10. Consorts Charity Lunch, 25 July 2018

A charity lunch for Consorts / Mistresses on behalf of Treloar’s School and College was kindly hosted by the Mistress Barber at the Barber-Surgeons’ Hall on Monkwell Square and so my Mistress Wendy, accompanied by the Thames Wardens’ Consort Judy West duly attended. And what a wonderful event it was too!

As readers may know, Treloars in Alton, Hampshire are world famous for their care of some of the most physically disabled young people in our society. Recent OFSTED inspections have separately rated the School, the College and the Residential care as ‘Outstanding’ and the whole ethos of Treloars is about inspiration and independence. They have long been a favourite charity of the Water Conservators, the Lord Mayor and the Barber-Surgeons’ as well as many other Livery Companies so it was a privilege to be able to attend this fund-raising event.

The current Barber-Surgeons’ Hall was built in 1969, the third iteration of the premises; the Great Fire of London and the Blitz having done for the earlier versions. Dominating the Great Hall is the Holbein painting of Henry VIII (see picture) and guests were treated to an illustrated talk on the painting by the Past Master, Sir Barry Jackson. Preceding his talk was a welcome speech by the current Master Barber-Surgeon, Tony Hoskinson who explained more about the work of Treloars’ and the importance of fund raising – they need c. £2m per year just to run, let alone any capital projects they may need.

The final talk was on ‘The History of Damask’ given by Mrs Jane O’Brien, a textile artist and a member of the Society of Designer Craftsmen. Damask has a long and interesting history as a textile and its elaborate use was much employed in Renaissance Art, including that of Holbein.

After all that history it was time for a welcome drink in the physic garden before a two-course lunch in the (air-conditioned!) Great Hall. The Mistress Barber, Mrs Sue Hoskinson welcomed the principle guests, including the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Samantha Bowman and thanked all those who attended.  This was echoed by the Lady Mayoress after the lunch.

A very lovely occasion which allowed Consorts / Mistresses to meet together in a relaxed atmosphere and – more importantly – to raise funds for such a good cause. Wendy and I look forward to our visit to Treloars in February next year. It will be a privilege to be there.

9. Knights Bachelor Service of Dedication, 19 July 2018

The Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor was founded in 1908 and given the title of “Imperial” by Royal Warrant of George V in 1912. But the origins of Knighthood go back much, much further with the first knights receiving their accolade in the tenth century. The dignity of the Knight Batchelor appeared in the reign of Henry III and derived from the Norman French word “battelier”; a battle knight. The Society today has some 1,500 members (or Knights), many of whom gathered together for this annual Service of Dedication in St Paul’s crypt.

Joined by most of the Livery Company Masters, Wendy and I we were privileged to take part in their service led by the newly installed Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally. A very grand procession preceded the service where many Knights, in their splendid scarlet cloaks, escorted the Knight Principle, Professor Sir Colin Berry and the Bishop to their seats accompanied by a trumpet fanfare played by the British State Trumpeters. Then followed a wonderful service with rousing hymns, thoughtful readings and an inspiring sermon by the Dean of St Paul’s, Dr David Ison.

A newly commissioned painting by renowned artist Hughie O’Donoghue entitled “St Martin Divides his Cloak” was dedicated by the Bishop and serves to underscore the central tenet of the Knights Bachelor being that of chivalry and the protection of the poor and needy. This theme was amplified in the Dean’s sermon where he called on all Knights to continue to support those disadvantaged people around the world who so desperately need help.

After the Recessional we were led through the streets of London (much to the amazement of the tourists!) by the Knights in full regalia to the Apothecaries Hall where a drinks reception awaited us. It was good to see so many of the Livery, together with the Knights Batchelor, enjoying fellowship and good humour after such an uplifting and important service. The Worshipful Company of Apothecaries were splendid hosts and we were able to enjoy their wonderful hall and hospitality.

A very grand occasion and a real slice of British tradition and charity. Pictures show the Knights Bachelors in their regalia and the painting “St Martin Divides his Cloak”.

8. tve Summer Reception, 18 July 2018

A charity set up some 35 years ago, tve works with filmmakers and partners worldwide to make and distribute films that put the environment and sustainability on the global agenda. I was kindly invited to their Summer Reception held at the Stern Pissarro Gallery on St James’s Street on (another!) warm Wednesday evening.

