18. 24th September 2017. Sheep Drive over London Bridge

Today, together with Sandra, I exercised the right as a Freeman of the City of London, to drive sheep across London Bridge. What a perfect warm and sunny day it was for this event which was organised by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen. A very sociable occasion and good fun, although the sheep didn't seem too enamoured with it!

The stalls and displays at the Wool Fayre situated around the Monument provided an added interest to the day.

17. Worshipful Company of Fuellers, Ezra Lecture, 20th September

Immediately after the performance at the Globe, Sandra and I crossed the river to attend the Fuellers13th Annual Lecture. This year it was given by the Rt. Hon. the Lord Deben, perhaps better known as John Gummer. He was the longest serving Secretary of State for the Environment, from 1993-97, a good part of the time that I was working in the Department's Water Directorate. He is currently Chairman of the Committee on Climate Change and advises the Government on emissions targets and reports on progress made on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The title of the lecture was "Fossil Fuels and the Energy Mix". A very interesting lecture, in which Lord Deben, speaking with only an occasional glance at notes, gave his views on current progress and what more can be done to combat climate change through innovation and smart technologies. He concluded by saying that even if it was proved not to be effective in preventing climate change it was better to reduce emissions and improve our environment than not to do anything.

The drinks and canapes that followed gave an opportunity to discuss the issues raised and socialise with the Masters of a number of other Livery Companies. Our thanks to Janet Harrison, the Master Fueller, for a very interesting evening.

16. 20th September 2017. The Globe Theatre - "Much Ado About Nothing"

The heading is not a comment on the theatre, which is a fantastic venue for Shakespeare's plays!  28 members of the Company and their guests occupied 3 boxes for a matinee performance of the play.

You can always expect a different slant on Shakespeare's plays at the Globe and this production of "Much Ado" was no exception. Set in Mexico during the Revolution in 1910, it is about revolutionaries returning from conflict. And these are both men and women. The latter, in their Edwardian dresses had belts of bullets and guns and swords. There was also, of course, a gender change – the villainous Don John became a female character, Juana! The play is humorous as written but in this production we were treated to a little theatrical licence and in places it became hilarious! The play is also full of songs and dances all in the Mexican tradition. There was never a dull moment.

A glass of bubbly during the interval completed a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.

15. Battle of Britain Dinner at RAF Northolt, 14 September

Having almost completed the Livery Halls walk and changed into my Dinner Suit on HQS Wellington, I set off for the second time in 6 days to RAF Northolt, this time for their Battle of Britain Dining in Night.

The reception drinks were served outside the Officers’ Mess on a very pleasant sunny evening and gave an opportunity to speak to a number of service personnel as well as the half dozen Livery Company Masters. This was followed by a short flying display by one of the few remaining Spitfires.

As will be seen from the menu, we were not stinted for food! The starter and sweet were, unusually, served in mess tins! There were excellent wines, the glasses were continuously topped-up, and there were copious amounts of Port. The Army Captain, who was in charge of the British Forces Postal Service based at Northolt and sat on my left, was most informative and entertaining and made sure I did not go without!

The guest speaker was most interesting, talking about the WW2 bunker at Uxbridge from which aircraft involved in the Battle of Britain were controlled. I recall a visit there some while ago and would recommend it if the opportunity arises again.

Fortunately I was travelling by public transport and, together with one of the other Masters, had to leave shortly after the dinner and well before the bar closed at 1.30am!

14. Livery Halls Walk, 14th September

Back to HQS Wellington this morning for breakfast before setting out on the annual Livery Halls walk organised by the Environmental Cleaners Company. This was the second time that I had participated in this event, having walked last year with the then Master, Keith Tozzi. I was accompanied this time by Thames Warden, Simon Catford.

After breakfast and the first photo shoot of the day on the deck of HQS Wellington (Hall No.1) some 40 Masters and Wardens set off at 9am for the first part of the walk visiting 10 halls with photographs at each one ending up at Salters’ Hall for Morning Coffee. This was followed by visits and photos at a further 8 Halls and then lunch by the Cook and the Butler at Armourers’ Hall.  A further 10 Halls later, afternoon tea was provided at the Dutch church opposite the Funiture Makers’ Hall. The party then set off for the final 8 Halls, ending up at Fishmongers Hall on London Bridge. A total of 40 Halls and a distance covered of 9 miles!

Unfortunately, because of late running, I had to leave the walk after visiting 38 Halls and return to HQS Wellington to get ready for my next engagement!

13. Michaelmas Court and Lunch, 12 September

HQS Wellington was the venue for this years’ Michaelmas Court and Lunch.

The day started with a Court Meeting at which I was delighted to clothe Stuart Herritty  as a Liveryman and admit Andrew Bennett, Past Master Sue Owen’s Consort, as a Freeman under the recently introduced Consort Admission category.

Fortunately we had a warm and sunny day that allowed us to have the reception drinks prior to lunch on the Quarter Deck. It was a pleasure to welcome members and guests including guest speaker, Fiona Adler and Masters of the Plumbers, Scientific Instrument Makers, Launderers, Environmental Cleaners, Constructors, and Hackney Carriage Drivers.

As usual, The Cook and the Butler served excellent food and wine and there was a very congenial atmosphere throughout. Fiona Adler gave a very entertaining speech, keeping us all attentive from the start when she mentioned that she and I had something in common! After a number of things that it was not, she pronounced that it was a love of acting!  She went on to keep us informed and amused about her time as Sheriff at the same time as Andrew Parmley prior to his election as Lord Mayor.

A splendid day, rounded off with a Stirrup Cup.

12. Modern Companies Dinner, 11 September

The Modern Livery Companies’ Autumn Dinner this year was organised and hosted by The Worshipful Company of World Traders (the 101st Livery Company) at the Wax Chandlers’ Hall. The principal guest was Alderman Charles Bowman, one of the three Aldermen in line for election to Lord Mayor on 29th September. As Master of the Company that will organise and host the next Modern Companies’ Dinner in the Spring of next year, I was privileged to be sitting on the top table between the Master World Trader and the Master Lightmonger. The Dinner was also attended by Simon Catford, the Thames Warden, and by our Clerk, Ralph Riley.

An excellent meal with fine wines was followed by an interesting speech from Alderman Bowman about the Livery and his view of how it might progress in the coming years.

An excellent evening and a challenge to live up to next March!

11. RAF Northolt Annual Reception, 8 September

The Company has had an affiliation for many years with the Aeronautic Information and Documents Unit (AIDU) of the RAF at Northolt. At the invitation of the Station Commander, Group Captain Carver, Sandra and I attended a reception at the Officers’ Mess. We were welcomed by Wing Commander Paul Kendall, Officer Commanding AIDU and members of his team. During the evening we watched a flying display by a Spitfire followed by the Evening Hymn and the Last Post played by the RAF Band. A very enjoyable evening chatting with RAF personnel and several Masters and their Consorts from other Livery Companies. The photograph shows us with Group Captain Carver.