154. Flag Raising Ceremony, 24 June 2019

Armed Forces Day is celebrated on 29 June and is designed to act as a focal point for the Nation to give its thanks to all those in the Armed Services that keep this country safe. Ahead of the main event in Salisbury, a series of ceremonies take place around the UK during the preceding week. As part of this in the City of London, a Flag Raising Ceremony took place on Monday 24 June to which Livery Masters were invited. It was a privilege therefore to attend the Guildhall Yard to show our support.

Accompanied by the Clerk, I left the lunch at the Farmers and Fletchers Hall (see previous Blog) and made haste to the Guildhall. Assembled before us was a very smart turnout of London’s Reservists from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force parading in ranks across the yard. In support were members of the City of London Corporation and senior military figures as well as cadets and veterans from all three Services. To the accompanying music from the Band of the Coldstream Guards, the Union flag was raised over the Great Hall.

Presiding over the short ceremony was the Lord Mayor Locum Tenens, Alderman Sir Andrew Parmley who gave a very powerful speech describing just how highly regarded the Armed Services are by the Corporation and all who live and work in the City. In response, General Officer Commanding London District, Major General Ben Bathurst explained how important events such as these were in maintaining morale in the Armed Services and how much they value our support. It was a moving speech.

In concluding, the band played again and the parade was marched off the Yard. All very well drilled and to a high standard.

A small Reception was held afterwards in the Old Library where we got chance to meet with many of the Service personnel and to hear their stories. A fascinating afternoon and thank you to the organisers and to the service men and women who took part.

153. 2019 Shrieval Luncheon, 24 June 2019

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.  

152. Election of Sheriffs, 24 June 2019

One of the great ceremonial occasions of the Mayoral year is the election of Sheriffs and other Officers for the year ensuing. Held in the Great Hall at the Guildhall the whole Livery and members of the Corporation are present to witness this special event. As Master Water Conservator and Liveryman, I was proud to represent to Company and exercise my ancient right.

Assembling in the Crypt below the Guildhall I joined other Livery Master to don our robes and badges. With over 100 Masters present together with several Clerks and Beadles it was a noisy place and the temperature soared. But we were soon expertly placed in order of precedence by staff and duly processed into the Great Hall, highest numbers first.

The Hall was packed to overflowing with an additional room set aside for the vast audience. As Masters we took or place near the Hustings and had a very good view. A series of dignitaries then processed in followed ultimately by the Lord Mayor. The Common Cryer called us all to attention and the Common Serjeant explained the proceedings.

There were two Sheriffs to elect; one Aldermanic, one non-Aldermanic. The latter had two candidates so it was a contested election. Each candidate was given four minutes to present their case (in addition to vigorous campaigning that had been going on for weeks beforehand) and the voting commenced. This was done by raising a coloured card. Once the votes had been counted it was confirmed that Alderman Michael Mainelli (pictured in robes) was elected Aldermanic Sheriff and Councillor Christopher Hayward as Non-Aldermanic Sheriff. Both stepped forward to confirm acceptance of their roles which they take up in early November.

Other officers were also appointed but none were contested. A short report on civic activity for the previous year was given by the assistant Town Clerk. And then it was time to retrace our steps out of the Great Hall and back to the Crypt to un-robe.

It was a great occasion full of tradition and pageantry. It was good to be there albeit a little warm. The role of Sheriff is an essential one and the two successful candidates will make a good job of it when they take on the mantel from the existing Sheriffs. We wish them every success.

151. National Refill Day, 19 June 2019

Wednesday 19 June is National Refill Day. Have you #GotTheBottle to prevent plastic pollution? 

Today the UK public will be asked if they’ve got the bottle to stop plastic pollution by switching from a single-use plastic bottle to a reusable one.

Fascinating Fact; if just 1 in 10 UK citizens Refilled just once a week, it would save around 340 million plastic bottles a year! And with the Refill app it’s easier and cheaper to refill at one of 20,000 Refill Stations across the country (and especially in London; see picture of the Master refilling his bottle at St Mary le Bow on Cheapside) than it is to buy a new single-use bottle of water.

National Refill Day is public awareness campaign to help prevent millions of single-use plastic bottles from polluting our streets and our oceans by encouraging people to carry a reusable water bottle and refill on the go. As Water Conservators we know that people are concerned about plastic pollution and they want to do something about it.

So how can you join the Refill Revolution on National Refill Day?

1. Switch from a single-use plastic bottle to a reusable one.
2. Tell the world you’ve #GotTheBottle to prevent plastic pollution.
3. Download the Refill app and find free tap water near you. https://refill.org.uk/

It really is that easy. It is all about making small incremental changes to our behaviour and if we all do this, the benefits are huge. The Worshipful Company of Water Conservators are right behind this campaign which supports the work we have been doing over a long period of time, but in particular in World Water Week in March (see Blogs Nos 96, 98, 101 and 102) and also more recently with the Westminster Sustainability Business Forum and the Lambeth Palace Roundtable (Blog Nos 141 and 150). This work will continue so that together, we can all help to turn the tide against plastic pollution in our rivers and oceans.

