90. Installation Court and Farewell– 9 July

My final task as Master was to chair the Installation Court Meeting held this year at the Stationers’ Hall. It was a great pleasure to admit Graham Howells and Guy Titman as Court Assistants and also to get approval for Nigel Cartwright to continue on the Court for a further year. The Court also approved the installation of our Chaplain, the Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin, as an Honorary Freeman of the Company.

The Court meeting having been adjourned, under the direction of our Beadle and our Clerk the ceremony of Installation took place were I handed over the reins to the new Master, Simon Catford.

I have had a fantastic year representing the Company to the best of my ability at many functions. It was a pleasure to work with the Officers and Wardens and hopefully at least maintain the Company in good stead. My grateful thanks go to Ralph Riley, the Deputy Master, Past Masters and all the Officers, Wardens and Members of the Company for their support and encouragement during the year. My thanks also go to Sandra and my immediate family for their support and for putting up with my absences attending the many functions.

I shall of course continue working to the best of my ability for the Company as required as Deputy Master. Thankfully I do not have to write any more Blogs which, like these last ones, have mostly been written somewhat behind time! Thank you David Richards for your speed in getting them on the website.

89. Official Opening of TS Scott’s New Mooring – 7 July

My final formal engagement as Master was to attend the official opening of the Maidstone Sea Cadets’ (Training Ship Scott) new moorings. The Water Conservation Trust has had an affiliation with TS Scott for many years and pay for a berth each year for a cadet on a sail training ship. The 

Trust has also contributed a substantial sum to the cost of the new mooring. On a beautiful warm afternoon, accompanied by Trevor Harrington and Roger North together with our consorts we assembled at the cadets HQ where we were briefed and then moved to the Amphitheatre were the moorings are situated. The official cutting of the ribbon was carried out by the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Greer. Following an inspection of the mooring we were treated to afternoon tea and an opportunity to speak to the Officer Commanding and other guests.  A splendid occasion to round off my year as Master.

88. Worshipful Company of Paviors Court Dinner – 5 July

I had previously attended the Paviors’ Court Dinner in the evening immediately after my installation as Master last year. This year our Installation Lunch was held slightly later in July and I had the privilege of being invited to the Paviors’ Court Dinner again! Held in the impressive Cutlers’ Hall this was a delightful evening spent in excellent company. The Master, Wardens and Court Assistants were most welcoming and I sat at the end of the top table among extremely interesting companions.

The four course meal was delicious and the accompanying wines truly superb. An interesting speech by Nigel Jackson and the Stirrup Cup rounded of a very enjoyable evening.

87. City of London Freeman’s School Prize-giving – 29 June

The Company, along with many other Livery Companies, has for many years sponsored a prize for Environmental Conservation at the City of London Freemen’s School which is located in Ashtead, Surrey. The Master is invited to attend the school for the full day’s events. Sandra and I arrived for the Senior School music Concert in the morning which was held in the newly constructed Recital Hall. The programme was entitled “Royal Wedding Revisited” and included music performed by pupils and one or two ex-pupils that was included in the recent wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. I have to say that the standard of the performances was absolutely amazing.

We were then treated to Lunch, followed by the Senior School Prize Giving. This was attended by Sheriff Tim Hailes, standing in for the Lord Mayor. Prior to the actual ceremony we were entertained by some of the School’s music scholars. There were well over a hundred prizes given in Academic, Service to the School and Sport categories for the Upper School and Sixth Form. The Company’s prize for Conservation was given to a young lady in the Sixth Form who we had the pleasure to meet in the following reception.

There were numerous events taking place over the whole day which we took advantage of viewing. A very memorable occasion.

86. Firefighters’ Reception 20 June

I was delighted to be invited to the Firefighters’ Annual Reception at the City Livery Club. It is a splendid opportunity to meet with the Master, Wardens and Clerk of the Company as well as several other Masters and Clerks from other Companies. I have known the current Master Firefighter, John Mansfield, for virtually all of my term of office as his year and mine almost coincide and we have met at many functions. The reception was a very convivial event with excellent company and, of course, plentiful food and delightful wine.    

85. Lord Mayor’s Tax Debates, 19 June

As part of the tax profession's contribution to the Lord Mayor's Business of Trust agenda, the Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers and the Chartered Institute of Taxation co-hosted an event at the Mansion House with a very full audience of some 300 from the Livery and the City. The Lord Mayor introduced the programme and the first debate was a UK perspective on whether the public trust in the UK tax system has been impaired by unprecedented levels of tax avoidance. The second debate was an international perspective on the tremendous efforts that Governments and international institutions have put into changing the tax “landscape” in which multinational enterprises operate.

Both debates were extremely interesting. There was a general theme that there was a need to engage with corporations and the public more. On tax avoidance more legislation in the Corporate area was thought to be required and Corporation tax needed to be more robust. It was also considered that Tax Advisors should not be pushing schemes which were against the public benefit. It was considered that some sectors still think tax avoidance is something to be achieved!  Principles of taxation therefore need to be embedded in their culture. 

The debate continued after over drinks and canapés! 

