Thursday 18 December 2014
Master's Blog 5
Dear all,
I'm sure you like me are now all going flat out towards Christmas both at work and at home.
On Monday I attended a British Water International reception with Thames Warden Peter Hall. The event was hosted by the Lord Selbourne. It was great opportunity to meet with British Water members and to promote our livery company. We are looking forward to increasing cooperation between our two organisations.
On Tuesday we went to the carol service at St Mary-at-Hill church attended by the congregation, a number of our liverymen and partners along with some other Masters of livery companies.
This was my last official engagement until January.
I'm sure you are looking forward to a well earned break over Christmas.
You will have seen that our Myddelton lunch is on 2 February with the Lord Mayor attending. You will also receive a flyer about the planned Master's weekend in Salisbury from 22nd to 24th May. We initially want to gauge interest to get numbers and then finalise the price.
I hope you will be able to join us at events next year.
Christine and I wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Roger
Thursday 11 December 2014
Master's Blog 4
Dear all,
I knew I was falling behind on blogging but I didn't realise it was over a month and a half since my last blog. Please accept my apologies.
So what's been happening? Well the answer is a lot really!
On 19th October Trevor Harrington and I represented the Company at the National Trafalgar Day Parade in Trafalgar Square. The cadet displays were excellent and bearing in mind the average age is 15 they were impressive!
We had our lecture from David Johnstone on 22 October at the Oxford and Cambridge Club which was a very interesting talk and the dinner after was excellent. The discussion round the table was very wide-ranging.
The banquet on the 6th November was very successful with the singers from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama entertaining us with songs from Miss Saigon and Phantom of the Opera. The tenor, Robert Bailey sang the French National Anthem at the start of the Six Nations rugby this year!
On the 8th November the Thames and Walbrook wardens with my Bailiff joined me in the Lord Mayor's parade. A really great day and the weather stayed mostly dry. If you've never been I would recommend it as it's a great spectacle. My grandchildren think it's great.
I attended a couple of Remembrance services, one at St Pauls where each livery company plants a cross. I then laid a wreath on behalf of the Company at the Merchant Navy Memorial outside Trinity House. This year of course there were thousands of people going to see the poppies at the Tower of London. A very impressive and moving sight.
The Art Scholars had their annual lecture in the Dutch Church, Austin Friars and the Horners had their lecture at the Royal Society of Medicine. Professor John Holman spoke about " The livery companies and education: a scientific perspective. It was very entertaining and gave us all something to plan for.
The Environmental Cleaners' lunch was at the Armourers Hall and Basketmakers dinner was at Skinners Hall. Both were delightful events.
There is now a new Guild, The Guild of Entrepreneurs. All the Livery companies, the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs welcomed them at the Ironmongers Hall on 26th November.
The Innholders celebrated their 500th anniversary at a service in Southwark Cathedral on 29th November which Christine and I went to. We then went to the Launderers' carol service in the same cathedral last Saturday and an excellent supper afterwards.
Earlier in the week I met with Lt Col Pete Quaite and Maj Dougie Hunter from 66Works Group Royal Engineers to kick start our association. We got on well and we will be planning some events where we can build our relationship.
Today Martin Baggs, CEO of Thames Water, unveiled a Blue Plaque outside the Tesco store in Cheapside. This commemorates the end of the "Great Conduit" which was the first public water supply into the City, completed around 1245. If you are in the area look up and you will see the plaque, you could also walk the short distance to Aldermanbury where you can see the first Blue Plaque which the Company provided in 2010. It is largely through the tenacious efforts of Past Master Ted Flaxman, who researched the history of the water supplies into London, that these plaques now exist.
You will have received a postal drop about now which includes a Charity Update and a request for funding to expand our schools programme. Please give this some serious thought if you don't already give.
Next Thursday 16th December we have our carol service in St Mary-at-Hill church at 6pm. We will be very pleased to see you there.
Over the last few months a number of the various Company Mistresses and consorts have been attending separate events. Christine has attended a good number and got to know many of the other mistresses. This is another great way in which we are promoting the Company in the City.
That's all until the next time.
I knew I was falling behind on blogging but I didn't realise it was over a month and a half since my last blog. Please accept my apologies.
