JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2005

To view the master's year to date by each month, click on the links below.

Luncheon – Central Criminal Court-The Old Bailey
Tuesday 4th January 2005

Your Master was honoured to be invited by the Right Honourable, The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Michael Savory and the Sheriffs, Mr Alderman and Sheriff John Hugesdon and Mr Sheriff David Cobb, to luncheon at the Central Criminal Court, The Old Bailey.

Apart from myself there were three other principle guests; His Excellency Erlan Idrissov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the UK, Norway, Sweden and Ireland; Charles Scott Esq. Master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers; and Simon Sperryn Esq. Chief Executive, Lloyd’s Market Association.

Pre lunch drinks were taken in the office of our host, Mr Alderman and Sheriff John Hugesdon. We then proceeded to the impressive dining room where we met and joined their Honours, the judges. I was sat between His Honour Judge Barker and His Honour Judge Paget. We had a delicious lunch of Roast Beef, Lemon Syllabub followed by cheese and coffee. Our thirst was quenched by an excellent Chateau Panchille 2000.

It was a great honour to mingle and enjoy stimulating conversation in such company, in such an historic building. The time just flew past and all too soon the Judges were back to their Courts. I was asked if I would like to witness a trial, presided by His Honour Judge Barker, I accepted with alacrity. It is truly fascinating to watch our legal system at such close hand. This was a great way to start the New Year.

Lord Mayor’s Visit to the Treloar Trust, 8th February 2005

pictured: William Treloar

Those of you who read the text on our web site will know that The Treloar Trust is my charity for my Masters year. [Your contributions to my charity are eagerly sought, so please send me something; I am the eternal optimist and know that your cheques, no matter how small, will come through.]
The Lord Mayor of London, the Right Honourable Alderman Michael Savory and the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Fiona Savory paid the traditional Lord Mayor’s annual visit to the Treloar Trust on Tuesday 8th February. Accompanying the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress were Mr Sheriff David Cobb and Mrs Audrey Cobb, Mrs Kay Brock, Private Secretary to the Lord Mayor, and the Common Cryer and Sergeant at Arms Richard Martin. There were 28 Livery Companies represented by their respective Masters, Prime Wardens and Upper Bailiffs.

The School and College made us all so very welcome, led by the Chief Executive, Colonel John Sweeting and the Chairman of the Trustees Bruce Powell. After the welcome, and briefing we were then divided in to easily managed groups for the tour of the School. The groups were each led by a staff member and a member of the Board of Governors. Our group was led by Mrs Robina Nicholson and parent governor, Mrs Kathleen Tuffy. We toured the school, viewed the many facilities and met many of the students and the staff. We all were most impressed by the care and devotion extended by the staff and helpers to each and every student. The students were marvellous and fun to talk to. They loved having their picture taken with my badge of office around their necks. Also, I was actively engaged in a deep discussion on art, music and the pop scene. Equally I was delighted to meet so many Chelsea fans. (My team!). My wife Sue was equally pleased by the support for Manchester United, her team! The Students at Treloar’s are very mindful of others who may not be so advantaged as themselves and we were moved by the efforts that the students had taken to support the Tsunami Appeal following the cataclysmic disaster on the 28th December 2004.
Luncheon was taken in the Newton-Davis Hall, where we talked about the new building project and the need for additional funds and technical equipment to support the wonderful work that Treloar’s undertakes. The Lord Mayor made a short speech in response to a speech of welcome highlighting the centenary of Treloar’s. There are 320 students at Treloar’s supported by over 700 staff. They do need your help.

After lunch we all moved to the College and met many of the students who are moving into higher education and on to University. Here we were escorted by Chris Page, who is 22 year old and in his third year at College. He is studying an Edexcel Working Skills for Life programme; he is leaving the College in July 2005 and hoping to transfer to the Queen Elizabeth Foundation. He was an excellent guide and a source of much knowledge and was a delight to meet with.

pictured: Treloar School

After tea we then took our leave and Sue and I went away with the satisfaction that it was a most delightful and fun day at the School and College. The sun shone upon us all which certainly added to the very happy ambience that is to be found at Treloar’s. If you want to visit this outstanding establishment, top marks from OFSTEAD by the way, then please contact me and I will do the rest.

You can look up Treloar’s on their web site: www.treloar.org.uk

St Valentine’s Day Dinner - Rembrandt Hotel Saturday 12th February 2005.

What is rapidly becoming the most enjoyable fund raising event of the year took place on Saturday 12 February. This year’s event, organised by The Junior Warden, Peter French, was a huge success; it was a sell out!

pictured: Mike ans Sue Welply at dinner with guests.

