Following immediately on from the Election of Sheriffs (see
previous Blog), several members of the Water Conservators were pleased to
receive an initiation to join the Master Farmer and the Master Fletcher at
their Hall near Smithfield Market. Accordingly, I joined with the Master-Elect,
Thames, Fleet and Walbrook Wardens-Elect, the current Walbrook Warden, the
Clerk and the PR Manager to walk the ten or so minutes from the Guildhall to
lunch. Awaiting us were several of our Consorts (including the Mistress) who
had enjoyed coffee at the Guildhall during the Shrieval Elections.
The Farmers and Fletchers Hall is a newly built one and set
over two floors. It is light and airy and on a hot day was a welcome oasis. We
joined some 50 or so other guests for a very relaxed drinks reception before descending
the spiral staircase to lunch. The timing had gone a bit awry as the Elections
had overrun but we soon caught up and after a short word of welcome from the
Master Framer, Rosie Carne we were served a delicious meal. As one might imagine
in such a venue, the menu focused on British, seasonal fare and was expertly
served. The conversation was convivial as we discussed the election results and
the shape of the next Mayoral team. All agreed that the two successful candidates
would make an excellent addition and we wished then well.
After the Loyal and Civic toasts, a short speech was given
by the Master Farmer in which she gave us a very interesting history of the
Hall. But the clock was ticking and the Clerk and I had another event to
attend. So we bade farewell to our guests and set off out onto the hot London
streets once more.
Our thanks must go to the Master Farmer and Fletcher and
their teams for such a splendid occasion and for the great hospitality they
extended to us all.
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