148. Treloar’s Midsummer Banquet, 12 June 2019

As part of their continued fundraising programme, Treloars School and College hold an annual Midsummer Banquet and the Mistress and I were very pleased to be able to attend this years event. Treloar’s is very worthwhile charity supporting severely disabled children at their amazing facility near Alton (see Blog No 103 for further details of their work) and has long been supported by the Lord Mayor, the wider Livery and the Water Conservators. It was a privilege therefore to be able to help further via this wonderful charity evening.

Held at The Grange (see picture) just outside Alresford we joined many other supporters, fundraisers, staff and volunteers to enjoy an evening in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. The Grange is one of the greatest examples of Greek Revival architecture left in Europe today originally having been built in the 17^th Century. It boasts a magnificent Doric portico but had been in neglect for many years. Salvaged from demolition some twenty years ago it has undergone massive refurbishment and now includes a theatre and concert hall (lots of opera!) and ‘shabby-chic’ dining facilities. It is a quite unique building and a most suitable setting. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and so the drinks reception under the Portico was both wet and cold; how we shivered in our smart evening clothes!

After some words of introduction from our m/c Mr Dickie Dazzler (I kid you not!) we were welcomed by the Chair of the Trustees and by the Artistic Director of the Grange Festival who also sang for us. Dinner then awaited in the very atmospheric dining rooms where large screens showcased the work of the School and College. They also served as the vehicle for submitting bids for the silent auction that ran throughout the whole evening. Prizes were many and varied and your Master was able to secure two nights of Glamping (hopefully NOT as pictured!) somewhere in the South East for an undisclosed donation!

The meal was delicious and well served and the conversation around the table was very congenial. And it warmed up a bit although the rain continued to fall. More speeches followed dinner and the prize raffle was drawn. Then it was outside to watch the firework display that heralded the end of this very enjoyable evening. Organisers suggested that over £22,000 had been raised on the night although final figures are awaited – a magnificent achievement.

Thank you therefore to all who worked so hard to make this such a success and to all who turned out despite the weather. It was a wonderful way to raise money for a wonderful charity and the Mistress and I will continue to support Treloars into the future after my Mastership has concluded.

147. Ironbridge 2019, 07 - 09 June 2019

The annual pilgrimage of the City of London to Ironbridge took place over the weekend and the Mistress and I joined nearly all of the Livery Masters and Consorts together with the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and others for a couple of days of fraternity and fellowship in the beautiful Staffordshire country side.

Unfortunately the weather was against us and after a very unpleasant motorway journey on the Friday afternoon we arrived at our hotel at about three. The rain continued unabated until late Saturday night but our spirits were undampened.

Leaving the hotel at four to be taken to Coalbrookdale, the entire party of circa 200 settled down to a workshop entitled ‘Ironbridge Reborn’. This new initiative by the Lord Mayor was designed to get the collective creative juices of the Livery flowing such that we could map out a future for the Livery in light of some challenging and significant issues that face us. There were no holds barred and the workshop facilitator worked us hard in getting some key action points down on paper. These will be worked on by the Mansion House team in the next few weeks and some great ideas were brought forward.

After all that hard work we had earnt a drink and the Lord Mayor kindly hosted a drinks reception followed by dinner in the Covered Bays. A slightly more relaxed occasion than in previous years (no Black Tie!) nonetheless a very enjoyable evening and the conversation flowed. But after a busy week we were glad to be back in the hotel just after ten thirty for a quick night-cap.

Saturday dawned with the now familiar rain as we boarded coaches for a whistle-stop tour of the very many Museums and monuments that litter this World Heritage site. First up was the Ironbridge itself (pictured), just visible through the rain. We then made our way to the Museum of Iron at Coalbrookdale to see the mighty blast furnaces and the water mill. This humble technology was in fact a hugely significant step in the industrial revolution. From there we went to the Tile Museum at Jackfield to see the impressive collection of tiles (see picture with Mistress) amassed by John Scott and to understand the process of ceramic tile manufacturer.

After lunch at Coalbrookdale we visited the China Museum at Coalport to see how hand made fine bone china was produced and fired. And finally, a visit to Blists Hill Victorian Museum – complete with real-live Victorians (in costume!) who inhabit this amazing village recreated from original buildings (pictured). And the rain kept coming.

Back to the hotel for a wash and brush up before leaving for the Presidents Dinner (Black Tie this time!) at Enginuity. After a welcome speech by Sir Algernon Heber-Percy, President of the Ironbridge Gorge Trust who emphasised the strong links between the Livery and the Trust, a magnificent dinner was served. A cash raffle was held to raise funds and then the dancing started. Discretion dictates that details of this part of the evening go un-reported but suffice to say a good time was had by all!

