Members' Area

June

Mistresses Tour around the Old Bailey

Tuesday 17th June

I joined a tour around the Old Bailey on a very warm evening with other current and presumptive Consorts/Mistresses arranged by the City Consorts Group.

We were welcomed by the Sheriff David Chalk, with all his chains on, with a bubbly reception in the Judges Dining Room. David gave us an interesting talk about his role at the Old Bailey and then we were handed over to a brilliant guide who took us on a tour including the Great Hall, picture above, which was beautiful, No 1 Court which is where a lot of famous cases are held including the Cray Twins. We then went down the stairs, from the dock to the cells below, just like on the TV but usually going up, which was very daunting, the cells are very sparse. We then came up the stairs to No 2 court which is a more modern court, this court handles murderers and terrorists as it is more secure than No 1 Court. We were not allowed to take any photos in the court rooms or down in the cells. This was a very thought provoking and interesting tour.

We then made our way to a Turkish restaurant called Haz and had a delicious dinner, I would recommend Haz if in London on an evening with friends it is close to St Pauls.

Mistress’s Tour around the Royal Opera House

Thursday 12 June

I was invited along with 19 other Consorts/Mistresses and Firefighters Livery members by the Consort to the Firefighters, Sandra Holt, to tour around the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, the Royal Opera House has had 2 major fires in its history.

The Opera House covers 2 acres in the heart of Covent Garden, employs 2,000 people, runs 6 productions at a time not just at the Royal Opera House but in other venues in the UK and around the world. The behind the scenes area is huge, the front of house is just a small part. They also have 2 large warehouses in Wales and the Midlands to store all the costumes, probs and scenery which then have to be transported to the Royal Opera House for each production, costumes to be refitted to various artists, probs and scenery to be updated. They also make probs and scenery at the Royal Opera House plus any new costumes, the attention and quality of the materials used is top notch. The picture above is one of the costumes used in the ballet Cinderella, imagine having to dance wearing that, the ballet dancers wear a special material to help with perspiration

The ticket sales only cover 80% of the costs of running the Royal Opera House so they rely heavily on other funding streams too, I can understand why.

We were lucky enough to watch a dress rehearsal in the main auditorium of the ballet Alice in Wonderland for about 10 minutes, which was wonderful.

We then made our way to Bridgits Bakery in Covent Garden where we were treated to a delicious cream tea.

WC Drapers – Masters and Clerks lunch at Drapers Hall

Thursday 12 June

Russ and I were invited to the Masters and Clerks lunch at the amazing Drapers Hall. The last time I had been was in February this year to a jazz evening and dinner for Claire’s birthday. After a train cancellation we managed to get on an earlier train and so arrived in plenty of time to have a coffee on the way, in the sun. We were warmly greeted and shown to the reception in the garden where there was some very acceptable Bollinger to get us started. The lunch itself was delicious and the wines were on another level. There were 39 Masters, their Clerks and a number of Wardens and Past Masters of The Drapers Company. The speeches were short and entertaining, the company was interesting and talkative and I got to view the painting of King Charles “in the flesh”.

Altogether a memorable day.

The Lord Mayors Masters Weekend

Friday 6 to Sunday 8 June

The alarm went off at 4am and we were in the car heading to Birmingham Airport at 5.15am to catch the plane to Aberdeen for a fun packed weekend in “The Granite City”, Aberdeen. Aberdeen was chosen by the Lord Mayor, Alastair King, as it is his home town.

We bumped into 2 other Masters and 1 Consort in the check in queue, the Master Horner and Master Engineer. Arriving at Aberdeen Airport we all shared a taxi to our accommodation, Ardoe House Hotel. We couldn’t get into the bedrooms until 3pm and so were forced to dump our suitcases and head to the bar where we had a light snack and a drink…or two. Gradually over the next couple of hours more Masters and Consorts arrived and joined us.

