34. Season’s Greetings to one and all

Your Court, undeterred by rail strikes and arctic weather, held its scheduled Christmas meeting at Guildhall on 15 December, with assistants from distant climes such as Wales and the Marches participating by Zoom. Virtually 100% turnout for a full two and a half hours of productive deliberations! Particularly enjoyable parts of a full agenda were: to welcome back retiring Court Assistant, Almoner Trevor Harrington; to admit our new Court Assistant, Allan Barton; and to see our dear friend, the indomitable Nigel Cartwright, in fine form after his recent accident. Court was followed by a delightful and extended Christmas lunch, only slightly marred by the inability of our distant colleagues to participate virtually.

After lunch a group of us had a tour of the Bank of England Museum covering: the fascinating history of the Bank and the development of its fine building; the traditional test of whether you are strong enough to lift a (suitably secured) bar of gold; and a child friendly device showing how the Monetary Policy Committee seeks to control inflation - the reality is somewhat more complicated. It was very much a sentimental journey for the Master and his Consort who both started their career in the Bank in the 1970s.

After that a group of a dozen of us (whose travel arrangements permitted), at the invitation of our wonderful chaplain Rev Katherine Hedderly, joined the Community Carol Service at All Hallows by the Tower. It was a really delightful event and we were made so welcome. There is something particularly special about such a Service embracing and mutually supporting all sorts and conditions of women and men. Your Master joined local community and charity leaders along with the stationmaster of Tower Hill Underground, in reading a lesson. I learned more about the environmental priorities of All Hallows and its leadership role among City Churches; this re-emphasises the importance of the Water Conservators’ link with them as the City Livery Company ‘promoting a diverse and sustainable environment’. Our chaplain has warmly invited us to join them again next year - something which all Water Conservators present strongly endorsed.

With season’s greetings from your Master, Thames Warden and Past Masters around the Christmas tree at All Hallows!



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