41. Hackney Carriage Drivers Banquet, 30 October 2018

The Children’s Magical Taxi Tour to Disneyland, Paris (see Blog No 29) organised by the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers is now in its 25^th year. To celebrate this significant milestone a Banquet was held at the Mansion House to thank all those involved over the years and so it was an enormous privilege for the Mistress and I to be invited. And what an evening it was!

The guest list ran to over 340 people drawn from all the various bodies and organisations that make the Taxi Tour possible. This included individual sponsors (both personal and via Livery Companies such as ours), corporate sponsors, medical teams, police and highways officers and of course the taxi drivers themselves. To bring this vast army of people together – all in white or black tie – was a major feat of logistical organisation and the Mansion House team did us proud! The Egyptian Room was filled to absolute capacity which crated a marvellous atmosphere from start to finish.

Hosted by the Master Hackney Carriage Driver Phillip Davis and his Consort and Wardens, we were treated to a champagne reception before dinner. On moving into the Hall, we awaited the entry of the Master and principle guests who duly arrived, escorted by members of the Company of Pikemen and Musketeers, Honourable Artillery Company (HAC). The oldest regiment in the British Army, the HAC can trace their roots back to Henry VIII in 1537 and have a very proud tradition. Dressed in uniforms from the 1640’s they made a fine spectacle with their muskets and pikes - very impressive.

Dinner was then served with a musical accompaniment provided by the London Banqueting Ensemble safely located in the upper gallery (there was simply nowhere else for them to play!) which concluded with a trumpet ‘duel’ from either ends of the gallery - astonishing.

The Loyal Toast was proposed by the Master and the Civic Toast by the Treasurer of the Disney Organising Committee, Past Master John Rainbird. The Principle Guest was the Lord Mayor, Alderman Charles Bowman and he used his speech – his last in the Mansion House before stepping down – to pay tribute to the incredible work done by everyone to enable the Magical Taxi Tour to take place each year (see picture of this year’s convoy en-route to Paris). Some 5,000 sick children have benefited from this incredible event over the last quarter-century and countless dreams have come true. There is clear medical evidence that the children benefit as a result of their trip and the morale boost it gives for children and carers alike is immeasurable. He concluded by thanking everyone for their support during his year in office and remarked that he had never seen the Mansion House so full; a fitting end to his tenure.

A reply from the Master rounded off the evening and we were then kindly invited to a Stirrup Cup before departure.

A truly wonderful and inspiring evening and all those involved in making the Magical Taxi Tour happen each year have much to be proud of. We thank the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers for their generosity and look forward to the next tour in September 2019!

40. Engineers Annual Banquet, 26 October 2018

The Mansion House was the setting for the Worshipful Company of Engineer’s Annual Livery Banquet and the Mistress and I were delighted to be able to attend. Another white-tie event (the second in two days!) and a chance to dine in perhaps the ultimate of Livery Halls – the Mansion House and home of the Lord Mayor! And what a marvellous evening it was too.

Bringing together some 160 guests in one place is always a challenge but the Mansion House staff are well versed in large gatherings. A lively pre-dinner reception was held in the Salon, a large pillared room (see picture) where guests assembled and chatted. The Master Engineer, Professor David Johnson and his Wardens greeted everyone as they arrived and we were made to feel very welcome. Before long however the Beadle called us into dinner.

Held in the famous Egyptian Room (see picture) we found our places (the Mistress and I were on Top Table!) and settled down to some pre-dinner music. A splendid meal then followed expertly served by the in-house caterers. A sung grace followed as did the Loving Cup ceremony – always fun! Further music was provided by the Live Brass Quintet under their Master of Music, Simon Sturgeon-Clegg.

The Loyal and Civic Toasts were given by the Master and a response made by Lord Mayor Locum Tenens, Alderman Sir David Wootton (the Lord Mayor himself being at the Guildhall for another dinner). The many guests were welcomed by the Junior Warden, Dr Peter Blair-Fish and then the Principle Guest Dr John Beacham rose to deliver his speech. This was a fascinating and searching account of how the world of engineering had changed and would continue to change at an unprecedented rate into the future. Of particular concern was the UK’s ability to grasp the new world of digital engineering and Dr Beacham urged all present to make the most of this exciting new development to the mutual benefit of the Company and society. His speech was much appreciated.