So what's been happening? Well the answer is a lot really!
On 19th October Trevor Harrington and I represented the Company at the National Trafalgar Day Parade in Trafalgar Square. The cadet displays were excellent and bearing in mind the average age is 15 they were impressive!
We had our lecture from David Johnstone on 22 October at the Oxford and Cambridge Club which was a very interesting talk and the dinner after was excellent. The discussion round the table was very wide-ranging.
The banquet on the 6th November was very successful with the singers from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama entertaining us with songs from Miss Saigon and Phantom of the Opera. The tenor, Robert Bailey sang the French National Anthem at the start of the Six Nations rugby this year!
On the 8th November the Thames and Walbrook wardens with my Bailiff joined me in the Lord Mayor's parade. A really great day and the weather stayed mostly dry. If you've never been I would recommend it as it's a great spectacle. My grandchildren think it's great.
I attended a couple of Remembrance services, one at St Pauls where each livery company plants a cross. I then laid a wreath on behalf of the Company at the Merchant Navy Memorial outside Trinity House. This year of course there were thousands of people going to see the poppies at the Tower of London. A very impressive and moving sight.
The Art Scholars had their annual lecture in the Dutch Church, Austin Friars and the Horners had their lecture at the Royal Society of Medicine. Professor John Holman spoke about " The livery companies and education: a scientific perspective. It was very entertaining and gave us all something to plan for.
The Environmental Cleaners' lunch was at the Armourers Hall and Basketmakers dinner was at Skinners Hall. Both were delightful events.
There is now a new Guild, The Guild of Entrepreneurs. All the Livery companies, the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs welcomed them at the Ironmongers Hall on 26th November.
The Innholders celebrated their 500th anniversary at a service in Southwark Cathedral on 29th November which Christine and I went to. We then went to the Launderers' carol service in the same cathedral last Saturday and an excellent supper afterwards.
Earlier in the week I met with Lt Col Pete Quaite and Maj Dougie Hunter from 66Works Group Royal Engineers to kick start our association. We got on well and we will be planning some events where we can build our relationship.
Today Martin Baggs, CEO of Thames Water, unveiled a Blue Plaque outside the Tesco store in Cheapside. This commemorates the end of the "Great Conduit" which was the first public water supply into the City, completed around 1245. If you are in the area look up and you will see the plaque, you could also walk the short distance to Aldermanbury where you can see the first Blue Plaque which the Company provided in 2010. It is largely through the tenacious efforts of Past Master Ted Flaxman, who researched the history of the water supplies into London, that these plaques now exist.
You will have received a postal drop about now which includes a Charity Update and a request for funding to expand our schools programme. Please give this some serious thought if you don't already give.
Next Thursday 16th December we have our carol service in St Mary-at-Hill church at 6pm. We will be very pleased to see you there.
Over the last few months a number of the various Company Mistresses and consorts have been attending separate events. Christine has attended a good number and got to know many of the other mistresses. This is another great way in which we are promoting the Company in the City.
That's all until the next time.
Wednesday 15 October 2014
Master's Blog 3
Hi everyone,
Since my last blog in the middle of September, life has continued to be hectic with a good number of events. I think the number of events is up to 30 already!
We had a very enjoyable visit to the Globe theatre to see Comedy of Errors. Fortunately Christine had looked at the storyline the night before! The next day I walked for 10 miles around the 40 livery halls with other Masters and liverymen, ably supported by the Fleet Warden. We were gowned and it was a hot afternoon but we all completed the challenge!
On the Saturday Christine and I went to the Fisheries experiment fishing competition at Gravesend where the idea is to catch as many different species as possible. Unfortunately not many fish were caught, some said this is due to seals being present in the river. It was an excellent day with reasonable weather. On the Sunday a group of us visited the Oak Room at New River Head and then walked the 7 mile Heritage section of the New River. Rob Casey and Peter Hall did us proud in organising the event.
The next week I attended the presentation of the Shrieval chain to Andrew Parmley, who is an honorary liveryman of our Company, and who was installed as the Aldermanic Sheriff. I also attended the Sheriff's breakfast and the election of the Lord Mayor in Guildhall. Other events included the Fuellers' lecture and the Mercers' concert.