Joining a very eclectic mix of supporters from private individuals to larger trusts, we were hosted by David Stern and Lélia Pissarro in their remarkable gallery showcasing late 19th and 20th century European painting, including Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, School of Paris, French Post-War, Modern and Contemporary works (worth a visit). We heard more about tve who help to give a voice and a platform to a new generation of filmmakers who want to see a greener and fairer world.

tve films are broadcast to viewers around the world, screened to audiences ranging from policymakers to rickshaw drivers, and viewed online worldwide. They are a registered charity founded by the United Nations Environment Programme, WWF-UK, and Central Television in 1984 and receive unrestricted funding support from individuals and organisations. They will also undertake individual projects from a wide range of organisations and commissioners.

They also sponsor an environmental award at the annual BAFTA awards in November, just around the corner in Piccadilly.  

Clearly their work is highly topical and when chatting to people during the Reception, I was able to combine many of the challenges for which I was responsible back in my ‘day job’ (Board Director with responsibility for Sustainability) with the issues that face members of the Water Conservators. And there were a lot of parallels. It is very heartening to see so much passion and commitment to taking the sustainability and environmental debate to the world stage and getting some traction, at every level. As a private individual I have offered to assist if they feel appropriate but I can also see some positive connections with the Company which may be developed in the future. 

A very interesting organisation and good to have in our network.

7. Environmental Cleaners Luncheon, 18 July 2018

As guest of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners – one of the WET 10 Livery Companies – I was welcomed aboard HQS Wellington moored on Victoria Embankment for their Court Luncheon. This event – with over 100 Liverymen and their guests - was a marvellous opportunity to compare notes and to speak informally about many of the challenges that us Modern Companies currently face.

During the Reception held on the After Deck I was able to discuss with a number of Court Assistants and visiting Masters the issues of the day, the chief of these being membership. Each Company is going about recruiting new members in a slightly different way but all have the same demands – we need more new recruits. Whilst knowing that we are all in the same boat (!) doesn’t solve the problem, at least we are all joined by a common purpose. Always good to have friends!

Luncheon was then served in the Ward Room and I together with the Master Fruiterer, Master Farmer, Master Mariner and Master Waterman processed in to our table. And very welcome we were made too.

The Master Environmental Cleaner gave a very kind speech of welcome to visiting Masters and other guests but I was somewhat dismayed to find I am no longer the “youngest” Master in the Livery, having been usurped by the Master Mariner who was installed two days after me! But I conceded gracefully…

The Master Fruiterer than gave a speech in response highlighting some of the issues facing the fruit trade today (especially the current dry weather) and some of their forthcoming events. 

Back onto the After Deck for the Stirrup Cup we were again able to discuss common themes and the WET 10 got a good amount of air time. The Environmental Cleaners are very keen to continue to support the group and to further the cause. I look forward to working with them into the future. 

Thank you for a most enjoyable lunch. 

6. Jug Ceremony, 16 July 2018

Raising money by the Monarchy for the Monarchy has always been a problem and over the centuries many Kings have come up with some ingenious methods of filling the Royal coffers. One particularly cunning idea carried out by Richard I in 1197 was to sell the River Thames to the City of London Corporation. Strictly speaking he was only selling the “Conservancy” of the river but he still managed to command the sum of 1500 marks for the transaction; doubtless this would have helped pay for a war or two.

But whether it is right or wrong to sell off the “family silver” in this way, the Worshipful Company of Water Conservators mark this historic event with the Jug Ceremony in July each year. This ceremony - which takes place in the Mansion House - sees the Master present to the Lord Mayor a jug of Thames water from which a toast is drunk. Accordingly I, accompanied by the Clerk, the Fleet and Walbrook Wardens and Alderman Dr Sir Andrew Parmley attended the Mansion House at 11:00 to perform the ceremony.

Met by the Equerry and clutching the jug of water, we awaited the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress. The ceremony itself is very short but poignant and the Lord Mayor graciously received the jug and an illuminated copy of the citation which I had read to him. Photographs were taken and a small glass of champagne offered in response. We then chatted to the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress before they had to retire for their next duties.

Before doing so however the Lord Mayor made it very clear that he values these traditions highly and was delighted to participate. He wished the Water Conservators every success and fully supports the important work that the Company undertake.

Whilst one of the shorter events in the calendar, the Jug Ceremony does allow some quality one-on-one time with the Lord Mayor and we took full advantage. A very pleasant way to start the week.

Picture shows (from left to right) Alderman Dr Sir Andrew Parmley, the Walbrook Warden, the Lord Mayor, the Master, the Lady Mayoress and the Fleet Warden.

5. London Scottish Summer Party, 12 July 2018

The London Scottish Regiment are headquartered in a large Victorian building in Horseferry Road and have had a presence in London since 1860. Wendy and I were invited – along with a large number of other Livery Masters, Clerks and Consorts – to their annual Summer Party hosted by the Regimental Colonel. They also took the opportunity of launching their latest book, a history of “Scots in Great War London”.

