Master Water Conservator

Each year the Thames Traditional Rowing Association holds a race for Livery Company (and other) cutters under the auspices of the Lord Mayor (who is Admiral of the Port). This is for crews of four plus cox with two passengers (normally Master and Consort). This year we entered the womens’ race, coxed by our Bargemaster Johnny Dwan with your Master and Consort as passengers. Conditions were windy and the river crowded leading to a delayed start as the various crews made their way from the South Bank to the starting point at HQS Wellington. The Glaziers made a strong start but then the superb coxing of our Bargemaster (much admired by your Master who was a cox himself some 50 years’ ago) and the amazing fitness and solid technique of our rowers showed through. Your cutter drew ahead (to cheers from the Embankment and the House of Commons’ Terrace which were duly reciprocated) and finished the two mile course course upstream at Milbank some twenty lengths ahead of our nearest rival. At th...

On a day of record breaking temperatures the Water Conservators had two contrasting events. First, a group of intrepid Conservators went ‘mudlarking’ on the Thames foreshore. You can see some of us, suitably kitted out, searching for ancient and modern remains under an expert guide. We found all sorts of things - from medieval pottery fragments to broken tobacco pipes and sugar manufacturing equipment. After two fascinating hours we adjourned for a most convivial lunch (indoors) at the Founders’ Arms. Our thanks to Georgina, Master’s Consort, for organising this. Following this (after a thorough fresh up and change at Mansion House) came the very important annual Water Jug ceremony in which the Master presents a jug, duly filled with Thames Water, to the Lord Mayor. See picture below of the Lord Mayor, the Right Honourable Vincent Keaveny and your Master, Colin Drummond, sharing a toast in water (from the piped water supply rather than collected direct from the River Thames during ou...

The Worshipful Company of Water Conservators held its Installation Court at Bakers’ Hall. Your new officers, duly Installed and robed, are pictured below. From left to right, Carolyn Roberts (Walbrook Warden), Martin Bigg (Thames Warden), Colin Drummond (Master), Dylan Barker (Fleet Warden) and Christine Duthie (Acting Clerk). I look forward to working with my ‘dream team.’