement within the Company as it struggled to transition from managing a trade to running charities.
Consequently, Liverymen organised to exercise their right under the Charter to elect the Wardens of the Company to gain greater representation. This gave them a vital voice and insight into how the Company was run before returning to the Livery after serving as a Warden for two years.
These events marked a shift in power dynamics within the Company, culminating in the establishment of the Society of the Livery of the Worshipful Company of Coopers in 1827. Its main goals were to uphold the rights of the Livery, especially in electing the Wardens and it also served as a constitutional watchdog and social club to enhance participation among Liverymen.
The Society is a vital offshoot and has been pivotal in steering our evolution toward a more democratic and member-focused organisation.
What is the role of the Society in today’s Coopers’ Company?
The Society plays three critical roles:
- Member engagement: The Society helps induct new members into the Company and facilitates mentoring, so every member of the Company can get involved.
- Electing the Wardens: By convention, the Society President and Immediate Past President, serve as Under and Upper Wardens on the Company Court. Giving you a route to greater involvement within the governance of the Company.
- Organising events: We proudly organise many varied and engaging social events of some of London’s most exclusive venues and places that are not open to the public.
Why should I join the Society?
Once you join the Coopers’ Company you will be invited to join The Society and by doing so, you obtain access to a full events calendar enabling you to meet other Freemen and Liverymen within the Company. This enables you to settle into your Membership quicker and get the most out of what the Coopers’ Company offers.
Useful contact information
President: president@cooperssociety.co.uk
Treasurer: treasurer@cooperssociety.co.uk
Events: events@cooperssociety.co.uk
Membership: membership@cooperssociety.co.uk
