18. Sponsored Walk, 16 September 2018

The annual Sponsored Walk in aid of the Water Conservation Trust (WCT) this year took place on the River Wey in Surrey. This popular event is to raise money specifically for the Schools Education Programme which the WCT manage as part of its overall charitable programme. Aimed at supporting projects in schools and giving prizes to encourage science and environmental learning as well as direct support for children with learning difficulties, the WCT has helped a number of schools in London and the regions in furthering the teaching of science to a wider range of youngsters.

Our Fleet Warden Rob Casey – a Trustee of the WCT – has in recent years led the walk and planned the route which have always been both enjoyable and informative in equal measure. And this year’s walk was no exception! The River Wey from Godalming to the River Thames is a navigable river (i.e. it has locks and can transport narrow boats and other pleasure craft) and passes through some of the most beautiful parts of Surrey as it heads north. It was originally built to aid the transport of heavy goods from London down to the south coast linking up with the Arun Canal that ran to Arundel and then on to Chichester. It was an essential route to get gunpowder down to the Navy in Portsmouth. It has a proud and rich heritage.

But nowadays it is used for recreation. So, it was with great pleasure that the Mistress and I joined with other members of the Company and their guests to walk the towpath from Godalming to Guildford, a distance of some six and a half miles. The weather was lovely and we soon set off at a brisk pace under the expert direction of Rob and Past Master Peter Hall. Stopping only for a sweet at the half-way point we made Guildford in just over two hours having walked past several locks (all in full swing), some interesting bridges and a gunpowder store (fortunately empty!).

Journeys end saw us enjoying lunch at the Britannia pub just by the Town Lock in Guildford where we were glad of some liquid refreshment after all that exertion!

As we chatted over lunch Rob was able to confirm that we had raised over £2,400 for our efforts, being a mixture of donations, Gift Aid and match funding (gratefully received from Thames Water) and that these monies would now be handed over to the WCT. A fantastic effort and my thanks go to Rob and Peter for organising it so well; those who sponsored us but couldn’t attend and of course to all those who turned out on the day. And a big thanks also to Trigger the dog!

A great event and we look forward to next year’s route.

Pictures show some of the gang at the end of the walk together with the Master and Fleet Warden in hiking attire!

17. Michaelmas Court, 11 September 2018

The wonderful Armourers’ Hall on Dowgate played host for the Company’s Michaelmas Court and Lunch and it turned out to be a very busy day with a wealth of new faces amongst our existing members. 

The day started with the Court meeting which saw a nearly full attendance of Wardens, Past Masters and Court Assistants. Before the meeting even started I was delighted to formally cloth Christine Jarvis and Christine Duthie as our new Court Assistants and they looked splendid in their robes and sporting their new tear-drops! I look forward to working with both Christines into the future.

Next up was to admit three new Freemen to the Company and so it was with great pleasure that I received Steve Morris, Ian Noble and Jim Southworth who duly pledged their undertaking to the Company and took possession of their tear-drops. Welcome aboard!

Furthermore, the Deputy Master Mike Williamson admitted both his Consort Sandra and his son Andrew as a Freeman and a Liveryman to the Company respectively. It is a rare occasion that a Deputy Master can admit both his wife and son on the same day and Mike took full advantage of making it very special!

Despite all this activity the Clerk and the Beadle ensured that due protocol was observed throughout and it was a very pleasing start to the day.

We then turned to matters on the Agenda and the I am pleased that the Court approved the Company Accounts for 2017/18 together with other pressing matters of the day. The Court have a wealth of experience and expertise and it was good to see this being utilised to the benefit of the Company going forward. The Court’s scrutiny and decision-making powers are important aspects of good business governance.

After a short break it was time to commence a formal reception ahead of lunch. I was delighted to welcome the Master Launderer, Forbes MacDougall; the Master Master Mariner, Captain Robert Booth and his Clerk and the Master Watermen & Lightermen, Dr Iain Reid and his Clerk. In addition, our guest speaker Mrs Mary Prior, CVO, MBE was accompanied by her husband John and had travelled from Bristol to be with us. These distinguished persons joined members of the Company and their guests and really filled the room. It was very pleasing to see so many people there and clearly enjoying the day.

