44. HMS Scott, Captains Lunch 24 January

Our affiliation with the Royal Navy is with the survey vessel HMS Scott. She is currently in Devonport Dockyard awaiting replacement of one of her engines. Her Commanding Officer, Nick Foster, whom we had met at the Company Banquet, invited Sandra and I to join him, together with a number of other guests, for lunch and a tour of the ship.

On a rather damp rainy day we were met at the dockyard gate by Lt. Will Astley, the Engineer Officer, and Lt Kerry Woollard, the Hydrographic and Meteorogical Officer, who took us to the Officers’ Mess where we were introduced to the other guests who included the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Swansea, Carolyn Eadie the Ship’s Sponsor and the author Judy Skelton, whose Grandfather was the Chief Engineer and Photographer on the Discovery Expedition to the Antarctic led by Captain Scott.

After an splendid lunch were given a presentation by two young Able Seamen (both of whom held Scientific Degrees) explaining how the ship surveyed the ocean floor. We were then taken on a tour of the ship which included the Bridge and the Captain’s Cabin.  

A thoroughly enjoyable day rounded off with a visit to the historic part of the City and, by way of a complete contrast, an excellent Nepalese meal! 

43. Company of Management Consultants’ Charities Supper – 18 January

Having been treated to a first class lunch with the Grocers, I followed this with an excellent Supper as a guest of the Worshipful Company of Management Consultants at Skinners’ Hall. The supper celebrates the pro bono work that the Company does for charities. Many of the Company members freely give of their time to help charities and other not for profit enterprises, that are unable to pay normal consulting fees, handle the day to day issues of running their organisations. They provide overall the equivalent of an amazing £1m of support each year through this programme. We heard from three charities that had received pro bono support.

An excellent supper with first class wines in interesting company. My thanks to the Master  and Clerk for the invitation to join them.

42. Lunch at Grocers’ Hall – 18 January

Thames Warden, Simon Catford, and I were invited by the Master and Wardens of the Grocers Company to lunch at their magnificent hall. The event was also attended by some 80 Masters, Wardens and Clerks from a wide range of Livery Companies the majority of which, as with our Company, do not own a Hall. We were treated to a first class menu prepared by their in-house team of chefs accompanied by excellent wines. This was of course a huge PR exercise at what is truly an excellent venue.

41. City New Year Service, 12 January

Today Sandra and I attended the annual City New Year Service at the church of St. Michael, Cornhill. This service has been a major event for more than half a century for senior people in the City’s civic and business world. The church was packed to capacity with the Livery and their Consorts and City business people including the Lord Mayor and the Governor of the Bank of England, both of whom read Lessons. The service was led by the Priest in Charge, The Revd. Charlie Skrine, who gave a very inspiring sermon which also contained much humour. The choir and the recently renovated organ contributed to make this an uplifting service to remember.

The service was followed by a reception and hot buffet lunch courtesy of the Worshipful Company of Drapers at their magnificent Hall. This provided a splendid opportunity to engage with many friends in the Livery. Thanks go to the Master Draper for his hospitality.