98. JustWater Launch Dinner

The Church of England has co-ordinated a series of events in recognition of World Water Day on 22nd March 2017. St Paul’s Cathedral (London), Trinity Wall Street (New York) and St Paul’s Cathedral (Melbourne) are amongst the participants in this co-ordinated approach to bring awareness of the plight of millions of people still without an adequate water supply and safe sanitation.

The initiative is branded “JustWater” and I was invited to attend a launch dinner at St Mary-le-Bow in Cheapside last night. The formal dinner for 100 people was laid up in the Church (see photograph), which is famous for designating those born within the sound of its bells as “Cockney’s”.

We were addressed by an array of key players in the Church of England including the Dean of St Paul’s, the Bishop of Salisbury and the Archbishop of Cape Town. Our own work in raising awareness of the critical role of water in our lives is closely linked with this initiative by the Church.

97. A Day Out at Twickenham

A good friend kindly hosted me at Twickenham on Saturday to watch the Six Nations England v France match. A great atmosphere and a tricky game that we were lucky to win – but hey, a win is a win!

I am having difficulty in finding a link with the Water Conservators, other than to say that very little water was wasted at the event, but quite a lot of beer was spilt!

Congratulations to Wales for a convincing win over Italy – the England v Wales game should be one to watch.

Photograph shows the stands filling up just before kick-off.

96. Growing relationship with City, University of London

As many of you will be aware from earlier blogs, one of the objectives I set myself during my year as Master was to establish a link with City University, now rebranded as City, University of London.

I attended the University from1969 -73 as a student on a five year Civil Engineering sandwich degree course. I have stayed in touch with the University over the years and have felt for some time that as a City based Livery Company this is an obvious University to link with.

I was therefore delighted yesterday when the Trustees of our charity, The Water Conservation Trust, agreed a three year sponsorship of a post graduate student in a subject related to water and the environment at City.

I know the University is keen to develop further links with us and I look forward to helping achieve this. Interestingly, the Lord Mayor has historically been the Chancellor of the University during his term of office – this year that role has been rebranded to Rector and Andrew Parmley (a Member of our own Company) is the first Rector of the University.

95. Private Luncheon with the Lady Mayoress

Fiona was invited earlier this week to a private luncheon with the Lady Mayoress in her private quarters at the Mansion House. Guests included Consorts from other livery companies and ladies associated with the Lady Mayoress during her various roles in the City.

After an excellent lunch, the guests were taken on a private tour of the gold and silver plate collection housed in the Mansion House. Many believe this to be one of the finest collections in the world.

Fiona tells me that this was an excellent lunch with opportunity to meet others from a variety of roles in the City. Many thanks to the Lady Mayoress for organizing the event.

Photographs show Fiona on her way to the Mansion House (proudly wearing her badge of office), the luncheon table and the gold & silver collection. 

94. United Guilds’ Service and Lunch

This Service, in St Paul’s Cathedral will be held on Friday 31st March and I hope that many of you will attend.

The origins of the Service go back to the dark days of the Second World War when the Twelve Great Companies decided, in 1943, to hold a service in St Paul’s to lift the spirit of the City following the devastation of the blitz – the Service has been held every year since. It is a colourful event with all 110 Companies represented and a procession of Masters and Prime Wardens in full regalia.

Following the Service we have organized a lunch in Member’s dining Room at Guildhall at a cost of £75.

Members of the Company and their partners are cordially invited to both events, but space is limited and you should contact the Clerk to apply for tickets without delay.

Fiona and I look forward to seeing you there.

93. Are you a School Governor?

As many of you will know that a key part of the work of our charity (The Water Conservation Trust), is working with schools to promote an understanding and awareness of the environment.

We have special relationships with a number of schools where we have provided financial and technical input to great effect. The Trust is keen to expand this work and we are trying to build a register of our Members and their partners who are School Governors in an attempt to build a core of skills and the ability to exchange experience and advice.

Court Assistant Rob Casey is leading this initiative – he is an active School Governor of the Hugh Myddelton School in Islington. He would love to hear from you if you are a Governor – he can be contacted by email at: rob.casey@thameswater.co.uk

92. More Photographs of the Myddelton Lunch

We have so many great images of the Myddelton Lunch that I thought I would share a few more with you.

The first shows the Master and Thames, Fleet and Walbrook Wardens lining up to greet everyone before lunch. The second shows Fiona with some of the guests at the pre-lunch reception. The third shows,the Master, Wardens, Lord Mayor and Principal Guests before processing into lunch. The fourth shows the Master speaking after lunch (he must have said something funny!) and the fifth shows the Master leaving the Egyptian Room in the Mansion House after lunch.