As we all know the Great War was the first industrial-scale killing machine in history and hundreds of thousands of young men from all four Home Nations lost their lives, mainly on the Western Front. The book charts the journey of many Scottish soldiers who joined up in their home towns and villages and then were transported through London on their way to the war. The Regimental Hall is dominated by the War Memorial to these men (see photograph) many of whom were leading lights in business, academia, science and sport as well as humble crofters and farmers. The London Scottish Regiment were able to set up a number of support services to these men as they passed through to France – and perhaps more importantly – on their return from the trenches, traumatised and depleted as they were. They would typically be dropped off at Victoria in the early morning via the night boat from France, having then to wait until the evening train up to Scotland. The pastoral support given by the Regiment during that day saved many of these young men from themselves – one can only guess!

We were entertained by the marching bagpipe band of the Regiment with rousing renditions of some classic Scottish tunes, all in their full uniform and regalia (see photograph). We chatted to some of the pipers afterwards – however we didn’t hear a single Scottish accent!

Once again, the evening highlighted the support the Livery movement have given to the Armed Services, not just now but in the past. It is an association that will endure.

4. Kew Gardens, 11 July 2018

With the lovely summer weather once again restored, Wendy and I took ourselves off to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. This was my first ever visit (how could that be?) and what a treat it was too. Set over some 326 acres of prime river-side grounds, the Gardens are a beautiful paradise in a bustling, international city and is a magnet for locals as well as gardeners from around the world.

With many marvellous structures carefully placed within the landscaped grounds, Kew has so much to offer and can easily fill a day. Many will associate Kew with the Great Pagoda and the Tropical Palm House – both of which are worth a visit in themselves. But the newly restored Temperate House – the largest Victorian glass house in the world - takes centre stage and is a wonder to behold! Opened only this spring after a £41m refurbishment over four and a half years, the Temperate House is a triumph of Victorian architecture and 21st century planstmanship and contains over 1,500 plant species. A beautiful building.

I of course was most interested in their water usage and with so many plants needing watering twice a day, how they managed the precious resource. Most of the water used is stored rainwater which can be used direct on the plants but they also have to use tap water. This has to be treated before use – via RO and ultra-violet processes – and they apply it via hoses, sprinklers and automatic misting devices. In all some 320m litres of water are used each year at a cost of c. £0.25m. It is a huge logistical exercise and they employee seemingly dozens of workers just to man the hosepipes; this summer must have been particularly difficult for them.

Gardeners amongst you will also know of the benefits of mulching plants and Kew have this down to a tee – all about conserving water as much as using it.

The grounds themselves show all the signs of a hot summer but the specimen trees and most of the established shrubs are standing up well – they have seen this all before. But a good soaking of rain would do no harm at all!

When visiting make sure to check out the Hive and the Treetop Walkway, both recent additions which add yet another dimension. There are plenty of other things to see as well.

Pictures show the Palm House (from our lunch table!), the Temperate House and the Hive.

3. RAF 100, 10 July 2018

A much cooler and cloudier London than of previous days saw the official celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the formation of the RAF (on 1 April 1918). This took the form of a service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abby attended by almost the entire Royal Family, a parade by the RAF Regiment and others and of course a flypast of 100 aircraft. It seemed an opportunity not to be missed so I took myself down to The Mall to add my support.

I joined many, many thousands of people of the widest possible demographic who had all come together to show their respect and to thank the amazing role the RAF has played for this country over the last century. It was a very moving experience to be part of such a large crowd. 

Whilst not strictly a Water Conservator event, I did reflect on two things as I waited for the fly past. One, that despite the vast array of technology now employed to navigate multi-million pound aircraft in all possible weather conditions, the River Thames is still the landmark that pilots use to get them home safe – and will continue to do so in the future, whatever the size of aircraft or the pilots experience.

And secondly, it is vital that the Livery and the City continue to support the Armed Services who do such an important role for the country and across the world in keeping us at peace, despite continued spending cuts. The Water Conservators are proud of their association with all three services and particularly on this occasion, with the RAF.

Pictures cannot do justice to the amazing sight of 100 aircraft – from WWII to the present day, including one of only two airworthy Lancaster bombers in the world – screaming down The Mall at low altitude to the applause of the crowd. But it was a privilege to be there.

Picture shows the closing display by the Red Arrows. What a sight!