It was our Michaelmas court and lunch on 24 September at the Armourers Hall, which was filled to capacity. At the Court meeting we admitted 3 new Freeman and clothed 2 more in the livery.
Our annual golf day was successful with 3 other livery companies entering teams. It was very disappointing that only 3 water conservators attended. I know there are more golfers out there so please come along and play. Richard Waller does an excellent job organising our golf and we would appreciate your support.
In October Christine and I attended the Musicians' Company evensong in St Pauls and I attended the Gardeners' Company harvest festival followed by lunch and a very interesting presentation on the New Garden Bridge being planned to cross the Thames near Temple station to the South Bank. I have some concerns on the use of water for irrigation although the presenter mentioned they plan to install a grey water storage tank on the South Bank. I will be writing to the Bridge Trust to get some clarification on water use and disposal.
Last night I attended the Installation dinner for the new Master of the Fuellers Company at Skinners Hall.
When I was installed I said we are planning a number of social and technical events. I have to say the attendance has been disappointing. I'd be pleased to hear your views on the events. If they are not to your liking then tell me what you would like, nothing is cast in stone.
We have our lecture and dinner on 22 October at the Oxford and Cambridge Club. There are still some places available. On 6 November we have our banquet at Skinners Hall and we will be in the Lord Mayor's parade on 7 November so come along. It is a great spectacle and it will be good to have some support. Trevor & Annette Harrington will be pleased if anyone joins them in the crowd!
Enough for now until the next time.
Since my last blog in the middle of September, life has continued to be hectic with a good number of events. I think the number of events is up to 30 already!
We had a very enjoyable visit to the Globe theatre to see Comedy of Errors. Fortunately Christine had looked at the storyline the night before! The next day I walked for 10 miles around the 40 livery halls with other Masters and liverymen, ably supported by the Fleet Warden. We were gowned and it was a hot afternoon but we all completed the challenge!
On the Saturday Christine and I went to the Fisheries experiment fishing competition at Gravesend where the idea is to catch as many different species as possible. Unfortunately not many fish were caught, some said this is due to seals being present in the river. It was an excellent day with reasonable weather. On the Sunday a group of us visited the Oak Room at New River Head and then walked the 7 mile Heritage section of the New River. Rob Casey and Peter Hall did us proud in organising the event.
The next week I attended the presentation of the Shrieval chain to Andrew Parmley, who is an honorary liveryman of our Company, and who was installed as the Aldermanic Sheriff. I also attended the Sheriff's breakfast and the election of the Lord Mayor in Guildhall. Other events included the Fuellers' lecture and the Mercers' concert.
It was our Michaelmas court and lunch on 24 September at the Armourers Hall, which was filled to capacity. At the Court meeting we admitted 3 new Freeman and clothed 2 more in the livery.
Our annual golf day was successful with 3 other livery companies entering teams. It was very disappointing that only 3 water conservators attended. I know there are more golfers out there so please come along and play. Richard Waller does an excellent job organising our golf and we would appreciate your support.
In October Christine and I attended the Musicians' Company evensong in St Pauls and I attended the Gardeners' Company harvest festival followed by lunch and a very interesting presentation on the New Garden Bridge being planned to cross the Thames near Temple station to the South Bank. I have some concerns on the use of water for irrigation although the presenter mentioned they plan to install a grey water storage tank on the South Bank. I will be writing to the Bridge Trust to get some clarification on water use and disposal.
Last night I attended the Installation dinner for the new Master of the Fuellers Company at Skinners Hall.
When I was installed I said we are planning a number of social and technical events. I have to say the attendance has been disappointing. I'd be pleased to hear your views on the events. If they are not to your liking then tell me what you would like, nothing is cast in stone.
We have our lecture and dinner on 22 October at the Oxford and Cambridge Club. There are still some places available. On 6 November we have our banquet at Skinners Hall and we will be in the Lord Mayor's parade on 7 November so come along. It is a great spectacle and it will be good to have some support. Trevor & Annette Harrington will be pleased if anyone joins them in the crowd!
Enough for now until the next time.
