We are delighted to announce that the Master, Alex Nelson, will welcome all members to a virtual event this December.

St Thomas’ Eve is traditionally the occasion of our annual Freedom Lunch, a festive occasion for members before the Christmas and New Year period. The eve of the feast of St Thomas the Apostle, it was once the day that The Company distributed charity to Clothworkers in need. The Beadle would prepare a list of members, who would then be invited to receive gifts of money and, from 1858, refreshments of cold meat, bread and beer. Since 1967, all members of the Freedom have been invited to a luncheon at Clothworkers’ Hall. In recent years, we have celebrated our philanthropic legacy with an annual St Thomas’ Eve charity appeal, and sent our Freedom home from the event with a gift of oranges.

For 2020, whilst we are still unable to welcome members to Clothworkers' Hall, we have invited all of you to join us for a short virtual event to celebrate the season and hear from the Master. Please respond to the invitation we have sent you if you wish to attend.

For almost 30 years, Pecan has empowered people in a way that enables them to gain control of their lives. The heart of the charity's work is to meet people where they are at in their lives, whether looking for work, friendship or at a time of crisis. Their strap line, “Transforming lives through kindness, belief and hope,” is built on the experience that people receive; it is not built on the service offered. Pecan wants everyone who experiences their support to also experience Kindness (honesty, compassion and fairness), Belief (potential and value) and Hope (positive inspiration).

Established by a strong group of volunteers representative of local churches in Peckham, Pecan's services have grown and evolved since 1989, serving Southwark and neighbouring boroughs, engaging with individuals who are rejected, isolated, living in severe deprivation and facing exclusion. The charity works with a wide range of people from all aspects of local community life including: those in financial crisis, people who have mental health issues, have been involved in offending behaviour, are long-term unemployed, refugee and asylum seekers, individuals recovering from an addiction and young people.

This JustGiving page is the most efficient way for Clothworkers and Pecan to process your generous gift. Alternatively, you can return the pledge form that we've sent you to Clothworkers' Hall, and we will process your credit card payments through JustGiving (on behalf of Pecan).