The Myddelton Lunch this year was held in the prestigious Mansion
House and attracted over 170 attendees – a magnificent turnout. We were honoured
by the presence of the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress –particulalry poignant
because the Lord Mayor is a Member of our own Company.
The lunch is named after Sir Hugh
Myddelton, who brought fresh drinking water to London by constructing the New
River, which was completed in 1613. Our Company has a close relationship with
the Hugh Myddelton School in Islington and Court Assistant Rob Casey (who is a
Governor of the school) arranged for a group of pupils to form a guard of
honour for the Lord Mayor on his arrival and they played a specially written
piece of music on their wide range of musical instruments.
After an excellent lunch in the beautiful
Egyptian Room, the formal proceedings began. Following on from the loyal toast
and a toast to the Lord Mayor, the Master took the opportunity to welcome the
guests and explain what a unique Lord Mayor we have this year – he comes from
an unusual background being both an accomplished musician and teacher. Prior to
proposing a toast to the guests, the Master presented the Lord Mayor with a
cheque for £1,000
in support of his three charities for the year, and a leather
covered copy of the Company’s recently published History for the Period
2000-2015.
In response, the Lord Mayor amusingly
recounted some of his experiences so far and presented the Master with a set of
enscribed coasters and the Clerk, Ralph Riley, with a crested spoon. He
concluded with a toast to the Company coupled with the name of the Master.
In responding the Master fulfilled two very
pleasant tasks. The first was to present Past Master Colin Bland with his
Certificate of Honorary Liveryman (see blog no 91 for further details of this)
and the second was to present four of the Company’s prize winning sponsored
post graduates with certificates and engraved glass jugs.
Following the 100 Club draw, where our
Clerk (Ralph Riley) won the first prize of £500, the Master drew proceedings to
a close. A departing collection in support of Treloars raised some £1,270 –
thank you to everyone who contributed so generously.
A very successful and high quality event
which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present. Many thanks to Ralph Riley
for his skillful preparation and organization of this prestigious event.
(Photographs show the Lord Mayor with pupils from Hugh Myddelton School, the
Master, Clerk & Bailiff, over 170 Members and guests in the Egyptian
Room, presentation of gift to the Lord
Mayor and the Lord Mayor responding.)
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