My First Week as Master
16th June 2019From my Installation to Ironbridge to Lord's
It has been a busy few days for the Mistress and for me!
After my Installation at Vintners' Hall we headed to a very wet Ironbridge. Some 100 companies attended over three days of events. The highlight was a trip to the Broseley Pipe Museum where Dylan Lucas gave us a personal tour. Off the beaten track, it is an exceptional and atmospheric time capsule of a period when clay pipes from Britain reached all corners of the world. In the small Quaker cemetery next to it also lies Abraham Darby, the English ironmaster who played such a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution.
The rain then followed us to Tandridge where I had the great pleasure of presenting the prizes at the Company's annual Golf Day, so expertly organised by Past Master Derek Harris. It was great fun and I am still digesting the famous Tandridge Pudding served at lunch!
The rain finally abated for the well attended The Tobacco Trade Sponsored Charity Lunch at Lord's. Past Master Roger Merton's attention to detail meant we had an amazing time, starting with an outdoor champagne reception. The big surprise was a delicious lunch served in the Long Room, surrounded by all that is holy in the world of cricket, followed by an entertaining speech by Henry Blofeld. It doesn't get better than that! I also had pleasure in presenting Gauntley's of Nottingham with their well deserved prize of Retailer of the Year.