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.
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