After Grace by the Deputy Master we enjoyed a fine meal courtesy of the Cook and the Butler and before we knew it, it was time for the speeches.

The Walbrook Warden, Malcom Butchers had the privilege of welcoming all our guests and proposed the toast – in water – to all those present. In response, Mary gave a very interesting and entertaining speech about her role in the civic life in Bristol and particularly her ten years or so as Lord Lieutenant to the city. She had one or two amusing anecdotes about her royal charges but discretion prevented her from revealing too much – a sensible approach! But it was good to hear the similarities between the Livery movement in London and the Merchant Venturers’ in Bristol, of which Mary is a member.

Mary concluded her speech with a toast to the Company which was very well received. In response I was able to thank all for attending and to introduce our two new Court Assistants, our four new Freemen and one new Liveryman and to welcome our two new Associate Freemen, Kathryn Pharr and Dorry Price. It was a real pleasure to meet these new recruits to the Company.

I was also able to confirm Stuart Herritty as Bailiff to the Thames Warden.

After the usual Parish Notices it was time to retire for a Stirrup Cup but before we did so, Court Assistant Nigel Cartwright announced the retiring collection which was for the Water Conservation Trust. I am delighted to confirm that some £840 was raised and that these monies will now be used to forward the objectives of the Trust in their charitable giving. Thank you all for your generosity!

And so, the day drew to a close and I would once again wish to thank all those that made it such a special event. To see so many members and guests enjoying good fellowship is a real pleasure and I look forward to many more such occasions.

16. Modern Livery Companies Dinner, 10 September 2018

Held twice a year in the March and September, the Modern Companies Livery Dinner brings together all the Liveries formed since 1926 for a black-tie event and is eagerly awaited by all attendees. Hosted on a rotating basis (the Water Conservators did the honours in March 2018) it was the turn of the Worshipful Company of Firefighters to organise and so it was with much pleasure that the Master Firefighter Andrew Mayes and his team invited us for dinner in the wonderful Tallow Chandlers Hall on Dowgate Hill.

A Hall for the Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers has stood on this site since 1476 although the original one was lost in the Great Fire. Rebuilding was completed in 1677 and has been in constant use ever since. Apart from the loss of the original musician’s gallery, the Hall’s basic size, shape and layout has changed little over the years. The Blitz led to some minor bomb damage but the Hall itself survived largely unscathed. It is certainly a magnificent structure!

I was accompanied by the Fleet Warden Rob Casey and joined circa. 60 other Masters and Senior Wardens for a Reception and dinner. The principle guest was the Immediate Past Lord Mayor, Alderman Dr Sir Andrew Parmley who regaled us with stories from his year as Lord Mayor. There were many alarming statistics including having to deliver over 900 speeches and spending more than half his time abroad! But he made light of all this and repeated what an honour it was to serve the City.

He also made reference to the continued relevance and impact the Modern Companies have in todays business world and urged us to continue to develop and grow for the benefit of our respective professions and disciplines. A very uplifting speech!

In response, the Master Firefighter thanked Sir Andrew and repeated his honour in being able to host such an important gathering. He also invited us to join him in a Stirrup Cup before our departure; a chance to mingle and stretch one’s legs!

The Modern Livery Companies Dinner is a wonderful opportunity to get to know our fellow Masters and their Wardens and in the most convivial of surroundings. We all look forward to the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers hosting the next dinner in March 2019.

15. Annual Livery Halls Walk, 6 September 2018

Kindly organised by the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, the Livery Hall Walk is now in its 14^th year and is a very popular event in the Livery calendar. The idea is for Masters and Wardens (or Clerk) to visit by foot each and every Livery Hall in the City of London. This attempt is not for the feint hearted as there are some forty halls in total and all arranged in a totally haphazard fashion around the streets of London. In terms of distance it equates to approximately eight and a half miles and has to be done fully badged and in Company robes and other regalia. One hopes for cool weather!