The first planned event was dinner at Trinity Hall, the home of the Seven Incorporated Trades. With a total of 196 visitors and local dignitaries it was slightly crowded but gave everyone the opportunity to catch up with familiar faces while waiting for Princess Anne to make an appearance. Claire was selected to be presented along with a dozen others and I beat a casual retreat and left the Mistress to it. The food was not great but the company was brilliant. At the end of the evening we were all transported back to the hotel and after getting out of bed at 4am we went directly to our room and were soon fast asleep.

The next morning, Saturday, started with breakfast at 8.30am and then at 9.30am we were once again on a coach to be transported to Crathes Castle. A fascinating Scottish Castle built by the Burnett family which was completed around 1593. The Burnett family occupied the Castle until handing it over to the Scottish National Trust in the 70’s. The family still live on the estate which they retained.

 

From Crathes Castle we were bussed to the Aberdeen Art Gallery were we joined the other half of the Masters and Consorts for a light lunch. Unfortunately the heavens opened and so the swap over of venues for the afternoon did not take place but we spent a couple of hours looking around the very impressive art gallery and talking to other Masters and Consorts before being delivered back to the hotel to prepare for dinner and a Ceilidh. We enjoyed a splendid dinner on the same table as Master Cordwainer, Master Salter, a few invited guests and the Lord and Lady Mayoress, therefore I had to behave…… which I did!

Everyone seemed to take part in the Ceilidh, or so it seemed as the dance floor was rather crowded, but great fun.

 

Sunday morning started with breakfast at 7.30am (with a few fuzzy heads) followed by a brief meeting to decide what to call ourselves as a group when the year was over. There were many suggestions all of which had a mathematical theme but ended up as “Quartermasters”. Probably because we are ¼ way through this century and we are all Masters.

After the meeting we were once again loaded onto coaches to take us to King’s College Chapel for a service led by Seven Incorporated Trade’s Patron, Reverend Ian Thompson. A lovely service held in this beautiful Chapel with many stunning stained glass windows.

After a coffee we were then delivered back to the airport in good time to catch our flight back to Birmingham Airport.

A great weekend, very tiring but totally worthwhile and lots of fun.

The Funeral of Past Master Julian Ellis OBE

Monday 9 June

What could have been a totally sad day in fact became a celebration of the life of Julian. Liverymen came from all over the country to pay their respects to a gentleman who gave so much and asked for nothing in return. He had battled with cancer for a number of years with his usual determination and fortitude. He never let it be the master of him and continued with his life to the end.

He led an extraordinary life both in business and with his charitable work. This was a time to reflect on how Julian had touched us as individuals and as a group of likeminded people and made a real difference to so many, whether it was advice from his own experience or a contact of his who would be able to help. The advice he gave to many of our students was always practical, informative and immensely valuable. He was held in such high regard that one of his students drove down from Edinburgh to attend and pay their own respects.

He was a practical joker, but never with malice and always with a twinkle in his eye, just waiting for the penny to drop.

There is so much more to say but we all have our special memories of this truly wonderful man.

RIP Julian

Livery Committee Reception

Wednesday 4 June

I really wasn’t sure what to expect, a lecture, a briefing, a question and answer session, but no. There was a 5 minute welcome and a number of thanks given by the Chair of the Livery Committee, Julia Sibley, but the whole event was to enable Masters and Clerks to mingle. Earlier in the day Claire had offered to take me to the station and collect me later but I declined as “there may be a drink at the end of the evening”, how wrong I was. As I looked on, the champagne flowed, the canapes were continually on offer and your Master had to refuse any top ups after 2 glasses.

One of the main topics of conversation was the upcoming weekend in Aberdeen, Everyone is looking forward to it and determined it will be one to remember.

You’re Clerk and I made it back to Kings Cross in time to grab a coffee and walk straight onto our return train. A very enjoyable evening.

Consorts Theobalds Farmhouse Garden Visit

Tuesday 3rd June

On Tuesday 3rd June, Nettie and I joined several other past, present and future Consorts/Mistresses went to a have a look around a beautiful private garden in Enfield. This was called Theobalds Farmhouse Garden and was arranged by the City Consorts Group.

We were shown around the Garden by the owner Alison Green who is an award-winning Garden Designer, she is also a member of the Wax Chandlers Livery as she has several bee hives in the garden. I think she said she has recently also become a member of the Gardeners Livery.