Carriages were at 22:30 and so guests bade their farewells and were off into the (much colder) London night. 

A wonderful evening in a fantastic setting and our thanks go to the Master Engineer and his team and to the Mansion House staff for their hard work.

39. City Livery Club Lecture, 26 October 2018

The City Livery Club hold occasional lectures for members about relevant Livery and London issues. On Friday Bill Clark from the Worshipful Company of Woolmen came to talk to us about the organisation and arrangements necessary to mount the annual Sheep Drive over London Bridge. As the Mistress and I attended have twice participated in the Sheep Drive (see Blog No 30) we went along to the Little Ship Club under Southwark Bridge to find out more.

Bill was instrumental in setting up the inaugural Sheep Drive in 2013 and such has been its success, he has been organising every year since then. Whilst there had been a few sheep drives in previous years (two drives used goats rather than sheep!) there had never been a properly organised event despite the ‘urban myth’ about Freemen driving their sheep across the Bridge. But Bill saw an opportunity and so bravely set about trying to do something.

In his lecture Bill described the many many agencies, organisations and officials that had to be consulted and their agreement given, ranging from the City of London Corporation, the Highways Agency (who own the Bridge and the A3 that runs over it) and the Health and Safety Executive. He soon found that everyone was very enthusiastic and all tried to find a way to make it happen. But it was a long slog.

With some 600 tickets to sell across the day he was delighted when in mid-June they had sold enough to make it viable. From then on he knew he had a winner! And each year it has grown and grown. Celebrities who have opened the drive include Barbara Windsor, Mary Berry and this year, Alan Titchmarsh. It is a real fun family day out and much enjoyed by all concerned. Bill has much to be proud of and all his efforts benefit the Woolmen’s Charity and the Lord Mayors Appeal – both worthy causes.

The lecture was followed by a light lunch overlooking the Thames. A very pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

38. Vintners’ Dinner, 25 October 2018

The Mistress and I attended the annual ‘middle livery’ dinner hosted by the Worshipful Company of Vintners’ at their magnificent Hall on Upper Thames Street. It was a wonderful white-tie evening overseen by their current Master (and Honorary Freeman of our Company) Sir Andrew Parmley and it was a delight to be there.

Assembling for a pre-dinner Reception, the Mistress and I had the opportunity to meet some of the new Masters and their Consorts – many Companies change over in October – and share with them the wonderful surroundings. The Vintners’ Hall is one of the oldest and most spectacular Livery Halls much of it dating back to 1671 after the Great Fire. As one of the Great Twelve, the Vintners’ represented the wine trade and so it is entirely fitting that their wine cellar is one of the best in London! We soon had a chance to experience some of the very fine wines they have in stock.

Called to dinner by the Beadle we, together with over 100 other guests, filled the main Livery Hall. Before we commenced dinner, Master of Wine Phillip Tuck explained the various wines about to be offered to us and described the various food parings – we were not disappointed! Dinner was then served.

After the usual Loyal Toasts and the Loving Cup ceremony, a musical interlude followed which featured Sarah Freestone on violin and a certain former Lord Mayor on the piano – what a combination! It was a truly excellent performance and Sir Andrew’s playing was quite sublime. Both performances were very much appreciated by the guests.

Our Principle Guest Lady Tessa Brewer OBE, Master of the Worshipful Company of Musicians gave a very interesting speech linking the world of music and wine – always a heady combination! In response, the Master gave another of his humorous and incisive speeches and welcomed all the various guests, including the Mistress and I – very humbling.

A Stirrup Cup followed and there was a chance to discuss some of the wines with the very knowledgably members of the Vintners’ Company – they sure do know their stuff.

Thank you to Sir Andrew and his team for a wonderful night and we are now much more knowledgeable about that most fascinating of subjects – the world of wine!

Pictures show the Livery Hall, part of the wine cellar and the Master and Mistress Water Conservator!

37. Consorts Luncheon, 25 October 2018

At the kind invitation of the Mistress Tallow Chandler, Mrs Margaret Baxter, the Mistress attended the annual Tallow Chandlers’ Luncheon in their magnificent Hall on Dowgate Hill. Some 70 or so Mistresses and Consorts from a wide selection of Livery Companies assembled for luncheon and it was a splendid occasion.