84. Master’s Weekend 15/17 June

A small group of seven met at the De Vere Hotel in East Horsley on the Friday night and had a splendid convivial dinner at the local Duke of Wellington Public House. The following morning, joined by two more guests, we met at Polesden Lacey where we toured the most interesting house which included a very interesting talk by one of the guides about it’s history. 

It was a beautiful sunny day and the ensuing walk around the gardens where there were magnificent floral displays was extremely pleasant. It was our intention to move on elsewhere, but following a light lunch we decided to explore further and watch a couple of the “Pop-up Shakespeare” performances. Not unnaturally Sandra and I volunteered to take part which allowed us to slightly “overact”. Following that we returned to the hotel to prepare for the evening event.

For that we were joined by a further 4 couples and were transported to Denbies Vineyard in Dorking. There we were treated to an interesting film about the development and workings of the vineyard. This was followed by a tour of the vineyard by “train” ending up at the highest point with magnificent views. The weather was very kind to us and here we were treated to sparkling wine and canapés. Returning to the main building we then had a delicious dinner in the Gallery Dining Room overlooking the vineyard with extremely pleasant local and foreign wines. We were then transported back to the Hotel. A splendid and very convivial occasion.

83. Admiral of the Port Challenge

Sandra and I clambered into the Company Cutter, “The Water Forget-me-not” which was beached on the shaol just below The National Theatre. For the first time for several years our Bargemaster Johnny Dwan was unable to assemble the  highly successful team of ladies who have won on so many occasions and had assembled a splendid team of men which included his son Merlin. There were two heats for the men’s crews and we were in the first. Starting opposite HQS Wellington our team pulled away and immediately went into the lead which they maintained all the way to the Westminster Boating Base, winning by a massive margin. The second heat had a slight advantage as the tide had turned and the wind gave them a boost. As a result our team were defeated by a margin of ten seconds into third place! Never-the-less a splendid effort and a well deserved reception with drinks and canapés afterwards.

82. Ironbridge Gorge Livery Weekend. 8/9th June

Started by the late Sir Peter Gadsden who was Lord Mayor in 1979/80, this was the 35th such event. It was attended by Masters and Consorts of 102 Livery Companies. The weekend was organised by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.

After a rather frustrating journey with several diversions because of traffic accidents, we arrived at the Holiday Inn in Telford where all participants were accommodated. Early that evening the bar was filled with many familiar faces before we moved on to the first organised function which was a black tie dinner at Coalbrookdale, the home of cast iron. Excellent company, food and wine and a jolly group each way on the coach made this a splendid evening.

On the Saturday we were split into four groups and taken to various museums, coming together for lunch and then continuing the tour. Ironbridge was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution and the tour included the old furnace where pig iron was smelted, museums of caste iron, sagger makers, Coalport china, tiles and a replica Victorian Village with shops all beautifully displayed and very interesting. 

Unfortunately the Ironbridge itself was clad in plastic and undergoing renovation. There was however a model!

In the evening we were treated to The President’s Summer Ball. An evening where at the end of the meal there was an opportunity to dance and let your hair down – which many of us did!

This was a superb weekend among many friends and acquaintances from the Livery. 

81. Buckingham Palace Garden Party, 5 June

A delightful afternoon spent in the gardens of Buckingham Palace along with several thousand other people. What started as a very overcast and chilly day changed to a bright, sunny and warm afternoon at about the time Sandra and I joined the long queue to enter the Palace grounds.

The event was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. From the Livery the two Sheriffs and their Consorts were also in attendance as were several other Masters and Clerks, most of whom we knew. It was also an occasion where one could chat with a wide range of other guests. We were treated to a delicious tea with a superb choice of savouries and cakes! The large number of people made it almost impossible to meet the Royal couple, although we did manage to get a glimpse of them.

It was nice to stroll around the gardens and lake and listen to the two Military Bands that played alternately throughout the afternoon. A splendid occasion and a pleasure to have been invited.

80. Beating Retreat, Horseguards Parade, 30 & 31 May.

Taking advantage of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity offer to Livery Companies of VIP priority seating, 38 Members, Consorts, family and friends came to view this event which is performed on two days every two years.  The largest group of 33 attended on 31 May. Having endured long queues to pass through tight security our group were seated in a block on a stand just off centre with an excellent view of the proceedings. 

Beating Retreat had its origins in early warfare when the drum was used for all signals on the battlefield. It was a signal for troops to disengage from combat at the end of the day as darkness fell. We were treated to a full hour and a half programme of music and spectacle which included the ceremony of Beating Retreat.

First, 30 members of the Corps of Drums marched onto the parade playing drum solos. Following Bugle calls the Massed Bands then marched on in quick time. They heralded the arrival of His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge, who was taking the salute on behalf of his brother Prince Harry (who was on his honeymoon). 

There followed a ceremonial precision marching display, the actual Ceremony of Beating Retreat, further marching displays and the finale of “Rule Britannia” and the National Anthem. This was a fantastic evening of precision marching. The Massed Bands utilised the whole display area, splitting into 2 and 4 groups, counter marching, wheeling and reforming continuously. Not a single one out of step at any time! A perfect evening weather wise and thoroughly recommended if tickets can be obtained again in 2020.

