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.