The current Tallow Chandlers Hall is in fact the third incarnation, much of which was built after the Great Fire and sports a fine Oriel window. However, Deeds held by the Company indicate that a Hall stood on this site as far back as the 14th Century making it one of the most ancient of Livery Halls. Thankfully it survived the Blitz and today it is a truly wonderful setting for Livery gatherings such as this.

A pre-lunch reception allowed the various Mistresses and Consorts to mingle, many of them having only just been installed (October is a popular month for Installations!). But before long the Beadle called the guests into luncheon.

A very pleasant meal followed and the usual Loyal toasts were drunk. The Principle Guest was the Mistress Grocer, Mrs Sara Whitmore who gave and interesting speech which was much enjoyed. There then followed a further chance for guests to converse over a cup of tea before departure.

Thanks must go to the Mistress Tallow Chandler and her team for a lovely luncheon and the opportunity to make some new friends.   

36. CIWEM Seminar, 23 October 2018

The Deputy Master and I were invited to the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Managements (CIWEM) Metropolitan Branch seminar kindly hosted by Turner & Townsend at their offices in One New Change. We joined over 50 young CIWEM members to hear about a number of major infrastructure projects across London and to focus particularly on sustainability initiatives; very much in the Water Conservators ‘sweet spot’.

Andy Scott from T&T opened the presentations by linking the City’s environmental aspirations with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This theme was then taken up by presenters from Heathrow Airport and Thames Tideway. Of particular note was the capitals’ requirements for an additional 4,000 mega litres of water by 2050 (we’ve heard figures like this before!). 

At Heathrow, Russell Knight was able to demonstrate some really innovative environmental achievements as part of ‘Heathrow 2.0’ which is passionately supported by their Chief Executive. The vast areas of runway and taxi lanes produce significant surface water run-off issues and as part of their control management they boast the world’s only fully computer-controlled wetland treatment system; fascinating. They have also commissioned a very large bio-reactor to the south of the airport to further assist. At the opposite end of the investment spectrum however, they have installed herds of cows and hi-tech bee hives. It seems that the latter get more attention than any of the expensive technology!

Darren White at Thames Tideway talked us through their significant financial achievements by the use of Green Bonds to fund part of the project. During a six-month period over the winter of 17/18 they raised over £775m making this the largest ever ethical investment programme in the UK; and they were oversubscribed. This interest is only achieved by consistently demonstrating their environmental and sustainability credentials in a manner that appeals to investors. It requires a lot of hard work and commitment.

One example was from Mott McDonald who are retained as landscape architects for the surface works and the three acres of new public space that will be created on the Thames itself. Some truly inspiring environmental feature will be installed.

There then followed a Q&A session with some very searching questions raised from the floor. The panel were able to answer these and their undoubted passion and experience was all too evident. It is of great credit to these organisations – and to the wider water, waste and environmental sectors that the Water Conservators represent – that they have such talented people as part of their teams. Our industry matters more now than ever before and with these young people in place one can feel more reassured about the future.

Thank you to the CIWEM for the fascinating evening.

35. Masters Committee, 19 October 2018

The second Master Committee of my year took place on Friday morning at the Guildhall. As before, the Master Committee is the place where the detailed running of the Company is discussed and action plans agreed. Inevitably with such a busy Company there is lots going on and plenty to do ‘behind the scenes’, and I am indebted to the members of the Committee – especially the Clerk – for all their hard work and support. This spirit of cooperation and endeavour is what makes the Water Conservators so special and it is a privilege to work with such talented people.

Business of the day was many and various although the forthcoming events – most notably our annual Banquet on 1 November and the Myddelton Lunch on 7 January – took up a lot of time. Details of both these events (and others) are available on our web site and I look forward to welcoming as many members as possible. 

My thanks to the team.

34. Fish Harvest Festival, 14 October 2018

At the kind invitation of Rev’d Rose Hudson-Wilkin (our Company Chaplin) and the Billingsgate Market and Ward Club, the Mistress and I attended the annual Fish Harvest Festival at St Mary-at-Hill on a very wet and soggy Sunday morning. Despite the weather it was a most fascinating service both in terms of symbolism and music!

