The Blogger Returns
Saturday 14th September 2019
September off to a lively start....
After a quiet August the blogger is back!
The Modern Companies' Dinner in Furniture Makers Hall was a splendid event which brought together a group of Livery Companies which works so well together and which shares so many common objectives. The feeling of fellowship was palpable. The same week I returned to the same hall for the farewell drinks of Mark Sismey-Durrant, Master of the International Bankers - I am sad to see him go; he has been an excellent Master. I suspect that for us all our year as Master is over all too soon!
An early start on HQS Wellington soon followed to herald the Livery Companies Walk, brilliantly organised by the Environmental Cleaners. At some 10 miles, with visits to 38 halls this was an amazing way to see the historic heart and variety of so many Companies, as well as a few surprises- I was, for example, unaware of the existence of the beautiful Dutch Church in our midst. Thank you to PM Ralph Edmonson for joining me in this epic adventure!
The week then finished with a further highlight - the Hackney Carriage Drivers' Big Breakfast. At 6am we gathered at Canary Wharf to see 400 children and their families in 100 taxis leave with great fanfare for a trip to Disneyland Paris. It was an upbeat and moving, yet fun occasion which made me smile all day long! I am proud that our Company is associated with and a sponsor of this top event. It was a pleasure to see PM Michael Walter in such fine form and to hear that every child had received one of his marvellous books.