79. Postal Museum and Rail Mail Visit, 25 May

A group of 22 Company members and consorts visited the Postal Museum behind the massive Mount Pleasant Sorting Office in Finsbury on the morning of 25 May. Individual groups made their way around this highly interesting Museum.  Exhibits included an early mail coach, through to more recent vans, old post and telephone boxes, stamps, and letters. The photograph below is of a Royal Mail Coach. The Coachman bears a striking resemblance to me!

Everyone then went to the Rail Mail terminal where we all squeezed onto the mail train. It was amazing to learn that the system was first established in the 1930’s. We were taken on a circular ride, stopping periodically at “stations” where original film presentations of the system were shown. At the end of the ride, there were further interesting film presentations of mail deliveries by train and an operational console for the mail rail system.

This was a very interesting visit, rounded off with a small group of us, who had in the past worked in the area, visiting the “Shakespeare’s Head” for a light lunch.  

78. Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch Reception

This reception, held this year at Carpenter’s Hall, is where the result of the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch is announced. The Company had collected £800 at the Election Court Lunch and the Thames Warden and I attended the reception along with a wide range of Livery, City, business and service personnel. This is the first year that the proceeds have gone to the charities of all three services.

The Lord Mayor announced that the proceeds amounted to £180,000 bringing the total raised over the last eleven years to £1.9 million. General Sir Michael Jackson, President of ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity, spoke of the wide range of support that the Armed Forces Charities have provided over the last year, ranging from a 107 year old widow to a 2 year old child. He expressed the hope that the proceeds from next year’s lunch, which is to be held on 4 April 2019, would hit the £200,000 target.

77. The Company of Plumbers Lecture and Dinner, 21 May

It was a great pleasure to be invited to the Worshipful Company of Plumbers’ annual lecture and dinner at the Royal College of Physicians. The lecture, entitled “Good morning do you wish to see a Doctor or a Plumber?” was given by Professor Mala Rao of Imperial College, London and covered the global challenges of water scarcity, water quality, extreme weather events and water conservation, subjects of particular interest to me and of considerable  relevance to our Company. Mala’s presentation is available to view on the Plumber’s website (www.plumberscompany.org.uk). The issue of desalination allowed me to answer a question and I went on to speak about water conservation issues. From comments afterwards this appears to have gone down well!

I was hosted during the evening by Fiona Woolf and it was good to meet with a number of members of the Plumbers’ Company with whom I had considerable contact during my time in the Water Directorate of what was then the DETR and later as a consultant.

It was a privilege to sit on the Master Plumber’s table between his Consort and the Chief Executive of Wateraid.  Very interesting company, an enjoyable meal and excellent wines. My thanks to the Master Plumber for allowing me to be part of a highly interesting and enjoyable evening.

76. 100+ Club Lunch, 18 May

As the title suggests, this is a group of Livery Companies numbered from 101 upwards. Although established at the beginning of the millennium around the time when the Company of Water Conservators took livery, the early activity was fairly limited and even led to a period of inactivity. However, in recent years with the arrival of several more new Companies the idea of lunches was resurrected and the Information Technologists’ Company (number 100), in whose hall recent lunches have been held, have also been included. The Company of World Traders have taken on the role of hosting the event and invitations are extended to the Masters and Clerks of the eligible Companies.

I was delighted to attend this year’s event and was seated on the top table next to the Master World Trader, Michael Mainelli. We were treated to an excellent meal and fine wines after which we adjourned to the local hostelry for the The Styrrup Cup! A splendid day and start to the weekend!

75. Spring Networking Event, 16 May

The culmination of much discussion and the introduction of a new category of membership in a bid to encourage younger professionals into the Company, an evening Networking Event was held in the private members dining room at the Guildhall. Around 30 guests were welcomed by a small group of senior members of the Company. After a brief introduction about the Company Liveryman Robbie Epsom spoke about his experience of being a younger member and why those present should also consider joining. He was followed by the Thames Warden, Simon Catford, who spoke about the mentoring scheme that was being introduced. Following a brief description of the membership categories drinks and canapés were served and the networking began in earnest. My thanks to all who helped to make this a successful evening. The guests were all given a recruitment pack on leaving and hopeful the event will bear fruit with a number of new members.

74. Visit to Museum of London 15 May

Prior to a Trustees meeting and at the invitation of the Grants Manager at the Museum of London a small group of Company members assembled to view the Whitechapel Fatberg display. This block of fat, wet wipes sanitary products and other articles flushed into the sewers weighing 130 tonnes and over 250 metres in length was discovered in September 2017. The amount on display is relatively small but presented a number of challenges in curating and conserving it. The photos and video put it well into context.

We were also treated to a visit of an exhibition entitled “London Nights”. This consists of over 200 photographs by some 50 artists ranging from the late 19th Century to present day many of which had never before been displayed. They are all striking images of the City at night. The exhibition is both fascinating and nostalgic. 

73. Sons & Friends of the Clergy, 15 May.

The origins of this service at St. Paul’s Cathedral date back to 1655 when a service was held and collection taken for the destitute families of priests dispossessed of their livings under Oliver Cromwell. It is now the largest UK charity focussed exclusively on supporting Anglican clergy families. Sandra and I attended this year’s service which was the 364th festival service and was supported by a large number of Livery Companies. The service was well attended by the City dignitaries and the Livery Companies processed down the aisle in reverse numerical precedence to their places under the South Dome. 