St Mary-at-Hill is a fine Wren building (see picture and Blog No 25) and of course our Company church. It is right opposite the old Billingsgate Fish Market, the largest such market in the UK. Despite the active market now residing in Canary Wharf, the old Billingsgate holds a special place for this part of London. The clergy at St Mary-at-Hill have for hundreds of years provided ministry and pastoral care to all those whose work was connected with the Market; a tough life even today. The Fish Harvest Festival is the opportunity to give thanks for the bountiful harvest of fish throughout the year but also to send God Speed to all the fishermen who risk their lives in the pursuit of the industry.

On entering the church, a huge display of fish had been set up (see picture) by some of the local porters in their white coats complete with traditional hats (for carrying fish baskets). The sight (and smell) of all this fish was astonishing and the porters took great pride in showing the vast range of fish sold through the Market.

The service started with a fine choral introduction before a small procession (including the fish porters) entered the church led by a wonderful platter of fresh fish which was laid on the alter. The Rev’d Rose then led the service with her usual flair and passion and gave a rousing sermon of the need to “keep one’s faith” when in adversity. Especially true for fishermen on the high seas.

The choir then performed a most memorable rendition of “They that go down to the sea in ships” by Herbert Samsion which was beautifully performed. This was followed by the traditional Billingsgate Market Prayer.

After the service light refreshments were offered and the congregation had the opportunity of buying some of the fish on display (for a ‘good’ donation!) before any left-over fish were given to the local Seaman’s Mission. The Rev’d Rose seemed to be doing a brisk trade!

A real privilege to be there and to experience the traditions of the Market.

33. Musicians Company Evensong, 3 October 2018

Any service at St Pauls is special; it is such an iconic building and so full of history. But to be able to take part in a service with almost all the Livery Companies present and in full robes is very special indeed. It was therefore a great honour for the Mistress and I to attend the Worshipful Company of Musicians Evensong under the Great Dome of St Pauls.

We assembled in St Faith’s Chapel to robe and fix badges of office. For those who have not visited the Chapel it is not a big space and with approximately 200 Livery Masters, Wardens, Clerks and members of the Musicians Company assembled it soon became very crowed and hot! But it was wonderful to be with so many other Liverymen.

We then processed (second time in a week!) up into the Cathedral itself and took our seats under the Dome. Other Mistresses and Consorts were already in place together with a large congregation from the general public. What a sight we must have made for them and many a sneaky photograph was being taken (cameras are not allowed in St Pauls!). What followed was a veritable tour de force of choral and organ music provided by the St Pauls Cathedral Choir and the organist Simon Johnson. The power of both the singing and the playing was incredible and raised the roof (or dome!).

The service was led by the Reverend Canon Jonathan Brewster who also read the First Lesson. The Second Lesson was read by the Master Musician Lady Tessa Brewer OBE and one of the young Musician Company Choristers assisted with the prayers – and did a very professional job. There then followed a wonderful musical interlude by the Royal College of Music String Orchestra to commemorate those Company members who had passed away during the year. Elgar’s (himself an Honorary Freeman of the Musicians Company) Elegy for Strings was a most fitting piece of music and so expertly played. Very inspiring.

And then the service was over and we once again processed to the Chapel for dis-robing. A drinks reception followed in the Crypt and thanks must go to the Musicians Company for their generosity.

A truly amazing service in the very centre of the City of London. Thank you to the Master Musician and her team in inviting us to attend.

32. Consorts Election Party, 1 October 2018

In parallel with the Election of the new Lord Mayor (see Blog Number 31), the Mistress was kindly invited to an Election Morning Party hosted by the Mistress Chartered Accountant, Mrs Deborah Parritt. The premise is to enable Consorts of Livery and Guild Masters to join in fellowship while the election takes place and then to join together after the ceremony is over.

The event took place in the Members Bar area of the Guildhall and was very well attended. The Mistress took the opportunity to meet with many Consorts, some of whom have only recently taken on the role. Over coffee, the talk as ever was wide-ranging and stimulating and it is always very pleasant to meet new faces. All proceed from the morning went to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

At its conclusion the Mistress joined me (along with the rest of the Livery Masters) in the Courtyard before moving off to lunch nearby.

