2014-2015 Peter Cave

President Alderman Charles Bowman
Vice President Sir David Howard, Bt.
Master Mr Peter Cave

Our Master has spent over 40 years involved in Reinsurance (Insurance of insurers), for many years as a Lloyd’s Broker and international traveller (Middle East and Italy) and more recently as a Consultant running training courses in all aspects of reinsurance, globally.

Upper Warden Rosanne Bowman
Lower Warden Timothy Willens
Hon Treasurer Christopher Otter
Hon Secretary Daphne Cave

Hon Auditor Michael Brecknell

John Scurr School – Stephney.
This was the master’s chosen charity and with the help of the Ward Club, some of its members and his friends he raised in excess of £2,000. This enabled the school to purchase some specialist equipment and send the whole of year 5 to see Matilda (Rohald Dahl) in the West End.

Our AGM in the Court Room of Fishmongers’ Hall involved The master and 52 members.

Congratulations were given to Past Master Robert Woodthorpe-Browne on his being Awarded the MBE in the New Year’s Honours List

In his presentation to the amusement of many, the newly appointed Master pointed out that WARD CLUBS do have an important part to pay in the City Matrix, if they are willing to do so as it is the Ward Electorate who elect the Common Councilmen, it is the Ward Electorate who elect the Aldermen and that there are only 25 Wards in the City

There are 110 Livery Companies and they elect “only” the Sheriffs and the Lord Mayor.

Be proud to be a Member of a Ward Club.

Donations
Lord Mayor’s Charity £1,000
St Peter upon Cornhill £700
Sheriffs and Recorders Fund £200
Master’s Charity (LM Soldiers Fund) £100
Red Cross –  Biennial £500 (An increase)
LM Big Curry (ABFund £100

The Master closed the Meeting by reminding people that the Hon. Sec would revert to being Mrs Cave for the rest of the evening.
The Meeting finished promptly, people were keen to go upstairs to the reception.

This event goes from strength to strength – with almost 50 Member’s and Guests enjoying an excellent light buffet and a glass of wine (or two), in a Bank Vault – a really good venue for such an event. Everyone mingled, met old friends, made new ones and generally had a good relaxing evening. When the Master and his Lady left, there were still a good number of people chatting away happily. Fun!

This was a very popular event with over 40 wishing to attend – we managed to get a 2nd Visit on 22nd May on which more later. The first group of 25,
were warmly greeted by our guide Graham Holland – who had obviously spent many years working in the FCO. He was a fount of knowledge and anecdotes. As we ere taken round it was fascinating to see parts of what was the Indian Office with fireplaces and furniture from the East India Company Head Office in Leadenhall Street

and to compare the differing styles of Architectural Design within one building. It is amazing to think that most of what we saw had been hidden away under functional panelling for decades until it was decided by Mrs Thatcher to fully restore the building to its original former glory.

Following a fascinating tour we adjourned over the road to The Clarence for an excellent and convivial light supper. We were very pleased that Graham could join us. The Master thanked Graham on behalf of the Ward Club for an excellent evening and presented him with a set of our Cuff Links as a token of our appreciation.

30 members and guests were offered a glass of wine before they were split into two groups, one remaining with Sir George White.

Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and the Museum’s “keeper”

Whilst the others joined Dr Peter Ross – Senior Librarian of The Guildhall Library

Both groups were in for a treat.

Peter Ross started his presentation with an explanation on how the Guildhall Library evolved into its present day format, including some fascinating pictures of how it used to look right up until the 1960’s – the Ward Club Civic Lunch will be in this space in 2014. He then went on to show us a wide range of fascinating books and publications that he had taken the trouble of getting from the Archives for us. Ranging from the first Stock Exchange Listings of prices on a daily basis, bound into a pocket sized book covering 12 months, some lovely examples of leather binding, a wood covered bible (with wood worm), and possibly the “piece de resistance”, a manuscript Bible with a Ward connection.

It is a very rare copy of St Jerome’s Vulgate translation of the Bible completed by a scribe attached to St Peter’s Cornhill, in 1290.

Here is a link to quite an interesting web page about it:

This and in addition some brightly coloured political posters from the 1920’s (some of the messages seemed familiar), a Fanny Craddock Cookery Book with comments on it from Elizabeth David (she politely did not approve), a beautifully manuscripted set of walkers’ guides (from the 1950’s

and other items

http://youtu.be/HqVKnIsmuP8

But of course, this was only half of the story.

