50. Water in Nevada - The O Show

In a US state which is predominantly desert, Nevada continues to benefit from the Hoover Dam and
the reservoir behind it to supply an apparent limitless supply of water.

On our last night in the US we saw the aptly named "O Show" performed by Cirque de Soleil in a purpose built theatre in the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. The show is centred around a 1.5 million gallon water tank with moving floors - it is spectacular. We first saw the show in 2009 and it is worth taking an 11 hour flight from London just to see a performance.

Home tomorrow and a busy weekend ahead of Livery Company events. Look out for more blogs!

49. A trek into the unknown!

As part of a four day whistle stop trip to the US, Fiona and I had the opportunity to take a long horse ride out into the Mojave Desert. Fortunately the horses were docile, the weather beautiful and the scenery spectacular.

Photographs provide evidence that we were there and indeed on horseback! We are now slowly learning to walk normally again!

48. Worshipful Company of Musicians Evensong, St Paul’s Cathedral

The service of Evensong is part of the Church’s continuous worship and takes place in St Paul’s Cathedral every evening throughout the year.

Every October there is an Evensong attended by the Worshipful Company of Musicians and Masters and Clerks from all the livery companies are invited to attend. It is a colourful affair as full livery company regalia is worn and a formal procession into and out of the Cathedral takes place. Some 78 Masters were in attendance at the Service this week, which Fiona and I attended on behalf of the Water Conservators.

Photograph shows me in the Crypt having been robed by our Beadle, Tony Parker.

47. Art in the City Exhibition

Each year the Fine Art Society of the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers organizes an “Art in the City” exhibition at their Hall in Little Trinity Lane, London ( see photograph).

Fiona and I were invited to a livery company private viewing and reception this week. With over 20 artists exhibiting their work, it was a fascinating exhibition. With oils and water colours as well as clay and bronze sculptures, there was something to meet everyone’s taste. Everything was for sale, ranging in price from £20 to £4,500, and most of the artists and sculptors were there to negotiate as necessary!

Second photograph shows the welcoming flag outside the Hall.

We met up with several Master’s who are becoming well recognized friendly faces and excellent company.

46. Health & Safety – How Times have Changed!

Whilst walking through the City on the Water Conservation Trust sponsored walk, I came across this sign proudly displayed at the entrance to a construction site. Pretty clear message for the construction workers!

45. The Water Conservation Trust Sponsored Walk

On Sunday 2nd October, a lovely sunny day, fifteen of us set off from The Angel underground station (see photograph) on a seven mile walk stopping off at key historical water sites en route. The purpose of the walk was to raise funds for the important work of the Trust in schools and with post graduates.

The route had been planned by Court Assistant Rob Casey and Deputy Master, Peter Hall. Our route included the New River Head site, the Clerk’s Well (which gave its name to Clerkenwell), Ray Street (where the River Fleet can still be heard flowing beneath a grating outside the Coach & Horses pub), through Smithfield meat market and on to Cock Lane (where the Great Fire of London was halted), and then past the “blue plaques” installed by Past Master Ted Flaxman to mark the Aldermanbury Conduit (see photograph), near the Guildhall and the Great Conduit in Cheapside.

Having reached the halfway point we stopped for lunch in One New Change near St Paul’s Cathedral.

Suitably refreshed, we headed down to the north embankement of the River Thames where we passed the Broken Wharf Waterworks (which unfortunately contributed to the cholera outbreak in 1834) and then by the River Fleete discharge into the Thames adjacent to Blackfriars Bridge. Walking further East we passed the Bazalgette Memorial which commemorates his work in designing the sewer network for Central London following the “great stink” in 1858. With great views of the London Eye (see photograph) the group eventually crossed the river via Westminster Bridge, the route continued to Vauxhall viewing the old Chelsea Waterworks (now Victoria Station) across the river.

A very big thank you to Rob and Peter for organizing the day.

44. Fame in Italy!

Deputy Master, Peter Hall, has just returned from holiday in Italy. He kindly forwarded me this

photograph – I had no idea that knowledge of my year as Master had spread already to my historic homeland!

In reality, Tozzi Energy is a well known company in Italy working in the Oil and Gas sector as well as in Renewables. Shame!