Master’s Diary of Events November 2006

The period since my last report in September has been extremely busy. As our Company gains in status and reputation, the Master and Clerk are being invited to many more functions and events. It is important at this time in our progress towards Livery that we maintain a high profile. However, as it is far too demanding to accept all invitations, so one has to be relatively selective. The following are some of the main highlights that I think are worth mentioning.

THE MUSICIANS’ COMPANY EVENSONG
This was held in the wonderful setting of St Paul’s Cathedral on 4th October. the Masters processed into the Cathedral and had the truly privileged experience of listening to some beautiful music and taking part in evensong.

EVEREST THE DARK SIDE
This was a new experience for me but apparently one which is fairly common practice. Livery Companies invite Masters to a lecture followed by supper. It was held by the Worshipful Company of Actuaries at Staple Inn Hall on 9th October. The lecture was given by a married couple who had conquered not only the highest peaks in the world but also both the North and South Poles. Their achievement was all the more remarkable because the husband had overcome two bouts of cancer. It was a fascinating lecture and the evening was a real treat for everyone who attended.

SECURITY EXCELLENCE AWARDS
On 11th October I was invited to attend the Security Excellence Awards Dinner at the Hilton Hotel to speak about Hear4u. Brian Sims the editor of SMT Magazine had promised to donate the proceeds of the evening to Hear4u so I was more than happy to sing for my supper - especially as the Master’s Charity profited by £10,000!

MEETING WITH THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
Early the following morning (on 12th October), along with Henry McKay and Mike Welply, I travelled down to Wiltshire to meet with Brigadier Colin Findlay and his officers. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the possibility of the Regiment forming an association with us. It was a very productive meeting but I will leave it to Mike to report to the Court.

MANSION HOUSE
All of you who attended the dinner on 17th October will know what a huge success it was. I am absolutely certain that the combination of the location, the Sheriffs’ Award, the presentation to the Lady Mayoress by the young Thai girls and the exceptional attention to detail by our Clerk has really put the Company on the City Map. I know that there was a clip article about the evening placed on the Aldermen’s notice board at the Guildhall. (The Wardens and I plead not guilty M’Lud!)
Margaret and I were back at the Mansion House on 31st October for the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers dinner as guests of Philip and Sue Willoughby. Again it was a wonderful evening and this time we were able to relax, admire the surroundings and observe some of the traditions of the Company.

Just a few nights later on 2nd November I was at the Mansion House again for an evening ‘At Home with the Lord and Lady Mayoress’. This was a reception to thank everyone who had supported them during their term in office. David and Tessa Brewer have been exceptional post holders and I feel immensely honoured that they are so strongly associated with our Company. The City has paid them tribute and I hope that before too long H M Government will follow suite.

RAF REGIMENT DINNER
The following evening on 3rd of November it was down to the Wiltshire countryside again with Mike Welply to join the RAF Regiment for their dinner. The journey was well worth it. We were made to feel thoroughly welcome - meeting some old and new friends, having a good meal, and more than a few drinks. This was a great opportunity to reinforce our association with the Regiment.

POPPY DAY
Monday 6th November was a busy day. In the morning I joined the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and other Masters planting a cross during a service in the grounds of St Paul’s Cathedral. I believe that this is the first time we have been invited to this Service and it says something about our position in the City. Once again we were put next to the Tax Advisors who are No. 107 so I am optimistic that there is a general feeling we will become No. 108 before too much longer.

That same evening Margaret and I attend the Royal Society for the 9th Horners ‘Ralph Anderson Memorial Lecture’ and supper. The lecture title was ‘Better Looking, Better Living, Better Loving: Chemistry’s Forgotten Role in Everyday Life’. Well who could resist attending that?

POLICE REHABILITATION CENTRE
The following morning on 7th November it was down to Goring upon Thames to the Police Rehabilitation Centre with Geoff Northcott and Clive Harris to present a £1,000 cheque from the Trustees.

The Centre facilities are superb and specially equipped to treat officers unfortunate enough to need medical assistance. We demonstrated our Hear4u website to the Centre administrators who thought it was excellent. They have requested to link websites which I have agreed to and we will ensure that this is done.ST BARTS BENEFACTORS DAY SERVICE AND FOUNDERS DINNER
At the time of writing I am anticipating this event on 14th November (the night before Common Hall) at St Barts Church and Founders’ Hall. Steve Neville, Una Riley, Simon Imbert, Steve Parsons and I will be representing the Company and we have been promised a memorable evening. I am sure it will be.

John Purnell
Master