Alison and her husband have developed the garden since they first purchased the Farmhouse in 1999 and started with a blank canvas of two acres. Alison has split the Garden up into a series of gardens in the ‘Arts and Crafts’ tradition with several large borders with different styles of planting. Alison gardens organically with consideration for wildlife using compost and a lot of mulching. There is no use of pesticides or fertilisers.

After our tour around the gardens we then had a delicious sandwich lunch with a few bubbles and cake. A great day was had by all despite the weather which was disappointing after all the lovely weather we have had.

Consorts Lunch at the Stationers’ Company Hall.

Monday 2 June

On Monday 2nd June I joined 36 other Consorts/Mistresses for a Consorts Lunch at the Stationers’ Company Hall. We were warmly welcomed by the Stationers’ Consort Alison Wilson.

As it was such a lovely day we had a drinks reception in the Stationers’ beautiful garden. We then had a talk and tour of the Hall from the Stationers’ Archivist Dr Ruth Frendo. It soon became apparent that the Stationers’ don’t just supply pencils but have many historic connections to the written word going back to 1403. At a time when many vendors were itinerant, the scribes and illuminators of manuscripts of the Stationers’ Company traded from permanent (in other words ‘stationery’) stalls around St Paul’s Cathedral.

Many of the Stationers’ Masters have become Lord Mayors over the years including our very own Lord Mayor, Vincent Keaveny, they have all got portraits in the Hall as well as Vincent.

We had a delicious Lunch in a smaller dining room with a beautiful ceiling decorated with gold leaf and surrounded by portraits of illustrious past members of the Stationers’ Livery.

We then finished of with a look at some very old books of registered manuscripts going back to and including William Shakespeare. All recorded in beautiful handwriting.

May

Consorts Mudlarking

Thursday 29 May

Nettie and I attended a City Consorts event organized by Sharon Barker, consort to the Water Conservators Livery, Mudlarking on the Thames Foreshore.

We all met under the Millenium Bridge on the North Shore to be introduced to the art of Mudlarking by a very knowledgeable professional Mudlarker. Before we attempted to go down to the Foreshore she talked to us about the history of all the objects we might find and what to look for, items we could find could date back to Roman times. Once we navigated the very steep steps down to the Foreshore we were met with an amazing array of objects. We all made our own pile of finds our guide then came around to tell us all about what we had found, these included pottery and glass from Medieval to Roman and Victorian times, Old Clay smoking pipes from the Victorian era and even animal bones from butchery waste from the Victorian times, I found an old Molar tooth from a sheep. All waste used to be discarded into the River.

Other objects I found were some old pottery and glass dating back to the 15th century, Roof tiles which were from the Great Fire of London 1666, when houses were taken down to form a fire break.

It was a very interesting day learning more about the history of London and the weather was lovely too. After we had had our fill of Mudlarking and the tide was coming in, we ambled along the Thames Walk to the Watermen’s Hall to be warmly welcomed by the Watermen’s Consort Ann Manning to a delicious afternoon tea plus a few bubbles.

WC Tin Plate Workers alias Wire Workers May Dinner

Friday 23 May

I was honoured to be invited to the May Dinner by the Master of The Tin Plate Workers alias Wire Workers, Martin Thacker. The dinner was held at Apothecaries Hall, one of my favourites. Our Gallant Clerk was slightly nervous as once again I was “flying solo” as it was a single invitation. The weather was brilliant and I met a few diners at the hotel beforehand and we all walked the short 5 minutes to the hall together. The meal was delicious, the red wine flowed and the speeches were both entertaining and enlightening. I was carefully seated opposite the Master Farmer, Richard Crane, who I have met a number of times, the last time at the Garden Party only a few days before. A wonderful night with friendly Liverymen and guests.

Consort Honey and Mead Tasting

Wednesday 21 May

The day after the amazing day at the King’s Garden Party I attended a Charity Honey and Mead Tasting event at the Wax Chandlers’ Hall, hosted by the Wax Chandler’s Consort Paul Marston-Weston.