31. Election of Lord Mayor, 1 October 2018

Perhaps one of the most significant events in the Livery year is the election of the new Lord Mayor for the year ensuing. It is certainly full of ceremony and has been taking place each year for centuries and is attended by all the dignitaries of the Livery, the City of London Corporation and other agencies in London. It is a spectacular event and so it was with a degree of trepidation but enormous pride that I took my place with the rest of the Livery to exercise my right to elect the 691st Lord Mayor.

The day stared with a breakfast in the Members Dining Room of the Guildhall kindly hosted by the Worshipful Company of Cooks and overseen by their Master, Mark Grove. It was a lovely occasion and a great way to start this important day by having the opportunity to rub shoulders with other Masters and their Clerks in a semi-informal setting. The bacon and eggs went down a treat!

But soon it was time to repair to the Guildhall Crypt to robe-up. The sight of all 110 Masters donning their full robes and chains of office was very impressive and each Company proudly displays their various regalia. Assisted by Beadles and Clerks, somehow we were all clothed and arranged into descending order ready for the procession to church.

As one of the more modern companies (number 102), the Water Conservators were near the front of the procession and we made our way across the Guildhall Courtyard to St Lawrence Jewry, the lovely Wren church (which we visited last week – see Blog Number 25!) for Devine Service. We were followed by an almost endless column of dignitaries, all holding a small nose-gay and their various paraphernalia of State including the Mace and the Sword. At the back of the procession was the Lord Mayor himself together with the Rev’d Canon David Parrott who officiated at the service.

The sermon was preached by the Rev’d George Bush, Chaplin to the Lord Mayor and we were treated to some wonderful Anthems by the church choir. We then recessed back into the Guildhall corridor for the next stage of the ceremony.

At a given signal we once again processed into the Great Hall which was already almost full with other Liverymen and were shown to our seats. Joined by the Aldermen in their red cloaks and by the highest-ranking members of the Corporation we awaited the Lord Mayor and the three candidates who were standing for election.

After a lot of bowing and hat-waving the Common Cryer and Serjeant-at-Arms calls for silence and the ceremony begins. In essence, the Liverymen must select two from the three possible candidates by a show of hands. The two most popular then go forward to a closed election which takes place in the Print Room outside of the Great Hall. Two names duly emerged – that of Alderman and International Banker, Peter Estlin and Alderman and Haberdasher, William Russell. By this time the Lord Mayor and Sherriff’s together with other dignitaries had left the Great Hall ready to make their selection. It was therefore just a matter of time before they would re-enter and confirm the result.

Whilst waiting we were given a most interesting speech by the recently appointed Town Clerk who went into the history of some of the officials on duty. Some of their predecessors had it seems a pretty murky past! But that was all a long time ago…

Before long the Lord Mayor reappeared and as he processed back in, to his left-hand side walked the new Lord Mayor-elect. As they took their seats to a loud round of applause it was easy to see that Alderman Peter Estlin had been chosen and was warmly received!

There then followed a series of speeches by the Lord Mayor-elect setting out his themes for the year, the Lord Mayor who welcomed Alderman Estlin and wished him well and the out-going Sheriffs who thanked all for their year in office. With that, we all processed back into the sunshine in the Courtyard with great fanfares of trumpets and general applause!

A wonderful ceremony and a worthy Lord Mayor-elect. It was real privilege to be part of such an ancient ceremony and one that is so well attended. We wish every success to Alderman Estlin who is a good friend of the Company and will be speaking at our Myddelton Lunch on 7 January 2019. 

Pictures show the Guildhall’s Great Hall and Alderman and Lord Mayor-elect Peter Estlin flanked by Heralds.

30. London Bridge Sheep Drive, 30 September 2018

It is not clear when the last sheep were driven across London Bridge on their way to market but the practise had all but stopped by the advent of motorised transport in the early 20th century. But sensing an opportunity to raise funds for their charity and to have some fun, the Worshipful Company of Woolmen inaugurated an annual sheep drive in 2013 and it has become a fixed point in the Livery calendar ever since.

