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.
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