Bees Abroad is the charity, we were given a very interesting and eye-opening talk by professional Honey Sommelier, Sarah Wyndham Lewis on behalf of Bees Abroad. We tasted Honey from around the world Kenya, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Honey from the UK called Heather Honey. The Honey’s varied in flavour, colour and texture but the flavours were so much better than the supermarket honey we get in the UK. If you like honey it is advised to buy from a local Bee Keeper in your area as the supermarket honey is actually quite synthetic and is basically sugar.

Bees Abroad promote the honey making craft of locally appropriate beekeeping in the developing world to enable their project participants to generate income to enhance their livelihoods, alleviate poverty and improve their quality of life. Bees Abroad promote methods of beekeeping which support the environment, improve crop pollination and only use locally sourced materials.

After this talk and honey tasting we then went on to taste several different Meads which varied in flavour from sweet to dry and even a sparkling one. They were very similar in taste to Sherry also could be a good alternative to Port.

The Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

Tuesday 20 May

The sun was shining as Claire and myself arrived at Kings Cross and a short time later, via Green Park, we arrived at The Royal Ocean Racing Club for lunch with 14 other Masters and their consorts. The lunch was excellent which set us up for the afternoon. The club is a 5 minute stroll to the Palace and was therefore ideally located.

Having got through the minimal security I bumped into Mike Kapur, the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire. He was in great form and is trying to attend the Ceremony of the Socks on Saturday 28th June.

Claire made me stand in line to get a glimpse of the occasional Royal who was passing, I was more interested in getting to the tea tent having a great fear that there would be none left. I did not need to worry as there was plenty to go around. The logistics of serving tea to about 8,000 individuals is quite daunting but it was carried out to perfection. As it was a very warm afternoon there were girls mingling with trays of small tubs of ice cream and water. I was not expecting that.

After tea, Claire and myself had a leisurely walk around the gardens before heading back to the club to change into more sensible travelling clothes and then back to Kings Cross to catch the train home.

A fantastic day, another occasion to remember for many years.

Big Curry Lunch Reception

Wednesday 14 May

Myself, the Upper Warden and Gallant Clerk descended on Mansion House to be updated on the amount the BCL had raised for three veterans charities. In attendance there were a number of Masters, Wardens, Clerks and sponsors. Fortunately there were few speeches, a number of thanks to the main sponsors, helpers and all who made it possible. The target this year was to raise £425,000, a staggering amount that can make a real difference, if achieved. The Lord Mayor, Alistair King gave an amusing speech and introduced a new dimension to the “Big Reveal”. We were encouraged to participate in the old television quiz show “Play your Card Right” with Higher or Lower when the Lord Mayor said a figure. After much shouting of Higher or Lower the actual figure raised was just short of £435,000. A fantastic total.

Once again the Clerks and my train was delayed and so got home 45 minutes later than planned.

Old Baily Conversation

Thursday 15 May

As Claire was already in London at Mansion House for a Consorts tea with the Lady Mayoress, I decided to attend “Sally Smith KC in Conversation with HHJ Nigel Lickley KC”. I met Claire at the Old Bailey to hear Nigel Lickley interview Sally Smith on her latest book, Marshall Hall, a Law unto Himself”.

It was a fascinating conversation about this barrister who died in 1927. He was a formidable orator who loved theatre and his defence of seemingly guilty people took on a theatrical stance. As there was no funding available to the defence of charged persons he was the originator of Crowd Funding.

I have to admit to being reprimanded when I was spotted with my phone out, ready to take a picture of Claire in the dock. Apparently this is not allowed. Fortunately I escaped without charge.

Lady Mayoress' Champagne Tea

Thursday 15 May

I was invited to the Annual Summer Champagne Tea at the Guildhall Club on Thursday 15th May to meet the Lady Mayoress and the Sheriffs’ Consorts. This was an exclusive event for Consorts/Mistresses to meet the Lady Mayoress and fellow Consorts/Mistresses in a relaxed and informal atmosphere and to get to know each other ahead of the Master’s Weekend in Aberdeen which Peter and I are going to on the weekend of 6th June to 8th June. 