150. Lambeth Palace Roundtable, 14 June 2019

The Worshipful Company of Water Conservators received an invitation to attend this high-profile event so I was pleased do be able to do so. Accompanied by Thames Warden-elect Rob Casey we made our way down to Lambeth Palace to join the seventy or so other invited delegates.

Convened by Lambeth Palace (home of the Archbishop of Canterbury) and the Commonwealth Office, the Roundtable was entitled “Tackling Marine Plastic Pollution; Lessons From Inspiring Community Leaders” and had a very wide range of attendees. Ostensibly a faith-based gathering (but not exclusively so) delegates had come from around the world to be there and share their experiences and initiatives. It was entirely appropriate therefore that the Water Conservators were in attendance to add our bit.

The first session was co-chaired by the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Rev’d Dr Vivienne Faull and the Special Representative, Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance, Stephen Harris. After words of welcome they introduced the opening panel of speakers including the Archbishop of Polynesia and representatives from Queens College Oxford, Defra, Sky Ocean Rescue and Tearfund. Each gave an impassioned speech about their work and the challenges ahead. These were very powerful and served to highlight the very real problems across the globe and some of the steps being taken to halt the tide – no small feat in some emerging economies. There were many questions from the floor.

After coffee the roundtable discussions began with the plenary sessions being expertly managed by co-chairs Professor Richard Thompson, Plymouth University (he of our WET 10 lecture in March – see Blog No 101) and the Rt Rev’d Graham Usher, Bishop of Dudley (himself with a BSc in Ecological Science). These discussions centred on the experiences of the delegates and the prioritisation of action in the short, medium and long term. With representatives of such diverse organizations as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, WRAP, the EA, various High Commissioners from across the Commonwealth, senior Clergy and academics, the conversation were never going to be boring. Some very interesting insights were given and whilst there was a very strong sense of urgency there was also a sense of hope that at last nations were waking up to the global threat and were staring to mobilise. But there is a long, long way to go and the solutions will take time. Lambeth Palace will be collating the responses and will publish these shortly.

The event was followed by a light buffet lunch and the opportunity to network which Rob and I took with all four of our hands! A simply incredible event and one which the Company did well in making our points and in listening to others. We hope for more going forward and look forward to playing our part. Maybe the tide really is starting to turn? 

149. Admiral of the Ports Challenge, 13 June 2019

Back in London again and down to the River Thames for this fun event. The weather showed no signs of improving and so it was under lowering skies and a stiffening breeze that the Mistress and I made our way onto the beach by the Festival Pier to join the crews.

Run each June over a one-mile course from HMS Wellington upstream to the Westminster Rowing Club, this challenge is organised by the Thames Traditional Rowing Association (TTRA) and is open to members of the TTRA and the Livery. Some twenty cutters of various sizes were assembled on the river edge (see picture) including the Company’s cutter “Water Forget-Me-Not” looking very spruce and ready for action. Crewed by four strapping young lads and a cox the Mistress and I took to the river in readiness. The start was delayed somewhat by the weather and river conditions (it being at the end of the ebb tide) and we were formed into four divisions of five boats each. Rowing gently down to the start line we waited or the umpire’s claxon. And then we were off!

These boats are heavy, clinker-built traditional craft and not designed for speed. The do not have sliding seats or lightweight oars, all the power coming from the upper body. Consequently it is an exhausting row although the Mistress and I were quite comfortable in our seats aft – we felt almost guilty! But the river sped by; through Waterloo in the middle, under Hungerford and up to Westminster where we shot the second arch. Thence to Lambeth and the final bridge at Vauxhall. The end was in site and after twenty or so exhilarating minutes we made the finish line. Such was our prowess we easily beat all the boats on our division (number two) and caught boats in the division ahead. Great work!

We then made our way up the jetty to the Rowing Club where beer and sandwiches awaited the weary crews (and their passengers!). The mood was light and everyone felt they had done a good job. But then the results came in. Purely measured by elapsed time the key was to get the tide at the very end of the ebb. Unfortunately, our boat was sent off too early so we were battling against the river and so our time was not the fastest. That accolade went to the cutter of the Watermen and Lightermen who rowed in the third division. Worthy winners of course but we did feel we had done well. But it is the taking part that counts…..

So thank you to our crew (pictured from left to right); Jason (cox), Merlin, Dave, Gary, Chris and Bargemaster Johnny Dwan who prepared the boat and trained (!) the crew. A fantastic achievement and better luck next year where the Master will be considerably lighter than your current one! 

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.