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.

On the weekend of 16 to 18 June, the Master and Consort attended the 2022/23 Masters’ weekend which this year was held in Glasgow. This annual weekend is an opportunity for all Masters of a given year to get together as a group and set up an association to continue their fellowship after their year ends. It’s an important relaxed social part of the Livery calendar. This year we were hosted by the 14 ‘Trades’ of Glasgow, which (along with their associated ‘Merchants’) are in many ways the equivalent of our London Liveries.  In total some 200 attended, including both our current and our previous Lord Mayors. The event started with a reception and supper at the historic Trades House. The following day included visits to the Burrell Collection, the tall ship Glenlee, and the Rennie Mackintosh church at Queen’s Cross. It was followed by a lively and informative whisky tasting. This prepared us for the Gala Dinner at Glasgow City Chambers, a glorious 19th century building represent...

The challenge of the race was introduced years ago by a Lord Mayor to mark his position of Admiral of the Port of London. The route goes from HQS Wellington to Westminster Boating Base and is contested by traditional Thames Watermen's Cutters supported or crewed by Livery companies.  The cutters are rowed by four oars, and rigged with ceremonial canopies and flags. For the Water Conservators’ cutter Forget-me-not the Thames Warden Martin Bigg and the Clerk Christine Duthie took the role of the obligatory passengers. We created quite a theatre as we all boarded our cutters on the beach on the South Bank and rowed downstream to Blackfriars Bridge.  After a U-turn and avoiding Uber boats we headed to the start alongside HQS Wellington.  Our cox provided a steady stream of instructions to give us a great start and maintain a commanding lead.  We watched the cities of London and Westminster glide by in the sun and waves, as the cox and rowers skilfully negotiated the m...

On Friday 9 th June 2023 members of the Water Conservation Trust (WCT) and Water Conservators Company (WCWC) met up at the Old Bridge Hotel in the picturesque town of Holmfirth in Yorkshire, scene of the much-loved TV series “Last of the Summer Wine”, for a weekend visit to see the work of River Holme Connections (RHC). The Water Conservation Trust funds RHCs’ Mayfly in the classroom project to increase engagement and education of water quality and river habitats among children in schools in the Huddersfield area. Our visit began on Friday evening with a visit to Compo’s Restaurant for a traditional fish and chip supper with magnificent views across the River Holme valley. On Saturday morning Lynva Russell, RHC Chair and WCWC member, took us on a walk along the River Holme to witness some of the work undertaken by RHC to increase public access to the river, followed by a steep climb up the side of the valley to a high point with breath taking views of the catchment and surrounding are...

The Thames Warden, Martin Bigg, represented the Company of Water Conservators at the second Entrepreneurs’ Award in Social Innovation final, held at the impressive Skyline overlooking the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.   Masters and other representatives from City Livery Companies as well as the Entrepreneurs’ Company saw five finalists pitch, from over 100 early-stage entrepreneurs, innovating to tackle big social or environmental issues.   The winner received a £10,000 grant and a host of in-kind services, introductions and support. The initiatives included the provision of risk intelligence software, soil health analysis, improved drone delivery logistics, an innovative digital health care platform, and hardware and AI to improve the sorting and availability of textile waste.   With the amazing range of enterprises, and despite questioning the finalists, it was very difficult to vote on the project for the future.   They were all winners!

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.

On Friday 28 April, Trustees of the Water Conservation Trust and the Master were invited to lunch at Wadham College to celebrate the 15th year of our bursary partnership and to sign an agreement for a further three years. Wadham was the first of our bursary partners and have been scrupulous in maintaining the relationship: each year we are invited to the college to meet ‘our’ students and keep abreast of developments; the college’s previous Warden, our honorary Freeman Baron Macdonald of River Glaven, hosted a gathering of our bursary students students in London, whilst the current Warden, Robert Hannigan CMG, was our guest speaker at last year’s Michaelmas lunch. At this lunch, our current bursary student, Victor Hyde, expressed his thanks for the generous support of the Water Conservation Trust (including help with travel costs for him to attend the recent UN Water Conference in New York) and for the mentoring provided by Court Assistant Allan Barton. Development Director Julie H...

On the evening of Wednesday 26th of April I attended the above lecture at the Army and Navy Club, Pall Mall. The guest speaker was Professor Alison Wakefield who led a wide-ranging discussion around the multifarious cyber-security risks facing companies and countries. This tied in very well with what Robert Hannigan (former director of GCHQ) told us at our Michaelmas Lunch.  A number of insights came from the discussion, including the particular worry when existing employees (due to family or life events) become radicalised and disaffected; this is often something that is overlooked and indeed can difficult to detect.  Alison also pointed out that different companies and systems could be categorised as fragile, resilient, or anti fragile in the face of cyber threats: anti fragile ones learn and get stronger when attacked; resilient ones survive; fragile ones need to worry!  The event was a classic example of the breadth of the city livery movement and its ability to c...

On a Wednesday 26 April, I attended the above lunch held by our dear friends, the Worshipful Company Of Plumbers in the lovely surroundings of Carpenters’ Hall. The Master Plumber made a delightful speech referencing the planned refurbishment of Carpenters’ Hall and indicating where each of the assembled Liveries might assist; he did us the honour of saying the Master Water Conservator could offer environmental advice! The guest speaker, Fran Findlater, made a moving speech on her charity, which assists in getting discharged prisoners back in to regular employment - a most estimable cause. I was escorted  by the Plumbers’ Renter Warden Charles Brook (who is due to become Master in 2024). We had a long conversation on our respective companies’ charitable support for young plumbers and environmentalists - in the case of the Plumbers via their apprentice scheme (most recipients are teenagers) and in our case via our bursary and linked associates scheme (typically for people in the...