Just around the corner was the Clockmakers Museum (something in the City that should not have been be missed. It closed in 2014 with the amazing exhibits transferred to the Science Museum in Kensington.).
The Museum had to move out of its venue within Guildhall as its lease had expired. By 2016 the whole collection was re-housed in the Science Museum, apparently looking even better.

Sir George White was explaining the somewhat fraught history of clock making in the UK. where at least three times the majority of Clockmakers and / or their stock and tools were wiped out. Early 1600’s – Black Death, 1666 Great Fire and 1940’s the Blitz.
He then took everyone on a “whirlwind” tour of the History and Evolution of both watch and clock making right up to the present day.

On the one hand exquisite tiny pocket watches, with every cog and screw and wheel handmade to great precision and beauty and on the other a clock made mainly of wood by John Harrison – as he started his quest to try to make a clock that could keep very accurate time at sea.
Read an excellent short book on the story of his endeavours and in the end, success. Longitude ((by Dava Sobel) – a fascinating tale of endeavour over 60 years and a procrastinating Government.

Possibly surprisingly, not one member of our party had ever been inside this amazing museum – some definitely wanted to return.

All of us then went for a very relaxed and enjoyable supper at Davy’s Woolgate, where the manageress, Jo looked after us very well.

Then home. which was not that easy for some of our members, as we were in the middle of a Tube Strike!

In the past couple of years, Lime Street Ward Club has actively encouraged Members to take up Freedom of the City of London. One such lovely occasion was when Past Master Stephen Hatton’s mother Mrs Jean Gill (also a member) was granted her Freedom by the Murray Craig on 30th April 2014

A whirlwind tour of the area starting and finishing in 2 very special “buildings”. We started in the ruins of a Charnel House under the pavement of Spitalfields and ended with a fascinating presentation of the History and Present Day usage of the only remaining Synagogue in Spitalfields – Sandys Lane.

Widegate Street looking straight to Sandys Lane – 1912

In between we were led and guided by Charlie de Wet a very active member of the Hugenot Society around the streets hearing about lace making and the importance of the Hugenots in this area of London. A quick visit to a Brick Lane Mini-market and then supper at Carluccios. A very thought provoking and interesting evening – albeit a bit rushed.

The Master and The Hon Sec attended this very enjoyable relaxed event at the Guildhall, which raises substantial funds for the ABF (Army Benevolent Fund)

A very well attended service which included a couple of “special moments” with solos from Rebecca Milford – (Guildhall School of Music) – a star in the making.
Hymn. All people that on earth do dwell (Psalm 100)
First Reading. Isaiah Ch 53:1-6 – The Master
Hymn. He who would valient be
Second Reading. Acts 10:34-43 – The President
Solo. Laudate Dominum K.339 (Mozart) – Rebecca Milford
Hymn. Guide me , O though great Redeemer
Solo. God be in my Head – Music Sir Henry Walford Davies – Rebecca Milford

We then moved onto

Civic Luncheon – The Old Library – Guildhall
An excellent attendance (157) enjoyed a “sparkling” reception before our Master and his Lady , Sheriff Adrian Waddingham and his wife, Nicholas Woolfe (The Lord Mayor’s Consort) were led into lunch by a small contingent of The Company of Pikemen and Musketeers. Lunch which was provided by The Cook and the Butler comprised;

Chardonnay Baron de Beaumant Vin mousseux Brut

Roasted Monkfish, Asparagus risotto, Saffron Sauce                                           Vigonier Alta Reserva Las Brujas – Uruguay – 2013
Rib Eye of Sandringham Beef, Horseradish Potato Scone, Curly Kale                    Chateaux Bonsol – Bordeaux – 2012
Chocolate Hazlenut Cake – Toffee Creme Anglais – Pranline Chipped Ice Cream     Barao Vilar Port or Cognac

Following a Sung Grace (Laudi Spiritual AD 1545) and the toasts Sheriff Adrian Waddingham made a very amusing and enjoyable speech responding to the Civic toast and presented the Hon Sec with a small gift. The Master presented a Cheque for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and a separate Cheque for The Sheriff and Recorder’s Fund, both of which were greatly appreciated. Nicolas Woolf said a few words followed by the toast to the Ward Club on behalf of all the guests. Robert Hiscox (“Bertie”) recently retired Chairman of the Hiscox Group, (a friend since the Master’s early days in Lloyd’s) made a stirring speech reminding everybody of the importance of people and values in business in the 21st C.