The combined choirs of St Paul’s, Gloucester Cathedral and Chelmsford Cathedral led the hymns and sang anthems. The sermon and blessing were given by the newly installed Bishop of London, the Right Reverend and Right Honourable, Dame Sarah Mullally. A beautiful service and a memorable occasion. 

72. The Tudor Pull – 13 May

The Tudor Pull celebrates the use of the River Thames from time immemorial as a means of transportation. An early start to get to Hampton Court in time to robe and then process with our Beadle, the Thames Warden, the Master of the Watermen’s Company and Her Majesty’s Barge Master, accompanied by 8 Royal  Oarsmen from the Queen’s Royal Barge ‘Gloriana’, to the front of Hampton Court Palace. The gates of the Palace then open and the ‘Stela’ is brought out accompanied by pipe and drum the Head Warder and an actor dressed as Henry VIII, to whom I then present the ‘Stela’. After taking wine with the Head Warder, we all process to QRB ‘Gloriana’ which then sets off to Richmond where we stop for lunch. At this point the Thames Warden joins our Cutter “The Water-forget-me-not” which, under the control of our bargemaster Jonny Dwan and rowed by our fantastic crew of ladies, follows the ‘Gloriana’ to the Tower of London. Once there the Royal Barge Master presents the ‘Stela’ to the Governor of the Tower of London.

What an amazing day, the weather kept fine for us, the wine and ‘bubbly’ flowed and the company was great. This year we were filmed by 2 crews. The actor Tony Robinson was filming a programme “Walking the Thames” for Channel 4 and recorded the proceedings from Hampton Court to Richmond. There was also to usual film crew organised by the Thames Traditional Rowing Association. An unforgettable occasion

71. Barts View Day – 9 May

It is amazing to learn that this year is the 468th anniversary of the celebration of View Day at St Bartholomew’s Hospital and I was delighted to have been invited by the Chair of Barts Charity and the Chair of Barts Health NHS Trust to this year’s event.

The evening commenced with choral evensong at the Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great. This is one of London’s oldest churches having been in continuous use as a place of worship since at least 1143. The architecture is amazing and it survived the Great Fire in 1666, the bombs dropped in Zeppelin raids during World War I and the Blitz in World War II. It was interesting to read that the church has been featured in a number of award-winning films including Four Weddings and a Funeral and Shakespeare in Love. Choral evensong was beautifully sung by a small choir and the Rector’s sermon was highly thought provoking.

Following the service we processed to the Great Hall in St Bartholomew’s Hospital for a reception. The Hall is decorated with portraits and dedications to the early contributors to the redevelopment of The Hospital. Most striking is the portrait of Henry VIII at the West end of the room, hands on hips and glaring down at all who enter. The Walls are lined with the names of the benefactors that supported the Hospital from its re-foundation onwards. The names run from 1546 until 1905, at which point space apparently ran out! The amazing ceiling is decorated with gold leaf. Magnificent surroundings for a glass or two of wine and delicious canapés not forgetting of course the interesting speeches about the work of Barts Charities! A brief tour to see the new robotics and a beautifully decorated room for cancer patients who have undergone chemo-therapy rounded off the visit.

70. Wadham College, 4 May

The Company has a close relationship with Wadham College, Oxford, and the Warden, Lord Macdonald QC, is an Honorary Freeman. The Water Conservation Trust has offered a bursary against MSc fees to needy students for over 10 years and, each year, the Master and Trustees have been invited to Oxford to meet the directing staff and new bursary holder. On 4 April, Trustees Roger North, Colin Drummond, David Johnstone, Peter Hall and I were introduced to our new student Gemma Bennett. Gemma is a graduate from Sheffield Hallam University and most recently taught English language in Jordan. She is looking at water management opportunities in the Middle East. Previous bursary students have made an impact on a variety of water sector issues. 

The picture shows Gemma Bennett (centre left), Past Master Colin Drummond (centre right) with members of the directing staff.

69. Presentation on the Culture Mile - 3 May

With my interest in music and the theatre I was delighted to be invited by the Master of the Chartered Surveyor’s Company and the RICS, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, to a presentation in the Livery Hall at Guildhall on the Culture Mile. This is an ambitious initiative that will create a vibrant cultural area in the north-west corner of the City over the next 10-15 years. There are 5 core organisations working together on this project which include the City of London Corporation, the Barbican Centre, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of London. There will be three major construction projects which include a new Museum of London at West Smithfield, a centre for music on the site of the current Museum of London and the transformation of Beech Street.

Following the Master Chartered Surveyor’s welcome and introduction, Alderman Sir Andrew Parmley gave a broad outline of the proposals. This was followed with interesting detailed presentations by Peter Lisley, the Culture Mile Director and Assistant Town Clerk and David Bianco the Culture Mile Property Director.  This was a fascinating evening about an outstanding project which was rounded off with drinks and canapés and much discussion with numerous other Livery Masters and representatives from the five core partners.