I was accompanied by the Fleet Warden Rob Casey and we joined colleagues from some twenty-five other Companys’ ranging from the very new (Public Relations Practitioners) to the very old (Bakers). In all circa 50 of us - all suited and booted - assembled on HQS Wellington for breakfast. After our safety briefing Court Assistant Sean Canty of the Environmental Cleaners led the way and thereafter shepherded us expertly through the streets and alleyways of our fair City, pitching up outside every single Livery Hall during the course of the day. It was fascinating to see the history and architecture of these halls which range in size from the small to the vast; from the humble to the truly ornate. But each with a very proud and rich heritage over the centuries. A photograph of us all was taken at every location to record for posterity our gallant crusade!

Contrary to any rumours one may have heard we did NOT enjoy a drink at every Hall – indeed we did not actually set foot inside many of them – but we were made very welcome at the Salters Hall for morning coffee, at the Armourers and Braziers Hall for lunch (ok, we did have a fortifying glass of wine there!) and the Furniture Makers Hall for afternoon tea. As the weather was indeed very warm, the occasional glass of water was available at one or two other Halls as well. All of this hospitality was gratefully received by us weary travellers!

The day ended at Glaziers Hall after approximately six and a half hours on the road. And we didn’t lose anyone on the way!

The Livery Hall Walk is a great tradition and allows not only fellowship amongst many Livery Companys but also raises a large amount of charitable donations (via the entry ticket) to the Lord Mayors’ Appeal. It also allows the general public to see us in all our finery as we parade through the streets and city workers and tourists alike were fascinated to speak to us as we walked and to take many a photograph of us crazy people! It was a very fun day and with some excellent company. Well done the Environmental Cleaners for organising this brilliant event.

Pictures show the Master and Fleet Warden at the Armourers Hall and some of our fellow travellers outside the Apothecaries’ Hall.

14. Finance, Membership and General Purposes Committee, 5 September 2018

The first meeting of the above - known as the FM&GP for short - in my year took place at the Guildhall on Wednesday. Chaired by the Master, the Committee is made up of the Wardens, Treasurer, Deputy Master and the Clerk with up to three Court Assistants. I have also invited the PR Manager and the Webmaster to be regular members. Of the above we need a minimum of six to be quorate.

In opening the meeting, I welcomed two new members of the Committee namely Christine Duthie and Graham Howells, both newly appointed Court Assistants. I also reminded attendees that this Committee is perhaps the pre-eminent Committee of the Company and deals with (obviously!) all matters of Finance, Membership and General Purposes together with all matters of charity NOT dealt with by the Water Conservation Trust. Full minutes are kept and any recommendation or action are taken to the full Court for approval, the next being the Michaelmas Court on 11 September.

There was a full agenda and I am pleased that a lively and stimulating discussions took place over all the key topic areas. Amongst other matters we received a final set of accounts for the Company for the year 2017-18 and noted a small surplus. These accounts will now go forward to the Court for final sign-off.

Also reported was latest membership statistics and we were pleased to note a number of new members, many of whom will be welcomed at the Michaelmas Court. We did however note a small number of resignations.

Other matters were discussed and some longer-term strategic issues were tabled and action plans drawn up. I was very pleased with the levels of engagement and energy around the table and I very much look forward to working with colleagues for the furtherance of the Company in the months ahead. Thank you all.

The Committee meeting was rounded off by a lunch courtesy of the Guildhall catering team and our thanks goes to the Clerk for organising this. Our next meeting will be on 14 November 2018.

13. Water Conservation Trust, 4 September 2018

It is custom and practise for the Master of the day (if not already a Trustee) to attend meetings of the Water Conservation Trust (WCT) as an observer. And so by kind invitation of the current Chairman and Past Master Roger North, I joined with other Trustees for their Board meeting at 140 London Wall.