“Many kind comments were received after this event, which was seen to be “one of the Best Civic’s we had ever had”
“The Lime Street Ward Club is outstanding in every way – especially in the warmth of your hospitality and for the extremely generous donation to the Lord Mayor’s appeal. A donation of this size from a Ward Club stands out and is much appreciated.” Nicholas Woolf.

The Master and 12 Members in 2015/2016 were present.

Announced the the Court of Aldermen had approved our President and Alderman running for Sheriff

The Master asked for permission to implement an initiative to try to encourage a closer working relationship between Ward Clubs – this was a agreed and an Social event was held in the  Counting House with a good number of Ward Clubs’ Hon. Secs and Masters present.

Members and friends were invited to view this fun free event and join the Master and his Lady (the Hon Sec) for a light lunch afterwards – very little interest at all – a shame.

After coffee in the Atrium and a good chat 35 members and guests were taken for a tour of the highlights of this fascinating private collection, within Hertford House, by two excellent Guides.

Not only did we see some wonderful China, Silver, Paintings and Furniture – we also heard about the House and its residents – Marquesses of Hereford and Sir Richard Wallace who were responsible for this fantastic collection.

Everyone had different favourites but certainly Frans Hals’, Laughing Cavalier was one

and Netscher’s, The Lace Maker was another.

We then moved to Cafe Caldesi – just a few minutes away for an excellent 2 course lunch with a glass….. of wine. Plenty more chatting.

A very enjoyable day, with lovely weather.

Almost 60 members and guests enjoyed a superb wine tasting given by John Franklyn of Metzendorff, wine shippers since 1858. The theme, Bubbles and Burgundy.

We started with a very enjoyable Cremant, Langlois – Chateau (no, not the word Chateau but the family name)
then
Ayala Brut Majeur
Bollinger Special Cuvee
Bollinger Rose
finishing with the gorgeous La Grand Annee 2004.

In the tasting notes there was this charming picture of one of the major characters of Champagne, Madame Lilly Bollinger who ran Bollinger for over 30 years from 1940’s.

See was once asked when she drank Champagne  – her reply
“I drink my Champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad.
Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone.
When I have company I consider it obligatory.
I  trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am.
Otherwise I never touch it – unless I’m thirsty”. 

A short break as we partook of an excellent plate of cold meats (including Parma, Iberico Salchichon and Breasola) and cheeses (including, Blue de Severac, Compte, Secret du Convent) prepared and presented by B Street Deli, Bermondsey Street

Then into Burgundy for a taste of three very different Red Burgundy’s.
Beuane Bastion Premier Cru 2010,
Domain de Chanson Nuits Saint George 2010
– finishing off the evening with Domain de Chanson, Pernand – Vergelesses, Les Vergelesses 1er Cru 2011

Excellent Wines, Supper in a very welcoming environment – what a Ward Club is all about

Many happy people.

This year was hosted by Vintry and Dowgate (last years winners) in The Livery Hall at Guildhall. The Master and his Lady dropped by to wish our team well and was asked if they could “go for it”. As the Master was responsible for the creation of the Inter Ward Quiz a few years back – the answer was a positive YES.

The “Lutinees” won handsomely, very well done. We will have to organise the Quiz next year!!

Very well done to Vernon Asford (Capt), Mags Ashford, Samantha Bowman, Wendy Kiernan, Tim Willens and Neil Roberts.

A first for the Ward Club – an evening of Swinging Music, Beautiful Singing and an unexpected surprise, also a Fund raiser for John Scurr School – Stephney Green.

The evening started with a glass of “sparkle” – with background music played by our Resident Duo led by Richard Holmes (Keyboard).

The evening was “kicked off” by Rebecca Milford with a great selection of “songs from the shows” including extracts from Porgy and Bess, Summertime and West Side Story. Somewhere a place for us (Master’s special request – a few wet eyes were spotted). This was followed by selection of classical solos – Rebecca had us all totally entranced.
Then a complete change of Mood as Joyce Grenfell (Pat Bryer) took over. We were all back to school. The Fire Alarm went off (all part of the act!) – NO, was there a problem – no, except we did not know how to turn it off! Good fun.
An excellent supper followed, great support from Laura at the Kings Head – the hall looked special. A musical quiz, raffle and great Jazz rounded off the evening. What fun. Our President’s wife, Samantha and their 2 daughters enjoyed the evening hugely.