68. Masters and Clerks Lunch, Watermen’s Hall 23 April

What a pleasure to be invited by the Master of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen to lunch at their delightful hall on St. George’s Day. For me it was the third time in that hall in just a week! The invited guests were all Masters or Clerks of Livery Companies and the reception was a great opportunity to catch up with fellow Masters and their Clerks who I had met before and to make acquaintance with some new ones. On arrival we were all given a beautiful red rose for our lapels.

We were treated to a delicious four course lunch with excellent wines, something we come to expect from caterers “The Cook and the Butler”. The company at table was as ever genial and interesting. Another splendid occasion before Sandra and I set off for Spain, at the crack of dawn, the following day.

My sincere thanks to the Master and Wardens of the Company for the invitation.

67. RAF 100 Reception, Guildhall, 19 April

Following the Election Court Lunch I strolled over to the Guildhall for the Corporation of London’s reception celebrating 100 years of the Royal Air Force hosted by the Lord Mayor. The event was held in the Art Gallery and also the Guildhall itself which, as well as The Lord Mayor,  Lady Mayoress and the Sheriffs, was packed with RAF personnel, City dignitaries and Livery Company Masters.

This was a splendid opportunity to converse with a diverse group of people and in particular the RAF personnel. Outside, in the Guildhall Courtyard, was a display of three RAF fighter planes. A very interesting and enjoyable occasion. 

66. Election Court & Lunch 19th April

On the hottest day of the year so far, the Court met at Watermen’s Hall where I was hugely privileged to be able to sit in the magnificent newly guilded Master’s Chair.

Among other things the Court confirmed the re-appointment of Malcolm Butchers and Ken Marsh to the Court and elected Christine Duthie, Christine Jarvis, Graham Howells and Guy Titman to the Court. Malcolm Butchers was elected as Walbrooke Warden, Rob Casey as Fleet Warden, Mark Lane as Thames Warden and Simon Catford as Master for the year 2018/19.

Following the Court meeting the reception was held in the Court Room where I and my Wardens greeted members and guests to the Lunch. Observing the tradition of the Hall that the procession was in silence, I led our principle guest, Sir Andrew Parmley followed by the Wardens and other Guest Masters into the magnificent Georgian Dining Room. A splendid meal with excellent wines was served thanks to the Cook and the Butler. Our principle guest, Sir Andrew Parmley, former Lord Mayor and an Honorary Liveryman of the Company, gave an interesting account of his year as Lord Mayor which, as usual, included much humour. It was also a delight knowing his background in the amateur theatre for Sandra and I to share reminiscences with him.

A splendid occasion which was the final formal Company event of my year as Master.

65. Builders Merchants Divine Service, Reception and Supper, 16 April

What an immense pleasure it was for Sandra and I to be invited by the Master of the Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants to their Annual Divine Service, Reception and Supper.

The service was held in the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula in the Tower of London. What magnificent and historic surroundings. The service was led by the Company Chaplain, The Rev. Canon Roger Hall MBE. The choir was truly excellent leading the singing of the hymns and we particularly liked the anthem “All in an April Evening” which was beautifully sung and very appropriate. The sermon, based on the words “with” and “in”, was extremely thought provoking. This was certainly a unique experience.

A relatively short walk from the Tower along to Watermen’s Hall followed where we were received by the Master Brian Blanchard, at a reception where we met with members of the Company and fellow guests. It was a great pleasure to be seated at the top table between the Master and former Lord Mayor, Alderman Dame Fiona Woolf. We were treated to an excellent supper and wines. I was particularly pleased that the Master spoke very highly of our “WET10” debate the previous month. This was a truly memorable evening.

64. Fuellers Election Court Lunch – 13 April

What a great pleasure to be invited, along with Ralph Riley, by the Master Fueller to their Election Court Lunch at the Mansion House. A chance to give the Morning Suit an airing and arriving at the Mansion House we were warmly greeted by the Master, her Consort and Wardens. There were a number of Livery Masters and the event was also attended by the Lord Mayor and Sheriff Neil Redcliffe together with their Consorts.

After the reception and photographs we were ushered into the Egyptian Room and took our places for lunch. I never cease to be in awe of the surroundings and ambiance of the Egyptian Room, always a delight to lunch or dine there. Seated at Top Table next to the charming wife of a Past Master Fueller one could not ask for more.

The excellent introduction of the Guests by Senior Warden Shravan Joshi was both humorous and quite unique being in verse! The response by the Lord Mayor was as always interesting and tinged with humour. In all a delightful lunch followed by the odd glass of wine a short distance up the road in “The Counting House”! Another memorable day.

63. The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch – 11th April

This year was the 11th Big Curry Lunch which was hosted by the Lord Mayor, Alderman Charles Bowman at the Guildhall. I was delighted to attend on behalf of the Company and was accompanied by the Thames Warden, Simon Catford. We were invited to the Royal Reception, attended this year by Princess Beatrice, and we gave a cheque for £500 to the Lord Mayor on behalf of the Company for ABF, The Soldiers Charity. This is a down payment for the amount that we collect after the Election Court! 

This is an amazing event supported in one way or another by most of the Livery Companies. There was a slight difference this year in that the Charities supported by the event were for all three services rather than just the Army as in previous years. A number of service personnel were in attendance and it was interesting to speak to them particularly because of my involvement in the Territorial Army in my younger years! It was also an opportunity to meet with the Masters of a good number of Livery Companies.

