51. Christmas 2015

A Merry Christmas to everyone.

This is a picture of my back garden last winter, with the trees taking time off, our feathery friends in the green bird box and other visitors – badgers and foxes - keeping warm and well out of sight. The squirrels never give up!

Next external event is on 8 January for the New Year Service at St Michael Cornhill, joining other Livery Companies associated with the Church. We return there on 1 February for the re-dedication of the Company Cross, before proceeding to the Drapers’ Hall for our Myddelton Lunch.

50. Christmas Court at the Guildhall

Early livery companies were formed as Mysteries and later as Guilds. Mystery Plays have their origins in the livery movement with trades taking responsibility for the depiction of an aspect of scriptural history. That is a long introduction to the point that there are no mysteries about the Company’s management. The Court (right) meets regularly throughout the year and is responsible for the well being of the Company. The Master presides.

49. Carols by Candlelight 15 December

Carols by Candlelight at St Mary at Hill has been the traditional way for the Company and the Billingsgate Ward to prepare for Christmas. Led by our Chaplain, the Revd Prebendary Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the service included seven readings and a Christmas Address, interspaced with carols and seasonal offerings from the choir. The Company was represented by a number of Members and spouses, including the Thames Warden (left, with Rose).

48. The Launderers’ Annual Carol Service

A Service of Lessons and Carols for Christmas, organised by the Launderers’ Company was held in Southwark Cathedral on 7 December. Carefully arranged so that it included carols and readings familiar to everybody, the service was led by the Dean, The Very Reverend Andrew Nunn, who is also Honorary Champlain to the Company. Lessons were read by Senior Past Master, Neville Wells (see right), myself, the Deputy Master, the Master Glass Seller and Master Paul Higgs.

Following the service, Georgina and I were invited to Supper with the Launderers’ Company in their Hall. For dessert, whilst we enjoyed ice cream, Paul was presented with a traditional Christmas Pudding as a treat. 

Our thanks go to Paul and Sheila, and the Launderers’ Company for a very good evening, and particularly to Neville, our guardian during the service and supper. 

47. Citizenship Ceremony at the Guildhall

In celebrations to mark the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, the City of London Corporation held a Citizenship Ceremony on 2 December at the Guildhall. The Ceremony was introduced in 2004 as the final step in the process of becoming a British Citizen. This was the first ceremony to be held in the City and 32 applicants, originally from 22 countries, were invited. A cross-section of City life was invited, including Masters of Livery Companies.

After a welcome speech by the Lord Mayor, Mark Rimmer, from the London Borough of Brent, conducted the Citizenship Ceremony, during which applicants declared the allegiance to the Crown and Country. The process was quite moving, and ended with encouragement from the Lord Mayor for newly naturalised citizens to play a full part in civic life. This was followed by tea and biscuits – to set the style! The City’s copy of Magna Carta (1297) was on display. 

46. The Walbook Ward Club 206th Anniversary Dinner

Not many Water Conservators belong to Ward Clubs, but I belong to the Walbrook Ward Club, founded in 1809. They have a few events each year which are well supported by a cross section of Wards and Liverymen. A lot cheaper than joining the Livery they provide access to a range of City people. Last year, former Lord Mayor Alan Yarrow spoke; this year another former Mayor (2002), His Honour Judge Sir Gavyn Arthur, was the principle guest. Amusing us with stories from his early days as a provincial Recorder, and how (allegedly) he was selected to be the guest speaker, the evening was delightful, with musical accompaniment from the Sadlers’ Hall Musician’s Gallery and down amongst us for the Post Horn Gallop. The Loving Cup Ceremony was performed better than our attempts at our Banquet. I was sitting amongst Environmental Cleaners who attended our celebration of the Royal Charter in 2006 - which was a major prompt to get going with their own efforts to achieve Charter status in 2010.

45. The Mercers’ Company Livery Concert

The Mercers’ Company held its annual Livery Concert on 30 November and invited guests from the Livery and elsewhere. The musicians came from IMS Prussia Cove (located in West Cornwall) where short seminars are held each year for top class and aspiring musicians from all over the world. The Programme included a selection for String Quartet by Dvořák and a Piano Quintet in F minor by Brahms. The musicians joined the Mercers’ hosts and the guests for a buffet supper. My table included the cellist Guy Johnston, who had the nerve-racking job of looking after (and playing) a 1714 cello. A very good evening and thanks to the Mercers’ Company.

44. Power, Reputation & Influence in the 21st Century

The CCLA (who look after some of our Trust’s funds) and Marylebone Executive Search invited me to a lecture on 24 November at the Carpenters’ Hall given by Dame Fiona Woolf DBE, Lord Mayor 2013-14. The subject was Power, Reputation & Influence in the 21st Century. Dame Fiona set out the likely positioning of the various sectors: businesses, charities, government during the rest of this century and indicated the power shifts she thought may emerge if the actions were taken responsibly and transparently. The lecture was well attended.  

Dame Fiona is seen here at our Myddelton Lunch in 2014 with Past Master Ivor Richards and the former Mayor of Ruthin, Cllr. Rosie Hughes-Moseley.