Saturday 13 September 2014
Master's Blog - 2
Hi,
I can't believe the summer has all but gone. I hope you have all had a chance to get away, relax and enjoy yourselves.
August for me has been a quiet month from a livery perspective. The City shuts down virtually. We did have a very good visit to Dowgate Fire Station and an excellent lunch in the Banker pub afterwards. Thanks to Nigel Mattravers for making the arrangements. It is disappointing that we had to decide not to go ahead with the visit to Crofton Steam engines today as there was little support.
September is a very busy month for engagements. The Thames Warden and I attended the Modern Livery Companies dinner on Monday at Skinners Hall. It is always good to meet up with other Masters and senior wardens from the Modern companies. One of the speakers was Charles Cowling, Past Master of the Actuaries who has completed 10 back-to-back marathons. Yes, that's a marathon a day over 10 days in the Lake District. What a feat and he raised something over £70k I think for his charity. Don't worry I won't be attempting anything as gruelling as that. I'll restrict my efforts to charity walks!
On Thursday I went to the annual Fuellers Lecture at Drapers Hall to hear a talk by David Gray, the chairman of the gas and electricity markets authority.
Yesterday, Christine and I got up at 5am to go to the "Big Breakfast" send off for the magical Taxi Tour again this year hosted by the Hackney Carriage drivers. The Water Conservators sponsored a cab from the collection at my Installation lunch. More than 90 cabs set off in convoy from Canary Wharf, with police, ambulances and the AA in support. This is always a great event where sick children are treated to a weekend at Disneyland Paris. It's tremendous (and somewhat emotional) to see all the children excited as they set off on their adventure in the taxis.
In the evening we were hosted by the AIDU at the RAF Northolt annual reception. With other guests we were treated to a Spitfire flypast, a ceremonial drill display by the Queen's Colour Squadron and music from the Central Band of the Royal Air Force. The evening was warm with a clear sky which made the whole event very enjoyable.
Coming up in the next week I have the livery hall walk with other Masters and wardens, our Globe Theatre visit, the fisheries experiment competition and our New River charity walk next Sunday.
A busy time as I said but very enjoyable none the less.
Regards
Roger
I can't believe the summer has all but gone. I hope you have all had a chance to get away, relax and enjoy yourselves.
August for me has been a quiet month from a livery perspective. The City shuts down virtually. We did have a very good visit to Dowgate Fire Station and an excellent lunch in the Banker pub afterwards. Thanks to Nigel Mattravers for making the arrangements. It is disappointing that we had to decide not to go ahead with the visit to Crofton Steam engines today as there was little support.
September is a very busy month for engagements. The Thames Warden and I attended the Modern Livery Companies dinner on Monday at Skinners Hall. It is always good to meet up with other Masters and senior wardens from the Modern companies. One of the speakers was Charles Cowling, Past Master of the Actuaries who has completed 10 back-to-back marathons. Yes, that's a marathon a day over 10 days in the Lake District. What a feat and he raised something over £70k I think for his charity. Don't worry I won't be attempting anything as gruelling as that. I'll restrict my efforts to charity walks!
On Thursday I went to the annual Fuellers Lecture at Drapers Hall to hear a talk by David Gray, the chairman of the gas and electricity markets authority.
Yesterday, Christine and I got up at 5am to go to the "Big Breakfast" send off for the magical Taxi Tour again this year hosted by the Hackney Carriage drivers. The Water Conservators sponsored a cab from the collection at my Installation lunch. More than 90 cabs set off in convoy from Canary Wharf, with police, ambulances and the AA in support. This is always a great event where sick children are treated to a weekend at Disneyland Paris. It's tremendous (and somewhat emotional) to see all the children excited as they set off on their adventure in the taxis.
In the evening we were hosted by the AIDU at the RAF Northolt annual reception. With other guests we were treated to a Spitfire flypast, a ceremonial drill display by the Queen's Colour Squadron and music from the Central Band of the Royal Air Force. The evening was warm with a clear sky which made the whole event very enjoyable.
Coming up in the next week I have the livery hall walk with other Masters and wardens, our Globe Theatre visit, the fisheries experiment competition and our New River charity walk next Sunday.
A busy time as I said but very enjoyable none the less.
Regards
Roger
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