Lunch was in the Guildhall which was filled to capacity with 3 separate sittings! It was again interesting to talk to “non-livery” people over lunch. Afterwards several Livery Companies have stalls selling various wares associated in some way with their Companies. The orchids on the Gardener’s Company stall proved irresistible to both Simon and I. An amazing and very enjoyable event.

62. Prison, Advice and Care Trust (Pact) Reception 22 March

I was pleased to accept an invitation to a reception at the Old Bailey to celebrate the work of volunteers who support defendant’s families in Court. The event was in aid of “Pact” – a national charity that supports prisoners, people with convictions and their families. The event was held in the Judges Dining Room. It was opened by His Honour Nicholas Hilliard QC the Recorder of London who welcomed the guests, among whom were a goodly number of Livery Masters.

Among the speakers was the mother of a young man who had been arrested, convicted and imprisoned. She told us of how Pact had helped her and her family deal with the situation from the outset and throughout the trial. She went on to say how they had intervened when the young man refused to see his family and was on the verge of self harming in prison and how the situation had then been normalised. A very moving account.

Following presentations to outstanding Pact volunteers we split into groups and were given a tour of the Old Bailey, viewing an exposed part of the original Roman Wall, the site of the old Newgate Prison and gallows, and one of the original Court Rooms, ending up in the magnificent Great Hall. A very interesting and thought provoking evening.

61. WET10 Debate 21 March

It was my pleasure to chair this year’s highly topical Wet10 Debate “Mind the Gap – The future water security challenge for London and South East England” which was sponsored by Thames Water. A large audience of Company members and guests heard Richard Aylard, Thames Water’s External Affairs and Sustainability Director set the scene with an excellent presentation of their draft Water Resources Management Plan. This was followed by speakers who formed a Review Panel consisting of John Dickie, from London First, Sir Tony Redmond, Regional Chair of the Consumer Council for Water, Leonie Cooper, the London Assembly Member who chairs their Environment committee and Martin Salter, National Campaigns Co-Ordinator of the Angling Trust. A lively debate followed by questions from the floor. The evening was rounded-off with drinks and canapés and further lively discussion. All-in-all an excellent evening. Much thanks are due to Rob Casey and Ralph Riley who bore the brunt of the organisation.

60. Scientific Instrument Makers Livery Lunch, 20 March 2018

I was delighted to be invited by the Master and Wardens of the Scientific Instrument Makers to their Informal Livery Lunch at their newly refurbished Hall by the Thames. I was one of eight visiting Masters and Clerks. It was a pleasure to be seated next to Past Master Captain Guy Brocklebank RN and Steward John Comer. They were most interesting company and we engaged in wide ranging conversation. The meal and wines were excellent and the time passed rapidly. My thanks to the Master Scientific Instrument Maker for the very kind invitation.

59. United Guilds Service and Lunch, 16 March

Following a rather late night, Sandra and I were up early and back in the City to attend the 76th Service of the United Guilds of the City of London at St Paul’s Cathedral. This service is attended by the Masters, Wardens and members of every Livery Company. The Cathedral is filled to capacity. It was a little disappointing that the Water Conservators were only represented by seven people. Considerably fewer than in previous years.

There is a great deal of pageantry at the start and conclusion of the service with processions in and out of Beadles, Masters and Prime Wardens of selected Companies and Sheriffs followed by the Choir and Church dignitaries.  An interesting and in part humorous sermon was given by the Bishop of Edmundsbury and Ipswich. 

At the conclusion of the service the gathering of Liverymen in their gowns on the steps of St Paul’s draws considerable attention from tourists and the general public. The Water Conservators were invited to lunch by the Master Cook in the Alderman’s Dining Room at the Guildhall. We were welcomed by the Master, Mark Grove, and enjoyed a splendid meal from the Cook and the Butler! Our grateful thanks to Mark for the very kind invitation. 

58. Dinner at the Mansion House, 15 March

After the engagement at Myddelton School I swiftly moved on to the Mansion House where I met with Sandra and changed into my white tie evening suit! The invitation to dinner from the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress was extended to the Masters, Prime Wardens and Upper Bailiff of all the Livery Companies and their Consorts. It was attended by some 270 people.

The Mansion House is of course a fantastic venue and it was a great honour to be greeted by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, the two Sheriffs and their Consorts. The reception was an opportunity to mingle and chat with a number of Masters and their Consorts in many cases for more than once that week! Dining in the Egyptian Room (which I learned is actually Roman in style) is always a highlight and this was no exception. A sumptuous meal with fine wines in splendid company was accompanied by light music from The Honourable Artillery Company Band. Speeches by the Master Mercer, the Master Grocer and the Lord Mayor rounded off the meal and were followed by a Styrrup Cup. A most memorable evening.

The picture is the outside cover of the dinner menu and depicts the procession of Sir James Whitehead who was Lord Mayor in 1888/89.