The Chairman, ably assisted by the Hon. Treasurer Past Master Peter Hall and the Hon. Secretary Court Assistant Christine Duthie oversees a Board comprising of some nine other members of the Company. The Board meeting is split into two distinct halves; the first to consider and approve any applications for funding and the second to manage the

financial and legal affairs of the Trust. It was with great interest that I was able to see both elements so expertly managed and controlled.

In terms of income, like many similar charities the Trust has a number of investments built up over time which generate a steady flow of funds. These are augmented by various personal member donations, by collections at various Company events (the next being the Michaelmas Lunch on 11 September) and by ad-hoc activities such as the annual Sponsored Walk (this year on 16 September on the River Wey in Surrey). The Hon. Treasurer gives Trustees a very detailed account of these income streams and of course, the expenditure.

The Board also consider applications for funding with the focus being on a discreet number of Universities and schools. Funding for the former group is mainly for post-graduate studies be it at MSc or PhD levels and all in water and environmental disciplines. Over the years a very healthy number of students have benefited from the support of the WCT and the field of academic research has been great developed in a number of important areas.

The latter group – primary and secondary schools - tend to seek funding for environmental projects and for equipment to assist in that area. Grants are more modest than for Universities but nevertheless have a great impact on the children, again helping them gain a better understand the world around them.

There are other beneficiaries (such as the Sea Scouts) and the Trustees apply the same level of scrutiny whatever the size of the grant. It was fascinating to see at first hand the level of governance that takes place and the passion by which Trustees discharge their duties. Well done to you all!

For further information about the WCT and its activities please visit our website: www.waterconservators.org

12. London Remembers WWI, 1 September 2018

With the beginning of a new month and the summer recess behind us, the Livery in London is once again in full swing. And what more poignant way to herald the new season than to join with a wide range of military, religious and civic colleagues to remember all those who gave their lives for our country in World War One.

Organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Greater London, a Drumhead Service was held in the Royal Hospital Chelsea on wonderfully sunny and warm Saturday morning. Presided over by Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE and General Sir Redmond Watt KCB KCVO CBE DL the Drumhead Service was held specifically to commemorate the actions of the London Divisions during the final Hundred Days Offensive of the Great War which lead up to the Armistice in November 1918. The last such service took place four years ago to commemorate the start of the War and similarly on this occasion was held in the Hospitals’ quadrangle.

The service was led by the Right Reverend and Right Honourable Lord Richard Chartres (an Honorary Freeman of our Company) and was preceded by parades from the Royal Yeomanry Band, The London Regiment, 600 (City of London) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, the Pipes and Drums of the London Scottish, the Royal Marines Reserve (City of London) and the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royals’ Volunteer Corp). Also on parade were a large contingent of Chelsea Pensioners who looked splendid in their bright scarlet coats.

Lord Charters led prayers for those that have served – and died – for their country, for those who now serve and for the Reserve Forces specifically. He also told the remarkable story of Jack Harvey VC of the 1/22 Battalion, The London Regiment who spent the entire war on the Western Front. He gained his Victoria Cross on 2 September 1918 north of Peronne, France whilst single-handedly destroying an enemy machine-gun post; an extraordinary act of bravery and a sobering insight to the dedication and service of those soldiers.

The North London Military Wives Choir sang to us their London Medley before a final Act of Commitment and Remembrance and the Blessing. A very moving service and the Livery movement (including your Master and the Mistress) was very well represented.

After the service we were all invited across the road to Barton Court, an open park to take part in a WWI Youth and Community event. This took the form of a range of displays and stands manned by various youth organisations including the Police Cadets, West London Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade, the Air Training Corps, the Sea Scouts, the Scouts and the Army Cadet Force. There were also demonstrations of marching bands, a gym troop and self-defence classes all undertaken by young people. There was a real sense of energy and pride and it was a delight to chat to the guys and girls there.

Light refreshments were kindly laid on and it was great to catch up with many Masters and their consorts before departing mid-afternoon after what had been a truly inspiring day.

Pictures show awaiting the start of the Drumhead Service and the Pipes and Drums of the London Scottish after their parade.