For the first time the Ward Club had places for lunch at the Guildhall, enabling 20 members and their Guests to enjoy watching the Lord Mayor being waved off by his Aldermen from Guildhall Yard before walking out to see the Parade itself – great fun as usual.

An excellent lunch giving just enough time for some of the Guests to cheer the participants back after their fun but tiring day. 2015 was booked immediately.

The Master put forward a range of proposals for consideraton

Proposed;

The Club offer Automatic Membership to individuals of specific organisations with a close connection to the Ward Club, initially including;
The Leathersellers
The Merchant Taylors
3 Rooms Club
The Poulters

After some discussion this concept was rejected. Some members felt very strongly on this matter.

ESC – change of name to General Purposes Sub – Committee. with a membership including Hon Sec, some Committee Members and Members, it was agreed that this was the obvious grouping to work on most Club issues as and when they arise. The change in name reflects that.
This was agreed in principal although it was suggested that it be called the Events and GPC, in the end settled down to GPC

Amendments to our Club Objectives.
These have not been changed since our creation in 1946, so a slight change in terminology was proposed in addition tw0 additional items were added.

The words showing additions/amendments are below.
The Objectives of the Club are to arrange  meetings and events from time to time,  to promote friendly discussion and interaction among Members and their Guests,  including discussion of Ward, Parochial and City Matters, topics of local and general interest, exclusive of those of a religious or political nature.
To encourage actively, interest in the City Civic, especially in both our Wards (Lime Street and Cornhill) and to support positively  our Aldermen and Common Councilmen
To encourage  and support from time to time “good causes”

With a couple of minor amendments this was agreed.

Affiliation to the Armed forces
The master sought permission to investigate possibilities further. This was warmly supported.
In the end after plenty of investigation and very little positive response from “The Forces” – it was agreed to support a new Academy of which Robert Howard had been appointed a Governor. City of London Academy – Shoreditch Park. We made a major donation of books for their new library.

A very successful Meeting.

The Master was very proud to receive an invitation to this event as Master of the Lime Street Ward Club. This was the first time that a Master of our Ward had been invited. The Master was joined at the lunch by the Master of Bishopsgate Ward Club. In 2016 the Leathersellers will move into their new Hall on the South Side of St Helen’s Place, within Lime Street Ward. The boundary goes straight down the middle of St Helen’s Place.

The Master and Hon Sec and a few other members of the Lime Street Ward Club joined our President and Robert Howard – Deputy, in welcoming the Mayoral Party to Leadenhall Market. They were greeted by The Lloyd’s Choir. As the Mayoral party went from shop to shop the Master found himself following on with Nala the very cute family dog. At one point he was offered “walking duties” 6.30am and 10.30pm but chose to decline as there was no “living in” accommodation available at Mansion House 🙁
A relaxed and enjoyable event.

Our Annual Carol Service was, again, very well supported with 100+ including the Choir basically filling the Church to Capacity.
The Choir, St Mary’s Chorale, North Shoebury, led my Michael Crabb were in very good voice

and led off proceedings with,
The Crown of Roses – Tchaikovsky.

We started with a very traditional opening carol, Once in Royal David’s City with the opening verse sung as a solo from the organ loft by James Milner (7) from John Scurr Primary School in Stepney Green – beautiful. Many thanks to his music teacher Bethan Gill for encouraging him to take this on, and for his family who all came to the service to support him.

The rest of the service as listed below included 2 first performances as shown with an * below, both arranged by Michael Crabb.

Choir The Crown of Roses – Choir – Tchaikovsky
Once in Royal David’s City – Hymns for Children – 1848
Choir Sans Day Carol
First Lesson Isaiah 9 v 2-7 The President
Choir It Came Upon the Midnight Clear – Sears/Willis – 1850
Second Lesson Matthew 1 v 18-25 The Master Poulter
Choir A Sound of Angels  – Tye

Silent Night – Mohr/Young
The Master introduced this Carol as follows;
“Almost exactly 100 years ago on the 25th December 1914 a corporal wrote in his diary, “something extraordinary happened today, over the frozen no man’s land where some of our comrades body’s lay we heard the sound of German voices singing, Stille Nacht – we recognised it so we joined in”
The Choir sang the opening verse in German – the congregation joined in for the rest of the Carol in English.

