Guild of Investment Managers Carol Service
20th December 2023St James Garlickhythe Church
Christmas this year was a wonderful bookend, not dissimilar to the 12 days of Christmas but, fortunately much longer! On December 5th, I enjoyed our magnificent Carol Service in St. James Garlickhythe, with my great and enduring thanks to Past Master Mark Gower Smith for a most spectacular evening. On December 20th, I was invited to return to St. James Garlickhythe as the guest of the Guild of Investment Managers. Their Carol Service was full of the anticipation of Christmas. Everyone had broken up for the holiday break and were eagerly awaiting St. Nick. I had returned from my business trip from China. Will was home and there was wonderful merriment and song amidst the readings by their Master Henry Pollard, Immediate Past Master Melissa Langley and even a wonderful fellow American, Megan McCracken. I was privileged to sit next to Michelle Pollard and their son, Charlie was next to Michelle. All of which added to the festive spirit. Afterwards mulled wine and minced pies kept us warm and glowing. Will arrived with a group of friends, one of whom commandeered the piano and even took requests!!! It embodied the heart of the livery: fun, fellowship and friendships that will remain long after the badge has passed on. It was indeed the second bookend and a very jolly one as well!