It was a lovely event getting to say hello to Consorts I have already met at other events plus meeting a few I haven’t met. This was a stand up buffet style tea, consequently we were all so busy chatting to one another we did not eat very much but managed to get a couple of glasses of Champagne.

Afterwards I made my way to meet Peter in the Paternosters Square near St Pauls before going with him to the Old Bailey which he will tell you all about.

Clergy Support Trust

Tuesday 13 May

Accompanied by our Gallant Clerk I attended this service in the magnificent St Pauls Cathedral. After being assisted to robe up by our clerk I processed, along with about Masters of about 60 Livery companies to take our place under the dome. Once again, by order of precedence, I was next The Master Tin Plate Worker alias Wire Workers, Baron Martin Thacker and Master Gardner, Cindy Peck to the sound of three choirs singing The Introit. The Three choirs, St Pauls Cathedral, Lichfield Cathedral and Bradford Cathedral sang as a combined choir and as individual choirs throughout the service which made a stunning service.

The Clergy Support Trust was set up 370 years ago to assist clergymen and women in times of hardship both financially and with their mental wellbeing. Because of their low stipends about 22% of the clergy are in need of support. Last year alone the Trust distributed £1.3 to individuals and families.

After the service we were invited to a buffet supper at Plasterers Hall by Past Master Liz Green who is a Steward of the Festival. This was an opportunity to meet new Masters and cement existing friendship with ones I already knew.

The only downside was the return train delay which resulted me getting home after midnight. 

Masters' Tea Party

Saturday 10 May

The sun was shining, the sky was blue and so it was decided that Croft Silver Band would be safe enough to play outside under the oak tree, without fear of a soaking. The benches around the circle were lined up, extra chairs from Corah Hall set up and then the residents started to arrive, along with a number of Liverymen. Also in attendance were a RAF WW2 jeep and a Triumph 500 motorbike courtesy of Leicestershire and Rutland Blood Bikes.

We were entertained for 45 minutes by the band playing music from the 1940’s which we had all heard before. It was a time to listen to the music and talk to friends who we hadn’t seen for a while.

We then went into Corah Hall for a cream tea while the band had a rest. After their rest and refreshments the band struck up again and as we finished our tea we drifted back outside to continue as before.

A number of the more “nimble” residents had their photo taken on the bike and Claire and myself also had to give it a go.

A lovely afternoon, hopefully enjoyed by all.

Associate Ceremony

Saturday 10 May

On Saturday 10th May 3 students were admitted to the Livery as Associates. They were Chloe Hodgkinson, Amira Suleman and Esther Wildsmith. The day started with tea and cake on the circle at The Cottage Homes where we could get to know what the students had been doing since graduating followed by a tour around our archive room to give them a slightly more detailed knowledge of our Livery. The presentation of the certificates took place in front of Corah Hall. All 3 students were truly please to join our Livery as Associates.

Furniture Makers Consort Lunch

Nettie and I attended the Consorts Lunch at the Furniture Makers’ Hall on Thursday 8th May, yes on VE day.

We had an inspiring talk by one of their Liverymen, Tim Gosling. Together with his husband Steve, they bought a Chateau in Normandy, France. The Chateau remained untouched since the retreating German Army removed heating system in the 1940’s. Eisenhower moved into the chateau when he was appointed supreme commander of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of north-western Europe. Tim and Steve are slowly renovating the Chateau in the original style but keeping the bullet holes and graffiti left by the German’s and the Allied forces for posterity. So the talk was very appropriate for the day.

Following the talk we had a delicious lunch served by Life’s Kitchen Caterers with great company with other Livery Consorts/Mistresses.

Choral Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral

Thursday 8 May

I was honoured to be invited to this service to mark the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. The sun was shining, the police out in force and there was an air of celebration in the air. There were readings from the original sermon on Reflection preached by the Dean of St Paul’s in 1945 to the St Paul’s Watch, the group of volunteers who watched over St Paul’s every night.