And it certainly is fun! Accompanied by the Mistress and our two children, I donned my robes and badge to join many others to drive some sheep across the bridge! Expertly organised by the Woolmen looking splendid in their red cloaks, participants are arranged into small groups with a very precise time slot (11:21 to be exact!). The bridge (west pavement only – not the whole carriageway!) is divided into four and so one drives the sheep a quarter of the way across. Protected by strong barriers the sheep – North Country Mules if you must know – were very cooperative and calm and we had no difficulty keeping them moving. But this was only early on in the day; by the late afternoon they were probably getting very bored. 

Once driven, many photographs ensued and certificates to celebrate our success as expert sheep handlers were produced. The whole event had a carnival atmosphere and the first drive of the day was undertaken by Alan Titchmarsh who stayed on to meet the crowds and the media. As too did the Lord Mayor, the new Sherriff’s and many other Livery Masters all in their respective gowns and robes. A wonderful sight!

Well done to the Woolmen for all the hard work in organising and to the sheep for being so well behaved. A great way to raise funds and to perpetuate an urban myth about Freemen being able to drive their sheep across London Bridge! 

Photographs show the Master, Mistress and others in full driving mode and with our daughters Holly and Emily proudly displaying our certificates!

29. Magical Taxi Tour, 28 September 2018

A very early start was required to enable the Mistress and I to attend “The Big Breakfast” send off for the annual Magical Taxi Tour. Now in its 25th year and organised by the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers, the Taxi Tour is staged to give sick and terminally ill children the opportunity to visit Euro-Disney in France for a fun weekend with their families and carers. The Tour comprises of upwards of a hundred taxis, emergency support vehicles and police outriders to ease them all through the traffic down to Dover, over the Channel and across to Paris. And all of it for free!

The send-off takes place in Canary Wharf and we joined by many other Livery Companies in the East Wintergarden for breakfast. Also tucking into the eggs and bacon were the taxi drivers themselves, members of the London police and ambulance crews who would accompany the convoy, breakdown trucks and the AA to ensure they all made it as well as the French Gendarmes who come over specially. And of course, rather a lot of very excited children! The noise in the room was incredible not helped by the marching band of the Royal British Legion and Disney film songs being belted out at full volume. What a party! And at only six o’clock in the morning!

The arrival of the Lord Mayor and his two Sheriffs plus Consorts really racked up the excitement and after a few words by the Master Hackney Carriage Drivers and the Lord Mayor who took the time to thank all those involved, it was time to ‘saddle up’ and get the show on the road!

Each Livery Company had sponsored their own taxi and ours was number 12 (see picture) but finding it in the melee outside was all but impossible (they were not parked in numerical order!). But once located we were able to speak to Lee the driver (his fifth time of doing the tour) and his two young passengers plus their carer (and lots of cuddly toys for the journey), all of whom were ready to roll. Once again, the noise was ear-splitting as horns, sirens and cheering children slowly pulled way to start their adventure. And it was all over for us by seven-fifteen but for the children, the day had only just begun. Incredible!

This event is one of the highlights of the Livery year and all credit must be given to the Hackney Carriage Drivers for putting it all together. Praise also for all those who give their time so freely just so the kids can have a good time in their difficult and sometimes painful lives. This is the Livery at its best. 

28. National Army Museum, 27 September 2018

A quick ride on the Tube from the Globe saw the Mistress and I in Chelsea to join a reception given to the Livery by the National Army Museum. Located right next to the world-famous Royal Hospital Chelsea, the Museum has undergone a major refurbishment in the last couple of years and they were proud to show the results of their efforts to the Livery.

We joined many Masters and Consorts at the reception held in the main auditorium together with members of the Museum staff and other benefactors. The Livery has long been a supporter of the Museum both in terms of cash and kind and this was noted in the welcome speech by the Museum’s Director who explained the purpose of the Museum and our continued relationship with them.

We were then invited to visit some of the exhibits themselves and was a most interesting to see at first hand the story of the solider. The Museum deliberately focuses on the solider as a human being rather than just displaying weaponry, big tanks or guns. The mental and emotional side of warfare is explored as well as the physical and it all makes for a very sobering experience. Well worth a visit and in such a well-designed building.

Thanks must go the Museum staff for all their hard work in what was a very stimulating evening and we wish them every success.