Third Lesson Matthew 2 v 1-12 – The Master
Choir Virgin’s Cradle Hymn – To the tune of Nimrod – Elgar – Michael Crabb*
Ding Dong Merrily on High – Woodward
Fourth Lesson John 1 v 1-14 – The Upper Warden
Choir Mary’s Boy Child – Michael Crabb*
Oh Come all ye Faithful

After the Service – many people including the Choir stayed behind for a glass of festive cheer, enjoying a wide range of nibbles brought by various members and in particular prepared by the Hone Sec. Thanks to Roland Hughes, Stanley Liu and Chris Otter for generously providing all the liquid refreshments.
More than one person commented “what a great way to start the festive season”

Visit to Lane Marney
The Master and the Hon Sec (Peter and Daphne Cave) thought that it would be a good idea to visit The Choir, St Mary’s Chorale, North Shoebury, led my Michael Crabb to get to know them a little better to show our appreciation for their annual “pilgrimage to the City. Past Master John Tuff suggested we visit them when they were performing at this amazing venue – an annual music Festival.

The Upper room of the Counting House (Cornhill) was packed (40 Members and Guestsvto hear a Presentation by Lt Col, Richard Martin MBE, the recently retired Swordbearer to the Lord Mayor.

In his first session we heard about the Sword(s) that are used at differing events, some of the excitements and challenges of travelling with different Lord Mayors 🙂 After a short break we were then regailed with stories and explanations of some of the Traditions and Ceremonies that involve the Lord Mayor and his team. Richard, an excellent speaker and raconteur had us all enthralled.

A very convivial supper  – upstairs in “The Counting House” followed.

This distillery inside a stunning basement bar off fleet street is the first Gin Distillery to be opened in the City of London for over 200 years. 24 Members and Guests assembled around a seriously good G and T. We were then given a fascinating introduction to Gin.

English soldiers thought that Dutch soldiers were braver than them (we were drinking beer) …. so let’s have Gin (or so  the story goes). Different bottanicals, London Gin(does not have to come from London) v Plymouth Gin (has to come from Plymouth), tastes and smells and then a visit to their two stills.

Fascinating evening (for those who remember it :). Up the stairs, down the road for an enjoyable and relaxed supper at Happenchance in Fleet Street

During his year, The Master was very kindly invited to Bishopsgate and Langbourne Civic Lunches, attended lunch at the Old Bailey at the invitation of Sheriff Fiona Adler, The AGM of the Sheriff and Recorders Fund and various events related to the Lord Mayors Big Curry – including the lunch itself, where the Lord Mayor (Fiona Woolfe) in explaining the role of Ward Clubs said that “we were a force for good”.

The Master and his Lady had a really memorable year – special thanks needs to go to The Hon Sec!! (his Lady)
A shame there are not more pictures in this year but the Master (also the web-master) tends to be the picture taker! 🙂

Firstly let me say, I feel as proud and honoured now to be the Master of this great Ward Club as I did almost exactly a year ago. Wearing the badge and representing you to formal events, Fishmongers, Guildhall, Mansion House, City Club, Bishopsgate and Aldgate, Ward Club Civic Lunches (Rosanne stood in for me at Langbourn) were all very special and will not be forgotten, nor will attending the AGM of the Recorder’s Fund at the Old Bailey (a really excellent charity).
However based on my experiences in the year I do have a request. That all of you who are in Livery – support the Ward Club corner sometimes, not just us but Ward Clubs in general. I was not surprised but disappointed at the attitude of some Liverymen , I repeat some, when they found out that I was Master of a Ward Club.
We have our place in the City and can I remind you that there are 110 Livery companies but only 24 Ward Clubs – it is the wards that elect our Common Councilmen and Alderman – not Livery and that even though we are only 69 years old, we would rank as number 80 in terms of when we were created. as compared to recent Livery.

Over the year we have held a range of diverse events all of which have been very well supported and what is particularly gratifying is the range of members that have come out to something. It is always good to see a new face or a face that we haven’t seen for some years.
So what were the events.
Installation Dinner at Fishmongers Hall celebrating not just becoming Master but my 50 years of working in the City. A really good speech from an old friend, Dominic Christian CEO of AON UK

Members Evening – in the Vault of Midland Bank in Leadenhall Street (Also called Revolution). Definitely now one of the highlights of the year – simple, relaxed fun. We hope to see you at this years event.

