125. The end….ave atque vale…

The Installation Court Meeting marks the end of the Master’s year of office. This year the Court Meeting was held in the Old Royal Navy College in Greenwich. Towards the close of the meeting I reflected on my year and the support given by everybody I had met. Adjourning the Court meeting we then processed to the King William Undercroft where the Ceremony of Installation took place. Thanks are extended to my family, especially Georgina and my son, Liveryman Simon, the blog-master David, and my many friends in the Company and the City.
The Master’s Blog continues with the new Master, Keith Tozzi.

124. Brunel is 50

Celebrating Brunel University London’s 50th Anniversary with a Gala Dinner on Thursday 30 June seemed a good idea at the time. The local MP for Hillingdon would provide a key address whilst contributions would come from Chancellor Sir Richard Sykes, Vice-Chancellor Julia Buckingham (right). In the event, one Boris Johnston did appear and made an encouraging speech praising the University and its place in the local community. Not so welcome (to Boris) was the demand from John Holland-Kaye, Chief Executive Office, Heathrow Airport, for a third runway!

The evening though passed without a serious confrontation with Boris (right) having to go back early to his political colleagues to sort out what was becoming a nightmare. Brunel has good relationship with employers in the area who provide industrial placements for its students. The Water Conservation Trust has supported Masters Programmes at Brunel for a decade.

123. Admiral of the Port Challenge Rowing Race

The 1.33 mile Race, between Westminster Bridge and Westminster Boating Base, takes place each year and the Company’s Cutter, the Water Forget-me-not has won the Glaziers’ Company Rose Bowl for ladies’ crews for years. The rules require the cutter to be in full regalia: canopy, four oars, coxswain and two passengers – usually the Master and Consort. The crew this year were Natasha, Valerie, Andrea and Laura.

Sitting comfortably, under instructions from the Cox (Johnny, the Company’s Bargemaster), we left the assembled cutters for a bit of practice. It’s very pleasant being quietly rowed around as the crew warm up. But then, we noticed that the Race had been started by City Sheriff Christine Rigden the other side of Westminster Bridge. We were about seven lengths behind the back markers, never mind the leaders! The ladies, knowing an injustice when they see one, set off with a vengeance.

There’s not much time to pick up that distance in a short race, but we did, with lots of encouraging shouting from the Cox. By the time we got to Westminster Boating Base we were several lengths ahead of our rivals. The team (right) received their prize from Sheriff Christine, but the whereabouts of the Rose bowl wasn’t clear. Congratulations to the team and thanks for a great evening.

The Race is organised by the charity TTRA, (The Thames Traditional Rowing Association) which supports and promotes the sport of fixed seat rowing and sculling on the River Thames in Waterman’s Cutters.

122. City Livery Concert 26 June at the Barbican Theatre

The London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, premiered the late Sir Peter Maxwell Davis’ children’s opera – The Hogboon – assisted by students from the Guildhall School and local children. This was followed by Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique. Sir Simon becomes Music Director at the City-based LSO in 2017. The evening was well attended by the Livery and raised money for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

121. Armed Forces Flag Raising

For good or ill, the City has had a long relationship with the armed forces. The Corporation with the Livery Companies have links with all services and cadet movements. Each year this relationship is renewed at the Armed Forces Flag Raising Day. Held on the afternoon of 24 June, Livery Company Masters were invited to join the Lord Mayor’s Party in a military review.


The special Armed Forces Flag was raised over the Guildhall. After a prayer from the Guild Vicar, Canon David Parrott, and a welcome speech from the Lord Mayor, the assembled Service contingent and British Legion representatives was inspected by the Mayoral Party (see right) and senior military officials. Throughout the event, a Guards’ band played – stirring military tunes you’ve heard of! After a march past the Service contingent was dismissed.

120. Election of Sheriffs for 2016-17

At Common Hall at Guildhall on Midsummer Day, 24 June, two Aldermen were elected Sheriffs for the coming year. Ald. (and Haberdasher) William Russell (right) and Ald. (and International Banker) Peter Estin (below right); both agreed to serve. This is a serious undertaking, spending the year in quarters at the Old Bailey whilst they fulfil their responsibilities, which include a high profile in City affairs.

The arrangements for Common Hall are elaborate. City officials and Liverymen can attend. Masters process in reverse order but fill seats from the back! They are joined by the Aldermen and Beadles and the Mayoral Party. The election of Sheriffs, two Bridge Masters, four Ale Conners (who examine the measures used by beer and liquor sellers to guard against fraud) and Auditors is done by a show of hands. Business done, Common Hall is dismissed to shouts of God save the Queen!

119. Building Crafts College

Founded by the Worshipful Company of Carpenters in 1893, the Building Crafts College (BCC) has a long tradition of delivering high quality education and training in building crafts and building conservation. The BCC, located in Stratford, is an Educational Charity and is governed and financially supported by the Worshipful Company of Carpenters, with further funding from other Companies, including the Turners and Masons.
A group of 25 Masters were shown around the training facilities by College Principal Len Conway and the level of skill achieved in wood, stone work, and conservation, after two years’ study, was impressive. Len, the Master Turner and Master Carpenter are pictured right. Talking of charitable funding (Blog 118), the Carpenters’ Company and other building-related Companies put about a £1 million per annum into the BCC to ensuring that young people can acquire key building skills.