57. Hugh Myddelton School STEAM Classroom, 15 March

I was delighted, as Master of the Company and a Trustee of the Water Conservation Trust, to attend the official launch of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) Laboratory at Hugh Myddelton School. The Trust have funded all the furniture in the room and laboratory coats for the children. Walbrook Warden Rob Casey, who has put a great deal of time and effort working with the school and is now a School Governor, must be congratulated on this achievement. 

It was great to see the children engaged in a such a variety of different activities and also the enthusiasm of the headmaster and staff at the school. There were also representatives of Islington Council and other local schools who went away highly impressed by what they had seen.

Roger North, Chairman of the Trust formally opened the facility which bears a plaque with the crest of the Company and a tribute to the funding of the facility by the Trust. 

56. Yet More Trial and Error at the Old Bailey, 14 March

For a number of years the Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund have presented a revue at the Old Bailey with all the proceeds going in aid of the Fund. Sandra and I attended this year and were treated to an excellent evening of entertainment. The event started with reception drinks in the most impressive Grand Hall of the Central Criminal Court where it was a pleasure to meet with a number of Masters and their Consorts before going into No.2 Court for the entertainment! 

The revue, which was specially written, depicts scenes from a number of high profile trials. It was to say the least highly amusing. This year it included among others the trials of the “witch” Jane Wenham, Ruth Ellis, Stephen Ward and the magazine “Oz”. I had sponsored on behalf of the Company the opening piece about Norman Birkett KC who was finally appointed a Liberal Peer in the House of Lords where he argued strongly against Ullswater Lake being “depleted to meet the insistent water demands of Manchester Corporation”. It was this debate in the House of Lords, which he won, that was depicted.

All the actors, who included Judges, Barristers, Lawyers, Sheriffs and a former Lord Mayor of London are or have been involved in theatre and were truly excellent. It was particularly good to see Fiona Adler in the cast. Amost enjoyable evening.

55. The Modern Companies Dinner, 12 March

After a brief respite from lunch and a strong cup of coffee, I made my way to Watermen’s Hall for the Modern Companies Dinner of which there are two each year. It was the turn of our Company to organise the spring event this year. There was a splendid turnout with almost all the Modern Companies represented and I was delighted to welcome our guests to the reception drinks. An excellent 4 course dinner prepared by The Cook and the Butler was served with a selection of delightful wines in the elegant Watermen’s dining room. Our guest speaker was the Master International Banker, Senior Alderman Below the Chair Peter Estlin. He praised the Livery Companies for their charitable work, especially in the field of education, spoke of the current pressures on the City and the need for the Livery Companies to work closely together. He also kept us amused with some very humorous anecdotes. All in all an excellent evening with many compliments from those attending. My thanks to our Clerk Ralph Riley for organising the event.

54. Walbrook Ward Club AGM & Lunch, 12 March

Having been elected a member of the Walbrook Ward Club I attended their AGM and 209th Annual Luncheon. These events were held in the splendid Old Library at the Guildhall.  An opportunity to meet some very interesting people with links to the City, including our Treasurer, Past Master Peter Hall, and also to partake of an excellent meal in fine surroundings. The main speaker was Sheriff Neil Redcliffe who gave an interesting and humorous speech. An excellent start to the day.

53. The Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers Spring Court Dinner, 8 March

The Company has a close association with the Hackney Carriage Drivers through its support of their annual Disneyland taxi drive for disabled children. It was therefore a great pleasure to attend their Spring Court Dinner at the elegant Carpenters’ Hall. 

As ever the reception drinks allowed yet another opportunity to share views and pass the time of day with a number of Livery Masters. Having taken my place at table I was sorry to hear that the guests on my left were unable to attend due to illness, but they were more than made up for by others around.

Inevitably the conversation turned to the environmental impact of diesel cabs and I was horrified to learn that an all electric cab costs in the region of £60,000. A disincentive for many cab drivers if ever there was one!

The principal speaker was His Honour Judge Nicholas Hilliard QC who gave a most interesting and humorous speech. This was followed by presentation of awards and entertainment from a superb soprano accompanied by an excellent pianist. 

A truly excellent evening and my thanks go to the Master Hackney Carriage Driver for his kind invitation. 

52. Honourable Company of Master Mariners’ Court Lunch, 7 March

What a delight it was to be invited to the Honourable Company of Master Mariners’ Court Lunch on board HQS Wellington. After all the snow and rain a sunny day dawned and reception drinks were served on the afterdeck where after having been received by the Master, Martin Reed, it was good to catch-up with many Masters and Clerks of a wide range of Livery Companies.

I was honoured to be seated next to a former Lord Mayor of the City of Westminster who was extremely interesting to engage in conversation. An excellent meal and wines were served by the Cook and the Butler. The lunch was attended by the First Sea Lord and also the New Zealand High Commissioner. Unfortunately the principle speaker was taken ill at the crucial moment and had to leave and his place was taken by the High Commissioner.

A splendid lunch in excellent company and my thanks go to the Master of the Honourable Company for his kind invitation.

51. City Guides’ Derek Melluish Memorial Lecture, 5 March

I was delighted to join a large number of Masters and City of London Guides in the Church of St. Lawrence Jewry for the above lecture. After introductions which included the Chair of the City of London Guide Lecturers Association and the Chaplain, the lecture was delivered by Dr. Jane Sidell, Inspector of Ancient Monuments, Historic England and previously a Senior Research Fellow at UCL and Environmental Archaeologist.