A slightly later night than previously but all made it down for breakfast to choose the officers who would lead the Past Master Association for 2019, a key feature of the weekend. Details will be confirmed shortly but after about 30 minutes a result was achieved and guests started to make for home (in the brilliant sunshine!).

However the Mistress and I joined about 50 others who were happy to delay their journeys and we were treated to some further fascinating tours; firstly to the Costume Collection and then to the Darby Houses. Very interesting. As we concluded with a light lunch, we were lucky enough to see a steam train (pictured) make its way over the iconic viaduct that dominates this part of the Gorge; a very rare occurrence we were told (but not for our benefit!).

And so ended a very enjoyable and useful weekend. The friends one makes during ones Mastership and very real and plentiful and it was a joy to share so much time with them. Our thanks must go to all the organising committee for all the hard work in putting the events together, all of which went without a hitch. It is a beautiful part of the country and one which we shall visit again soon.

146. Beating Retreat, 06 June 2019

As members of the City Livery Club, the Mistress and I were pleased to be able to attend Beating Retreat at Horse Guards Parade preceded by a small drinks Reception at the Framers Club just around the corner. It was a fine early summers evening as we made our way to Whitehall Court to commence the occasion.

Kindly hosted by the CLC President Dr Trevor Brignall, we joined several other guests from the wider Livery world in the Farmers Suite to enjoy company and fellowship. It was good to see some of our old friends there and to make some new ones. But soon it was time to set off for Horse Guards and join the inevitable queue for Security.

Once we had taken out seats in the SE corner of the packed stands, we awaited the Royal party and were graced by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge (pictured with Major General Benjamin Bathurst, Commander the Household Division). This year’s events were led by the Household Division and a number of bands were on parade. After a brief introduction to the meaning of ‘Beating Retreat’ by compere Alasdair Hutton OBE, the music commenced. The theme this year was ‘Icons of a Nation’ and a number of bands from across the armed services were present. These included the Massed Bands of the Foot Guards, National Cadet Force Pipe and Drums, the Band and Pipes of the Royal Regiment Scotland and the Band of the Royal Household Cavalry. We were also joined by the Royal British Legion Band and by the Band, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Guard of Oman. All very impressive.

A series of popular pieces were played together with some specially commissioned works to celebrate the Icons of a Nation. The playing and the marching was superb and at one point we were joined by the Kings Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery in all their finery; the horsemanship was exemplary!

Building into a crescendo for the Muster and Finale, the evening was completed by the singing of the Nation Anthem as Her Royal Highness took her leave. Thus ended a very enjoyable – and immensely proud – evening of music performed in the way only the Armed Services can. A privilege to be there and to share this with such a wide cross-section of people. And the rain held off (just!). 

145. FM&GP Meeting 05 June 2019

A meeting of the Finance, Membership and General Purposes Committee was held at the Guildhall and it was my final one as Chairman. As previously reported, the Committee is a pivotal in ensuring that the Company remains financially sound and has a good supply of new members. This doesn’t happen by accident and it is only through the hard work of all those involved, especially the Clerk, that the Company is in as good a shape as it is.

I was very pleased to note that the Events budget for the year has produced a small profit. So too has our recent sale of Company umbrellas (thanks to Court Assistant Christine Duthie for sorting this out!). Modest sums, but every little helps.

We also took time to discuss the final outturn for the Revenue budget year ending July 2019 and noted that this too is on track. My thanks to the Clerk for keeping such a close eye on this throughout the year.

There were other issues to be discussed, much of which concerned our continually expanding external affairs programme; all very exciting. I am confident that as I had over to the Master-Elect on 8 July the Company continues to thrive and prosper.

A very successful meeting and my thanks once again to all members of the Committee for their hard work and support.

144. Mercers Concert and Supper, 04 June 2019

The Mistress and I were delighted to receive an invitation to join other members of the Livery at the magnificent Mercers’ Hall to enjoy an evening of music followed by supper. Despite an already busy day (see previous Blogs) this was an opportunity not to be missed so after changing back into lounge suit we made our way to Ironmongers Lane.

Much has been written about the Mercers’ Hall and space does not allow to add more here. Suffice to say it is one of the most splendid of halls (now in its third incarnation) in the City as befits the Company, the first of the Great Twelve. Joining some one hundred or so other Livery Masters, Consorts and members for the Worshipful Company of Mercers we assembled in the Hallway for reception drinks. It was very warm and noisy as guests took the opportunity to catch up and discuss Livery matters.

It was then time to move into the Livery Hall where seats were arranged around a small stage. We were welcomed by the Master Mercer, Xenia Dennen who explained that the performance was to be in two parts; firstly, a Haydn String Quartet Opus 20 no. 6 followed by a Schubert Quintet for String Quartet and extra cello. Both were played by the Endellion String Quartet (pictured), a world-renowned quintet, formed in 1979 and of which three original members remain. Their precision, passion and sheer musicality of playing was a complete joy and it was very humbling to hear this great music in such surroundings. The audience were spell-bound.