The evening, a black tie affair, was sponsored by SIEMENS, to whom we all owe a huge vote of thanks and gratitude for their generosity. Colin Culleton was instrumental in obtaining three signed, Framed Gold Discs, with authentication certificates of the following artists: Neil Diamond "The Jazz Singer"; Tom Jones "Green, Green Grass of Home" and Dionne Warwick, "Dionne Warwick". In addition he also presented for auction a special Framed, Gold Disc, " A Date with Elvis Presley," signed by the "King".

pictured: Mike ans Sue Welply with guests.

The food, music and whole ambience of the evening was superb. Everyone had a great time, as was evidenced by the generous way in which money was donated for the raffle prizes, the auction and a special fund raiser for the Annual Hackney Carriage Drivers Euro Disney visit for the terminally ill children.

pictured: Peter French

Temple Bar Masters Association (2003-2004), Inaugural Dinner
Tallow Chandlers Hall - Tuesday 8th March 2005.

As Master during the year in office of The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Sir Robert Finch, I was invited to join this Association. The objectives of which are to further the friendships developed as Masters by providing continuing opportunities for social activities and to maintain our support for the Livery, the Mayoralty, Sheriffs, and the Corporation of London.

Over 67 Masters, former Masters and Aldermen dined at the beautiful Tallow Chandlers Hall. The evening, a black tie affair, started with a champagne reception, followed by an excellent dinner with delicious wines, no long boring speeches and a stirrup cup to end it all.

It was a most convivial evening and I was delighted to meet up with so many Masters and Past Masters whom I had met whilst "on the circuit". As can be imagined much interest was shown in the Security Professionals and our advice and council was equally in demand. Yet again it is a further example of the importance of networking and getting our Company "front and centre", as they say.

The Mansion House Dinner - 17th March 2005.

The Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress, Alderman and Mrs Michael Savory invited the Masters, Prime Wardens & Upper Bailiff of the Livery Companies of the City of London to the Mansion House for Dinner.

This is an evening dress occasion, white tie and tails with decorations, medals and badges of office for the gentlemen and long dresses for the ladies. The Mansion House was at its best. All the guests ascended the grand staircase, passing by the Musketeers of the Honourable Artillery Company, in full uniform, at each turn of the stair. And upon entering into the main hall of the House, The Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress, flanked by Alderman and Mr Sheriff John Hughesdon and Mr Sheriff David Cobb together with their ladies, greeted the guests as they were presented. The Mayoral party was guarded by the Pikemen of the Honourable Artillery Company.
Over 360 of us dined in splendour in the Egyptian Room, the Lord Mayor and the principle guests were heralded by the fanfare trumpets of the orchestra of the Honourable Artillery Company, the orchestra provided the music for dinner. The dinner was excellent and the wines outstanding. The Lord Mayor welcomed us all and saluted the 107 livery companies dining together this evening, in a witty and engaging speech. The Master of The Worshipful Company of Mercers Mr Charles Scott replied on behalf of the guests with a most engaging speech and the Master of The Worshipful Company of Grocers, Vice –Admiral Sir Toby Frere also spoke.

The tables lit with candelabra, had beautiful flower arrangements, and numerous silver and silver gilt cups and trophies. Following the "Loving Cup" ceremony, always a treat, the Lord Mayor and the top table were clapped out of the chamber in the traditional way of the City.

After dinner we all enjoyed a stirrup cup and conversation with the many Masters, Aldermen and their ladies, including Alderman and Mrs David Brewer. It was, for Sue and me, an occasion to remember and to savour. Without doubt the highlight of our year.

Guest Night at HQ 2 Group RAF High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire Friday 18th March 2005.

Your Master was an honoured guest at a Guest Night at the Officers Mess, RAF High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice-Marshal Nigel Maddox, CBE, RAF was the host at a glittering dinner in this historic officers mess. Amongst the guests was Air Commodore Steve Anderton, a Freeman of our Company. Steve is to retire from the RAF and this was his "dining out night", where people speak well of one and thank them for their service.

It was a very jolly evening, with good food, fine wines and amusing speeches. For me it was really great to be back amongst the RAF again and to enjoy the fellowship and friendship that is unique to those who have served or are serving in the armed forces, swapping war stories and anecdotes and to just reminisce. As Master I was made most welcome, and interestingly enough the AOC 2 Group, AVM Nigel Maddox is an Honorary member of the Court of the Worshipful Company of Carmen. HQ 2 Group is affiliated with the Carmen’s Company.