Master's Blog 6

Well here we are in 2015 and over half way through my year. January is traditionally a quiet time for the livery companies but having said that there have been a number of things going on.

On 7th Jan we had a Master's committee meeting where with the Wardens I discussed issues which we will address going forward.

On 9th Jan the Clerk and I attended the City New Year service at St Michael's Cornhill. For over half a century, this service has been a prime fixture for senior figures in civic and business spheres to meet and welcome the challenges and events of the coming year. The Governor of the Bank of England read the 1st lesson.

Then on the 10th Jan my 9 year old granddaughter was invited to the Lord Mayor's Childrens' Party at Mansion House.  There was an age limit of 6 to 9 but there was still over 500 children entertained. Parents and in my case grandparents had to keep to the sidelines. What a splendid affair and the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress really joined in the activities with the children. An experience my granddaughter won't forget.

As some of you know Sheriff Alderman Andrew Parmley is an Hon. Liveryman of our Company and to celebrate and commemorate his election as Sheriff on behalf of the Company I presented him with a bound copy of  our book "Reflections on Water". He was delighted to receive this at a ceremony in his offices at the Old Bailey when I was accompanied by the Wardens and the Clerk.

The Company through the Water Conservation Trust is expanding our schools programme and so on 28th January the Thames Warden, Peter Hall and I met with Alison Truphet to talk about our education activities and the Livery Schools Link. We will be taking this relationship forward in the coming months.

Now into February. We had our Myddelton Lunch on 2 Feb attended by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress along with two visiting Masters and over 120 members and their guests. This event at Trinity House was a sell-out. We had a cracking good meal and the Lord Mayor's address was very complimentary to our company and recognised the important role we have to play in the future with climate change and population growth. Several guests said how much they enjoyed the occasion and how welcoming and friendly members of our Company were.

We presented a cheque for £1000 from the WCT to the Lord Mayor for his charity appeal. We also had a retiring collection which raised over £1000 for Treloar Trust. This provides education, care, therapy, medical support and independence training to young people with physical disabilities.

I'm now looking forward to our holiday in Antigua for the last 2 weeks in Feb. It's the only holiday during my year as I wanted to give my time to my duties and enjoying being Master.

Just a couple of upcoming events to remind you of -

On Shrove Tuesday morning,17th February, we will be entering our team in the inter-livery Pancake Race. Peter Hall, kindly standing in for me, Mike Williamson, Mark Lane and Carolyn Roberts would really appreciate your support in Guildhall Yard.

On 2nd March we have the WET10 livery companies' City Water debate - When will London Flood? The speakers are - Dr Paul Leinster, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency and Prof David Balmforth, President of the  Institution of Civil Engineers. This promises to be a very lively debate especially following last year's floods!