After a short interlude the Quartet were joined by Guy Johnstone (see picture) on the extra cello for the Schubert composition. Himself a widely respected cellist (and former BBC Young Musician of the Year), his style of playing suited this piece admirably and the whole effect was simply magical. We couldn’t get enough of them!

But all things must end and supper awaited us in the Court Dining Room. Arranged in tables of eight we were served a delicious two-course supper by the in-house catering team. It was a very relaxed affair with no speeches or toasts (I had done all this previously that day!) and one was made to feel very welcome. The supper rounded off a very busy but enjoyable day and the Mistress and I bade our farewells and headed for the train station.

Our thanks go to the Master Mercer and her team for putting the evening together and to their caterers. But the biggest thanks must of course go to the Endellion and special guest for their wonderful performance that will be remembered for many years hence. Thank you.

143. Tax Advisers Civic & Charities Luncheon, 04 June 2019

The Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers have two key charities; the Tax Advisers Benevolent Fund and the Tax Advisers Charitable Trust and their work during the year is celebrated at a Civic Luncheon held in the Pewterers’ Hall. It was great privilege therefore to receive an invitation join this formal, but fun, occasion.

After a mad dash across London (see previous Blog) and a quick change into Morning Coat, I joined eight other Livery Masters plus distinguished guests to be received by the Master Tax Adviser, Mr Marcus Fincham (pictured). The Pewterers’ Hall is a marvellous setting for such a luncheon and we were warmly welcomed upstairs in the Court Room for a drinks reception. After a few photographs we took our places in the Livery Room on the ground floor ready to welcome our host and his principle guest, Sheriff the Hon Liz Green.

Grace was said (in Latin) by The Most Revd David Moxon, Archbishop-Emeritus of New Zealand and the meal was duly served. The Master took great pride in providing much of the food we enjoyed from his own farms and had also personally caught the trout served for our main course (five different varieties!). It was all most delicious and expertly presented.

After the Loyal and Civic Toasts from the Master, a charming speech of welcome was given to the visiting Masters by Upper Warden Paul Morton. In response, the Sheriff paid tribute to the charity work of the Company and stated once again what incredible work the whole Livery do on behalf of those less fortunate, both in terms of money and pro-bono support. Her toast to the Worshipful Company was widely applauded.

The Master then presented a number of cheques to representatives of the various charities present. He also presented a mobile defibrillator to Ms Georgina Hayfron, a para-medic from St Johns’ Ambulance. A very inspired choice. The Master also welcomed four new members of the Company installed that morning and asked to ’take wine’ with each. Finally, he thanked all those who had supported the Company over the year and bid us all to join him in a stirrup cup afterwards.

And so ended a most enjoyable occasion. My thanks go to the Master and his Wardens, to the Clerk and Beadle for making the day go so well. And to the various charities that do so much to help others. May you continue to be successful in the future.

142. ‘Bricks and Water’ Seminar, 04 June 2019

Organised by the Westminster Sustainability Business Forum and by Policy Connect, this seminar – entitled Bricks and Water; How do we build resilient communities? – was held at Portcullis House on Westminster Bridge. I had been invited by the CEO of Policy Connect, Jonathan Shaw and with a very interesting list of speakers on offer I duly made my way down to Parliament Square along with the Thames Warden-Elect, Rob Casey. Unfortunately, the event coincided with a massive anti-Trump demonstration so there was a very heavy police presence and security was extremely thorough.

Once inside we made our way to the Attlee Suite and took our places with 60 or so other guests. Chaired by Baroness McIntosh the seminar was designed to examine the very real concerns about water resources and efficiency that had been highlighted in the Bricks and Water report published last year. The continued pressures on water efficiency, flood mitigation and urban green space conspire to make this subject highly topical and potentially extremely worrying. Assembled before us was an impressive array of speakers including the Rt Hon Luke Pollard, MP; Rachel Fletcher, CEO of Ofwat; John Curtin, Executive Director at the Environment Agency; Peter Simpson, CEO of Anglian Water Group and Chris Stark, Climate Change Committee member. All of them spoke with great passion about the need for change and the processes by which this could be achieved. Space does not allow for all the various themes to be set out here but further details can be found by visiting the Policy Connect website at www.policyconnect.org.uk/wsbf

After a lively Q&A session from the floor, the event was closed by Jonathan Shaw who summarised the key points. A very interesting debate and one that the Water Conservators can contribute to going forward. We are highly relevant in this space and the Company will continue to develop links with industry, regulators, legislators and other stakeholders to ensure that water and waste are managed and conserved for generations to come.