Master Water Conservator

Past Master Simon Catford and Consort Wendy represented our Company at the above service on 13 May. The invitation came from our good friend and honorary member Rt Rev Graeme Knowles who is now Dean of Chichester. Simon has a particularly close relationship with the Cathedral which his parents, Sir Robin and Lady Catford, attended and where they are buried. Simon and Wendy joined representatives from around 40 other Livery Companies, mainly Past Masters although the current Master Joiner and Ceiler was in attendance, plus members of the general public. It was essentially a Sung Evensong but particular reference was made to the charitable support the City Livery Companies provide to such places as Chichester (who have the usual fund raising campaigns in place) and to express their thanks. Past Alderman David Grey was also there as were several familiar faces. The service was followed by a short drinks reception. It was a pleasant way to spend a Saturday evening.

On 25 May the Master’s Consort attended a most enjoyable craft event at the Guildhall Club, organized by the Consort to the Master Needlemaker.  A group of about 30 Consorts was expertly introduced to the Japanese art of Sashiko embroidery, a beautiful craft originally designed to reinforce worn materials but now used for ornament.  The result was a very attractive pincushion (see photo!) which now sits proudly on a shelf at home. The crafting was preceded by champagne (possibly accounting for some wobbly stitches) and followed by more champagne and a delicious tea.  A thoroughly enjoyable social afternoon.

  Along with the Masters of many City Livery Companies, the Thames Warden, Martin Bigg, represented the Company of Water Conservators at the fourth Raleigh lecture in the impressive surroundings of the Drapers’ Livery Hall.   (The first Hall was bought from Henry VIII by Thomas Cromwell who subsequently forfeited it to the King.) We were joined by Year 12 students from a wide range of state and private schools in and around London, many of which are supported by Livery Companies. Before the lecture there was a workshop on the theme “Is Enterprise Sustainable? Impacts and Externalities in Business Today”.   Participants discussed sustainable cities, social enterprises, nature-related financial disclosures, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta, which generated a wide range of views. The lecture was given by Timothy Bovy, an ESG Consultant who talked about balancing economic growth, environmental care, and social well-being, awareness of scarcity of resources...

On 17 May your Master and Consort attended the Livery Concert and Dinner most generously and hospitably hosted by the Mercers’ Company at their splendid livery hall. This is an annual event with a diverse range of programmes. This year it featured outstanding entertainment by Jamaican R&B and soul singer, Ruby Turner MBE, and her band. (This was in strong contrast to last year’s programme of sitar music). It was followed by a delightful dinner where conversation flowed freely. In total some eighty Companies were represented. The Mercers’ are the premier Livery Company, ranking number one in precedence. They are particularly noted for their philanthropy. Last night’s sparkling event was a wonderful support to the Livery movement as a whole. We are all grateful for their leadership and encouragement.

On 16 May your Master and Consort were privileged to attend the above event in the Governors’ Hall at Saint Thomas’ Hospital, Westminster, organised by the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Maker. It was a most illuminating event. The speakers included senior representatives of the NHS, a number of whom were members of the Spectacle Makers’ Company. We were treated to a most informative series of presentations on the development of the eye and on eye problems and their treatment. The key take away was that eye problems can develop imperceptibly - the brain is very good at compensating; hence the vital thing is regular testing. Given that the first nine years of life are critical in eye development, testing and if necessary treatment of young children is especially important. All present took away the clear message - test regularly. This followed on from an inspirational Consorts’ event at the Royal Society for Blind Children again organised by the Spectacle Makers which Georgina also a...

On Wednesday 3 May your Master and Consort were hugely privileged to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace hosted by His Majesty the King and Queen Camilla. It was a wonderful event in very favourable weather. Despite a very busy week(!) the King and Queen were very much in evidence talking personally to inspiring individuals who have done so much for their local communities; this is very much a theme of Their Majesties as demonstrated in yesterday’s Big Help Out. We met a number of fellow Livery Masters and consorts. (See attached photos of Master Turner, Fueller and Water Conservator and their respective Consorts). It was also a joy to be able to walk round the beautiful Palace Gardens which reflect the various styles and interests of our King and his predecessors.