The Cathedral Choir gave a magnificent performance of a number of Psalms and also the Magnificant and A Song of Thanksgiving. The sub-organist, Tom Winpenny, played a dramatic piece titled “Spitfire Prelude and Fugue” which was commissioned in 1942 in preparation for the cessation of hostilities. The service concluded by all singing The National Anthem.

The invited guests were the ushered to the crypt where we partook in drinks and nibbles while catching up with new acquaintances.

A truly memorable evening, one I will remember for many years to come

April

Basketmaking Day for Master’s Consorts

Wednesday 23 April

Mistress Framework Knitters Diary Entry

On Wednesday 23rd April 2025 I had a very special day with the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers making a Berry Basket out of Willow with 19 other fellow Consorts/Mistress’s at the Dutch Church in Austin Friars. I was warmly welcomed by  the Consort Sian Adams and the Clerk Richard  Turner.

We had a wonderful instructor Ellie who actually makes baskets for a living and instructs at other events and institutions. We started with the just the base, I was amazed I could make a whole basked in a few hours. I will use the Berry Basket to pick blackberries later in the summer with our grandchildren.

The art of Basket Making has not changed over time and some of the members of the Basketmakers Livery, called Yeoman members, make a living out of Basket Making.

We had a very tasty buffet working lunch sponsored by the Prime Warden Julian Adams and his Consort Sian Adams.

The Cobham Lecture

Wednesday 23 April

Myself and our Gallant Clerk attended the Cobham Lecture put on by The Honourable Company of Air Pilots at the RAF Club in Piccadilly, London.

The talk was given by Mr Tony Edwards who has spent 35 years researching the history of the Supermarine Spitfire and was titled “Their finest hour – RJ Mitchell, the spitfire and the Battle of Britain”. A very fitting topic with the end of WW2 on the 8th May this year.

The lecture told the story of the spitfire from its inception through the many changes and advancements to its role in the Battle of Britain.

Both poignant and amusing with detailed timelines, recorded interviews with a number of pilots such as Douglas Bader, Johnny Johnson and many more.

It was a truly inspirational talk on dogged determination, bravery and the fearless approach to life of these young pilots.

An evening I will remember for many years. 

The Funeral of Len Whittaker

Monday 14th April

I travelled down from home to attend Len’s funeral at Guildford. Len joined the Livery in 1976 and always (work permitting) came to many banquets. I first met Len when I was about 17 years old when he lived in Leicester and was MD of Bentley Engineering. He then brought a small engineering company near Guildford and built it up into a plc. He was a formidable business man who always had time to give advice to those who asked, and asked for nothing in return. The crematorium was packed out with family and friends which is testament to his remarkable achievements. He reached the age of 101 and only started to feel his age in the last few weeks. 

The Royal Chelsea Hospital Outing

Saturday 12 April

The sun was out, a few heads were fuzzy from the night before and 23 of us gathered for a guided tour of this ancient institution. A two hour tour may seem a daunting prospect but we had In-Pensioner Ted to keep us entertained. Ted is 86 years old but has the mind of a 30 year old. He kept us amused with stories, old and new and imparted so much information I was left wondering how he could remember it all. Apparently they are under training for 12 months and then accompany one of the more senior tour guides.

Chelsea Hospital opened in 1692, construction started in 1682, and still abides by the same principles today as it did when first opened, giving a home to around 300 veterans.

The tour was finished off with a “light bite” at The Army Museum just around the corner. 

Installation

Friday 11 April

It was an honour being installed as your Master. Myself and Claire are looking forward to representing this Livery Company for the ensuing year.

After being installed it was my greatest pleasure in admitting 4 new Liverymen this afternoon; Claire, two of our sons, Thom and Ben, and our dearest friend Phil – what a start. To be in such a setting with my family and friends made it a very special occasion.

I chose Saddlers Hall because as well as being a magnificent hall it is very friendly and homely. They certainly did not disappoint.

Assistant Edward Strange welcomed our guests with humour and my principal speaker was Susan McEnniff who gave an enlightening speech about Leicester Charity Link of which she is CEO.

The planning and seamless timing were all down to our Gallant Clerk and Beadle, who I sincerely thank.