Master Water Conservator

The Conference, attended by many members of different Livery Companies, was held in support of the City of London’s Climate Action Strategy.  The founder of the Livery Climate Action Group, Alderman Alison Gowman, opened the Conference.  The Thames Warden Martin Bigg, Deputy Master Peter Hall and Past Master Mark Lane represented the Water Conservators.  Unfortunately Past Master Rob Casey, who is leading our commitment to the Climate Action Strategy and our contribution to the Conference, was indisposed. The Conference focused on matters that affect most Livery Companies including sustainable catering, carbon reduction and a sustainable approach to refurbishment.   The Keynote Speaker, Emma Howard Boyd, spoke of the lack of investment in climate action and the lack of well-prepared projects, and the disproportionate impact of climate change on more socially deprived communities.   She questioned whether the UK is falling behind internationally on climate act...

The Company held its Summer Reception on Tuesday 27 July in the Marie Louise Room at the Oxford and Cambridge Club - familiar to many of us from the Master’s Dinner earlier in the year. It was a perfect opportunity for new members and their guests to meet existing Company members. We were a most diverse and lively cast of characters and, as one might expect, it was a really great evening. Conversation (and wine) flowed on some time past the expected end time after which the Master was delighted to take a group of guests round the various public rooms of the Club. It was a most congenial and encouraging conclusion to the Master’s year. Colin Drummond OBE DL Master Water Conservator

The Water Conservators’ Water Conservation Trust supports MSc Water and Environmental Management students at Queen Mary, University of London (QMUL).  Some of the students have contributed to the research behind a fascinating exhibition in Winns Gallery, Lloyd Park, Walthamstow, led by a team from the School of Geography at QMUL.  It features research with local stakeholders, photographs submitted by local residents on what connects them with nature in the vicinity, and maps of habitat connectivity for urban wildlife now and in the future.  Particularly impressive is the arch full of messages for the future written by children from a local school, linking a bed of wild flowers with a bed of drought resistant plants. The picture shows Freeman Dr Gemma Harvey and Dr Alex Henshaw from QMUL with the Thames Warden Martin Bigg.

On 7 June the Mistress attended a Livery Consorts event organized by the Butchers’ Company and attended by the Lady Mayoress.  A group of around 30 consorts gathered in Smithfield Market at the crack of dawn and were given a talk on the history of the market followed by a tour.    Smithfield is one of the largest wholesale meat markets in Europe with activity dating back to the mediaeval period.   It was a livestock market until the early c19th but now acts as a hub for meat preparation and sales, mainly to the catering, hotel and restaurant trades.   The current magnificent buildings date from the 1860s.   They will close in about 4 years’ time when the market moves out to Dagenham but are to be refurbished to house the new Museum of London. This was a fascinating insight into the meat trade and as always a thoroughly congenial social event.   The only downside was the need to rise at 4.00 am but the consorts were revived by a glass of champagne a...

SI MONUMENTUM REQUIRIS CIRCUMSPICE On 27 June 2023 a service of Thanksgiving for the life of Sir Christopher Wren FRS was held (naturally) in St Paul’s Cathedral, as part of the Wren 300 celebration.   The King was represented by their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.   The Livery movement was out in force, and there were contributions from the Chartered Surveyors, Chartered Architects, and the Constructors. The Thames Warden’s Consort, Mrs Eileen Bigg, represented the Water Conservators. The Great Fire of London in 1666 is one of the dates most schoolchildren know, and it is hard to believe that in 2023 we are marking 300 years since the death of Sir Christopher Wren, for he was only 34 at the time of that great conflagration, and was 90 when he died. We learnt that Sir Christopher Wren was a prodigious mathematician, and embraced the new and rapid developments in science across Europe, becoming Professor of Astronomy at Gresham College at only 25. ...

On behalf of the Worshipful Company of Water Conservators and the Water Conservation Trust the Thames Warden Martin Bigg attended the annual Graduation ceremony at Cranfield University.  Individuals, businesses and City Livery Companies sponsor prizes at the University.  Along with the Armourers and Brasiers, and Fan Makers, we recognised the achievements of students on the various Master’s programmes run by the University.  The Winner of the Water Conservators’ Dissertation prize at Cranfield University this year was Sheriffa Griffiths* (pictured above, with Senior Lecturer in Water Governance, Heather Smith). After the Ceremony, the University hosted the winners and guests to lunch.   It was very encouraging to hear the ideas and enthusiasm of the students and their desire to make a valuable contribution to a sustainable future.   I was interested to learn about research into “forever chemicals” including PFOS.   I also heard about the challenges facing...

One hundred and four livery companies assembled in the Guildhall for Common Hall where they elected the Sheriffs, Bridge Masters and Ale Conners for the coming year.   Along with the election of the Lord Mayor it is one of the most important occasions in the year for the City of London.   The Thames Warden Martin Bigg, Deputy Master Peter Hall and Clerk Christine Duthie represented The Water Conservators. After the colour and tradition of Common Hall we adjourned to the Wax Chandlers’ Hall where we were hosted by the Master and members of the Wax Chandlers and with members of other livery companies.   Lord Mayor Elect Michael Mainelli joined us for a very convivial lunch.   We heard about Michael’s ideas for his year ahead and suggestions for our next debate. We also learnt why it is better to put “bug houses” on buildings and gardens in the City to encourage diversity of insect life, rather than beehives.