Viscount, Lord Falkland, celebrating his eighty years. Sixty-four years since Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne, twelve new Fellows were gowned by IoC President Viscount, Lord Falkland.

The honorary gown went to Mike Brown, newly appointed TfL Commissioner; clothed by the Master Carmen & IoC president Viscount Falkland following nomination by IoC Fellow, Sir Peter Hendy.

Hon IoC Fellow Prof. Liz Barnes, Carl Lomas MBE, new Hon IoC Fellow Mike Brown TfL, Master Carmen Mike Griffiths

Army reserves, 2015 National Courier Award winner, L/Cpl Claire Williams was awarded the first-ever honorary associateship of the Institute of Couriers.

The best gown was saved until last, Fellows joined forces to pass back down the line an eighty year gown for their president.

The House of Lords ceremonial IoC Fellows' gowns for 2016

From front to left
Greg Filmer Swift Group, Simon Allan-Brooks Antalis, Jane Weaver AYS Logistics,Sean McGrae Tarmac, David Poole DPD, Jonathan Smith APC, David Grey FIOC, Viscount Falkland, Jeffrey Ritterband FIOC, David Jacobs DX,Terry Room CitySprint, Sandra Robinson Diamond Logistics, Daniel Allin Diamond Logistics, Stephen May Sameday Co., L/Cpl Claire Williams.

IoC Prof Tracey Worth announced the new fellows in the House of Lords. It was a who’s-who leading the sector, breadth of vehicle from foot to truck and same day to e-retail. The gala ceremony has become a life memory for those involved, a recognition of the highest accolade of the sector, supported by family. 2016 standing-room only began with keynote speeches from Sir Peter Hendy and Traffic Commissioner Sarah Bell.

IoC Chairman Carl Lomas delivered ‘Trailblazer’ News on the tremendous industry support for the new apprenticeship model recognition by govt office BIS for express delivery & couriers chaired by Justin Moore, City Sprint.

Guests from across the sector and across the UK were present. From all points of the compass, Scotland to the south coast, Liverpool to Tilbury, nationals, networks and regionals from Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham.

It has become tradition for past Fellows to form line and welcome the new. Joining the past Fellows were the Master Carmen Mark Griffiths. Hon Fellows Sarah Bell, Sir Peter Hendy & Prof Liz Barnes were joined by Marjorie Semple, the Master Farrier Guy Hurst & lifetime achievement Fellows Jeffrey Ritterband & Kevin Grey.

The new gowned walked the line in a welcome of fellowship with a joint aim of best-practice for the industry.

A gown of eighty years to finish. Marking the special year of the IoC president, fellows handed a presidents gown back down the line where IoC chair, Carl Lomas asked the hon gowns to gown their president marking his eighty years young.

Full report with photos here