Henry Pollard, Master, Guild of Investment Managers’ Installation Dinner
18th July 2023Merchant Taylor’s Hall
You know when you introduce someone to a friend/partner/colleague and inevitably someone asks: How do you two know each other? Often the answers are simple: work, the gym, through friends. Well, I met Henry Pollard, the recently installed Master of the Guild of Investment Managers in the naughty seats. Liveryman Erica Stary organised a delightful lunch for the 23-24 Masters. We were all supposed to wear our badges. Henry and I didn’t get the memo. During pre lunch drinks the light shone against gleaming badges, making me feel more conspicuous. Obviously traveling all the way back home was not an option. At some point Henry and I connected and sat next to each other - badgeless. Henry and I bonded on the naughty seats and over the next months when our paths crossed, we would chat, laugh and discuss transgressions (mostly mine). In his role as a City Common Councillor, Henry graciously introduced me to his fellow Councillors, colleagues and friends. I briefly met his amazing wife, Michelle Pollard upstairs at Guildhall. Like a true partner in crime, Henry supported me during my Installation Lunch and invited me to his Installation Dinner at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall. Far from the naughty seats, I sat (badged) on the top table between the invincible IPM Melissa Longley and the incredible Michelle. It was amazing. Michelle and Henry are both incredibly special people whose love was evident during Henry’s speech, when he couldn’t hide his emotions. Their son, Charlie was watching his Dad with pride. His brother, Ed was working away. The evening was special and personal but, also quite professional. Henry’s colleague, a hedge fund manager serenaded us with opera as her friend, an architect played the organ. The toast to the guests by Junior Warden, Andrew Bell, was the most original and generous introduction I have received. It is clear his son did well marrying a Tar Heel. She taught him all the charms of the Carolina’s! Henry’s speech included a very nice summary of the hard work and commitment Melissa had given the Guild. He presented her with a book about the Livery Halls, no doubt most she has visited. It was an utterly charming evening amidst a beautiful sea of flickering candles.
Henry’s speech addressed his goals and aspirations for the Guild. The necessary steps to move forward towards becoming a Livery Company, the need to raise capital for a benevolent fund, and the assurance that young and more mature members would benefit from their membership and the networking, mentorship, lectures, and events that would take place during the next year. Surrounded by family, friends, colleagues, members and guests, Henry is off to a magnificent beginning and if the toasts and cheers during the stirrup cup are an indication, he has left the naughty seat well and truly behind!