2. Port of London Challenge, 9 July 2018

Straight after the Installation Lunch and pausing only to remove my robes and jacket, Wendy and I made our way down to Crown Pier to board the Salient in readiness for the annual cutters race known as the Port of London Challenge. Organised in conjunction with the Thames Traditional Rowing Association (TTRA) and the Port of London Authority (PLA) this event sees some dozen or so cutters from various Livery Company’s – including the Company’s vessel ‘the Water Forget-Me-Knot’ - race up the Thames from HQS Wellington to Chelsea Harbour, a distance of some four miles. Each cutter is powered by six oarsmen or women plus a cox and occasionally a passenger and they row in the traditional manner i.e. no sliding seats. There are classes for a women’s boat, a mixed boat and a men’s boat. The Company’s entry was an all-male crew led by our Bargemaster Johnny Dwan and after assembling on the South Bank near the National Theatre, they made their way down to the start line. 

To allow for elbow room, four divisions set off in approximately five-minute waves with our boat being in the last. The Salient (with your Master and Consort safely on-board looking after the refreshments) followed at a discreet distance, slowly overtaking all four Divisions as they made their way up river to the finish line

It was a timed event and so the first boat home was not necessarily the winner. Whilst the crews boarded Salient for their well-deserved beer and sandwiches, the Umpire and his assistants made their deliberations. The results were thus:

·         Women’s Crew – Glaziers

·         Mixed Crew – Richmond Bridge

·         Men’s Crew – Water Conservators

We had won! An epic performance from Johnny and the crew; having started in the fourth Division and so right at the back they stormed through the field and were the third boat home. But in terms of elapsed time they set a new course record of (don’t quote me) 25 minutes: 22 seconds. A truly remarkable result and so the Water Conservator name will be proudly engraved on the Trophy.

Pictures show the various cutters at the finish line plus the jubilant Water Conservator crew (plus Master). Well done lads and thank you to all for making this such a great end to my first day in office.

1. Installation Ceremony, Stationers’ Hall, 9 July 2018

The Masters year somewhat appropriately starts at the Installation Ceremony which this year was held in the magnificent Stationers’ Hall off Ava Maria Lane in the City. Arranged over several rooms on the first floor, the Hall is dominated by intricate wood panelling and impressive paintings of previous Masters and other Company members. The Hall also boasts a lovely shady courtyard garden in which to enjoy the hot July weather. It was against this background that my Installation as the 30th Master of the Water Conservators took place.

An assembled audience of friends and colleagues witnessed the installation not only of myself but also of Mark Lane as Thames Warden, Rob Casey as Fleet Warden and Malcolm Butchers as Walbrook Warden, all well-deserved appointments. In addition, Mike Williamson was appointed Deputy Master as befits the conclusion of his Mastership. 

The ceremony itself was expertly managed by the Learned Clerk and the Beadle who ensured that all the formalities went without a hitch and I was delighted to receive the applause of the audience on its conclusion. Despite being a wonderful setting, all assembled quickly realised that the one thing the Stationers’ Hall does not possess is air conditioning – it was extremely warm especially for those of us in robes! Indeed, during lunch I gave permission for jackets to be removed – a welcomed departure from Livery tradition and much needed.

The ceremony was preceded by the Installation Court where two new Court Assistants – Graham Howell and Guy Titman – were robed and welcomed. It is a great pleasure to have two such experienced people as part of the team.

After all this ceremony we were ready for some refreshments which were provided in garden by the expert team from the Cook and the Butler who also served us luncheon. Grace was said by Past Master Colin Drummond and my Consort Wendy was presented with her own badge of office. 

We were able to welcome a number of distinguished guests including Masters of the Worshipful Companys of Plummers, Paviors, Farmers, Scientific Instrument Makers, Environmental Cleaners and Constructors, together with their Clerks. Also in attendance was Alderman Dr Sir Andrew Parmley, Honorary Liveryman of the Water Conservators and our principle speaker, Prof Paul Leister CBE. All the guest were toasted in water – a Company tradition – which was led by the Thames Warden.

In response Paul gave a fascinating and thought-provoking speech concerning water, the River Thames and the future demands made by a growing population all of whom demand – quite rightly – pure wholesome drinking water. But it wasn’t always like that; such was the poor quality of the Thames that a visiting dignitary form India when coming to London for the coronation in 1902 brought his own supply of water from the River Ganges, preferring that to our home-grown supply! How times have changed…

In my response I was able to thank all involved in making the Lunch such a success and also set out my themes for the coming year. More of that to come in other context but safe to say we must focus on membership if we are to thrive and so I launched H₂Outreach, our new recruitment campaign.

The retiring collection raised some £600 for the Hackney Carriage Drivers Magical Taxi Ride in September and thank you to everyone for their generosity. 

On conclusion a Stirrup Cup was offered and guests made their way out into the hot streets of London. I should like to thank everyone involved in making my first official engagement such a success and Wendy and I look forward to representing the Company in the year ahead.