Under the subject “Ancient Monuments for a Modern City” she explored how history and heritage make the City what it is today and traced its history from its origins as a small trading port to the present day highlighting many of the ancient monuments and where their remains can be found. It was interesting to hear how she actively works with developers in order to preserve ancient archaeological finds, encouraging them to develop but at the same time ensuring that our heritage is protected.

A truly interesting and fascinating evening rounded off with drinks and a very substantial finger buffet in the Church!

50. World Traders Tacitus Lecture

The 31st Tacitus Lecture organised by the Worshipful Company of World Traders was held on 22 February at the Guildhall. Sandra and I together with Thames Warden, Simon Catford, attended this prestigious event which is one of the largest of it’s type in the City. The Guildhall was packed to capacity with an audience of some 900+ to hear Nathan Myhrvold PhD speak on “Cyber-Trade: Will AI displace or enhance our work?”. Nathan was formerly the Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft and is one of the world’s great Polymaths. He is also a prizewinning nature and wildlife photographer and an accomplished chef! Not surprisingly his lecture was both extremely interesting and informative and also contained many amusing anecdotes. What does he think? AI will not displace our work!

The lecture was followed by a drinks reception in the Guildhall Crypt which gave an opportunity to speak with the Masters/Wardens/Clerks of other Livery Companies. Following this Sandra and I were honoured to have been invited by the Master World Trader to the Sponsors’ Dinner which was held at the Wax Chandlers’ Hall. A delicious meal with excellent wines and splendid company rounded-off the day. Fortunately we managed to catch the last train home!.

49. CIWEM - Resiliance and Water, 15 February

I was delighted to be invited by the Chair of the Metropolitan Branch of CIWEM to attend their “Resilience and Water” event which was sponsored by and held in the offices of Arup. Resilience has been defined on several occasions including by OFWAT as “The ability to maintain essential services under extreme circumstances”. Three presentations were given which were very interesting and extremely informative.

Louise Ellis, Senior Civil Engineer in the Water Group at Arup explored water resilience in the context of the city system. The problems include climate change, outdated drainage and rapid urbanisation. Interestingly Hull has been selected as one of five cities worldwide where Arup are developing a global water resilience framework. Hull has 90% of the city standing below the high tide line.

Thames Water was represented by Keith Banner, their Strategy Manager. He spoke about Thames’ approach to water resilience in the context of OFWAT’s 2019 Price Review (PR19). A number of options are under consideration which include transferring raw water from wetter parts of the UK, building a new storage reservoir to capture and store excess flows in the Thames, desalinating water from the Thames Estuary and reusing treated effluent from sewage treatment works.

The final presentation was given by Professor Sarah Bell from the Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources. Her presentation was entitled “Infrastructure resilience: designing from the bottom-up”. She spoke about community engagement with infrastructure and cited an example in Southwark where an estate of apartments had adopted a system of rain water storage for use on gardens, car washing, etc. and the cost implications of wider use for flushing WCs etc.

In all a fascinating evening rounded off with drinks and snacks and an opportunity to network with a number of interesting people including a group of younger  Arup employees who took an interest in joining the Water Conservators!

48. Constructors Company Livery and Awards Dinner 14 February

Sandra and I were very privileged to be invited to the Worshipful Company of Constructors Annual Livery and Awards Dinner which took place at Drapers’ Hall on Valentine’s Day. Some 160 members and guests sat down in the magnificent dining hall where a superb meal and excellent wines were served. The guest speaker was Sir Terry Morgan, Chief Executive of Crossrail, who spoke about the difficulties and achievements of the Crossrail project. During the course of the evening a number of prestigious awards were given to outstanding University students in relevant subjects and also to serving personnel from all three services for outstanding bravery. The formal dinner was followed by the usual Stirrup Cup.

Both Sandra and I were seated with highly interesting and welcoming members of the Company with whom we found a great deal in common.

47. 14th Inter-Livery Pancake Race

The cold, wet and thoroughly miserable weather was overshadowed by the enthusiasm of all concerned in this year’s Pancake Race. As our Clerk was on holiday and I was unable to run due to an ankle injury I was given the task of being Team Leader. This year our team was represented by Fleet Warden Mark Lane in the Masters race, Freeman Andrew Williamson in the Livery race, Bailiff Lynva Russell in the Ladies race and Walbrooke Warden Rob Casey in the Novelty race. As the ground in the Guildhall Yard was extremely wet and slippery, it was decided that the “British Weather Clause” in the rules would be invoked. That meant that instead of running, an alternative competition of pancake tossing would take place. The winner in each category would be the one who tossed the pancake the most times within 30 seconds! Although highly competitive, our team unfortunately failed to achieve the finals. Rob Casey’s costume representing the Lord Mayors Charity “Place 2Be” was exemplary, but again we failed to meet the final.

Thanks must go to our competitors for their efforts and also to Trevor and Annette Harrington for braving the elements in support of our team. Following the race we retired to the Guildhall Crypt for a well deserved hot lunch and a glass of wine provided by “The Cook and the Butler”.