Outgoing IBC Chair, Geoffrey Carr’s toast to outgoing IBC Treasurer, Howard Rayner

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is both a privilege and a challenge to stand here today and say a few words about a dear friend and a true stalwart of our profession, Howard Raynor.

Now, I must start by saying that, despite my best efforts, I have not been able to uncover any scandal, mischief, or dark secrets about Howard – and believe me, I tried.

Howard’s departure leaves an undeniable void in the clerking world. Or, as one of his colleagues so aptly put it, a very large ‘H-shaped hole.’ He has been an ever-present figure in our profession, offering wisdom, guidance, and good humour at every turn. For many of us, he has simply always been there, a cornerstone of the clerking community and a steadfast friend.

As Treasurer of the IBC, Howard has been as shrewd as he has been generous. He has safeguarded our accounts with diligence—though I wonder if he would have been just as effective had he chosen to run a brewery, especially when you consider his well-documented method of inducting new chairs and executive members through his famous 10 bottle of Red wine challenge!

In preparing for this, I took the liberty of speaking to a few of Howard’s colleagues to gather some thoughts about him. Unsurprisingly, their responses were filled with warmth, wit, and just a hint of mischief – much like the man himself.

One story that stood out involved a conversation in a pub where Howard’s departure from his old chambers (Garden Court) was being discussed. Amidst the flow of drinks, the question was asked: “If you could sum up Howard in two words, what would they be?” The answer that emerged was “Queen Counsel”—a rather fitting tribute to his manner and thought process. Believe me I was expecting a LOT worse. He has a propensity to think carefully and deeply.

Howard’s love for words and language is legendary. He is, as many will confirm, known as “The Thesaurus.” His ability to engage in wordplay with both barrister and clerks alike is unrivalled, and one can only imagine how poor Sarah has had to endure a lifetime of linguistic duels at home.

One colleague even remarked that Howard probably manages to bamboozle ChatGPT with his extensive vocabulary and in-depth knowledge of the White and Red books

Of course, life at home may now bring its own challenges. A colleague wryly noted that, after what some might call a relatively easy life at QEB, Howard might find it significantly more demanding being at home and taking instructions from Sarah.

 Naturally, I refrained from commenting—honest, Sarah!

Beyond the wit and wordplay, Howard’s impact on his colleagues has been profound. A particularly touching tribute came from a clerk, who said: “Howard was a father figure to me and a mentor for 18 years. He got me out of a lot of scrapes and is the reason I stayed in the job.” That sentiment speaks volumes about the influence Howard has had on those around him – not just professionally but personally as well.

And then, of course, there is Sarah. I had the pleasure of asking her a very important question recently. I said, ‘Did you ever believe, in your wildest dreams, that you would be married to Howard Raynor, an IBC legend and an all-round great bloke?’

She paused, smiled, and then leaned in as if to share a great secret. ‘Can I tell you something?’ she said.

‘Of course,’ I replied, ‘it will go no further.’

Then she said, ‘Howard has never been in my wildest dreams.’

Ladies and gentlemen, that sums up Howard perfectly. A man whose reality outshines even the wildest of dreams, a character larger than life, and someone who has left an indelible mark on all of us.

Howard, you will be truly missed. Thank you for everything you have done for the IBC, for the profession, and for each of us personally. We wish you all the very best in whatever comes next. But before that, I think it’s only right we all raise a glass – or ten – in your honour.

Cheers!