Red Cross Tin Shaking
On a wet and windy day a gallant team raised £240 around Lloyd’s – date this year is 8th May. I will be seeking a few volunteers.

Then 2 visits to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and supper in the Pol Roger Room of the The Clarence – the Hon Sec had only one complaint – no Pol Roger .

This was followed by our Spitalfields Walk.

Our Annual Church Service was very well attended with those there being treated to some beautiful singing by Rebecca Milford (a neighbour’s grand daughter) This was of course followed by our Civic Lunch at Guildhall – a really full Old Library, Pikemen and Musketeers in attendance.

A Sheriff who told the toastmaster “We aren’t in a hurry – this is great fun” – (not sure that Nicolas Woolfe necessarily agreed re the timing but so be it).
2 excellent speeches from Robert Hiscox and Sheriff Adrian Waddingham

Then ;
the Wallace Collection and a superb Champagne and Burgundy tasting by Metzendorf
And onto my Charity fund raiser. An“entertainment”, a really good fun evening .
With regard to the Charity.
Strong support from some generous friends, Ward Club members and the Ward Club itself, meant that John Scurr School in Stepney Green sent was able to send 50 10/11 year olds to the West end to see Roald Dhal’s, Matilda. A really special treat that I know opened their eyes to what an individual can achieved. In total I raised over £2,500 and the additional funds are being used to purchase some specialist equipment for the school.
On the subject of Charities The Hon Sec and I were invited to attend the Lord Mayors Big Curry event supporting the ABF (Army Benevolent Fund), When being presented to The Duke of Gloucester the Lord Mayor was heard to state “Ward Clubs are a force for good”
Inter-Ward Quiz
Having been asked whether to come a gallant 2nd or actually go for a win Immediate Past Master Vernon Ashford and his team, Mags Ashford, Samantha Bowman, Tim Willens, Wendy Kiernan and Neil Roberts did as instructed – they won! – Many congratulations to all of you.
We will be hosting the quiz on 9th September at St Botholph’s Church Hall.

In my opening speech last year I mentioned my belief that Ward Clubs should not just operate in isolation – with the support of the club we instigated the first, informal Ward Club gathering. No hidden agenda just what it said on the tin, a chance for the officers of various ward clubs to get to know each other better. We had an excellent turnout and very positive feedback – we are hosting a repeat on 6th May and possibly one more at the end of the year and then hopefully it will have its own momentum. It didn’t, no one else wiling to run with the idea, shame.
Talking about my plans for the last year, another was to try to promote us within the Lloyd’s environment – I think I will call that work in progress. We have now a regular slot within the 3 Rooms Club Magazine Quill and later in the year I will be making a presentation within the Lloyd’s environment on The City and its Civic structures for the Insurance Institute of London – we will persevere. Any ideas please let me know.
A day at the Lord Mayor’s Show, followed on in November. Being able to watch the coach and the horses being prepared, watching the Aldermen waving the Lord Mayor off on his way, the show itself and then an excellent lunch after.
The Leadenhall Lights – I suddenly found myself i/c of a lead with a cute dog on it – the Lady Mayoress’s dog name of Nala (Alan backwards)The Lord Mayor offered me the role of official dog walker 6.30am and 10.30pm, I declined as The Lord Mayor was not able to offer accommodation at the Mansion House.!
Then our very popular Carol Service with delightful singing from James Milner of John Scurr School and of course The Choral from St Mary the Virgin, North Shoebury thanks to them and to John Tuff for encouraging them to come.
Many thanks are also due to Roland Hughes, Stanley Lui and Chris Otter for providing the liquid refreshments) and of course to Mrs C for preparing the majority of the food and bringing it up on the train.
My year ended with 2 events in 2015. Our Annual “City Matters” – this again has become a very popular annual event, this year, a total sell out –with Retired Sword Bearer Richard Martin telling all (well some) of his life and times in that role. A really enjoyable and interesting evening.
The year finished last week when some of us visited to the City of London Distillery (also called the COLD Bar), the first Gin distillery to be created in the City of London for over 200 years – fun, informative, excellent Gins and a great end to my year.
Although the badge will not be out – I have also been asked as Master this year, by Sheriff Fiona Adler to join her at the Old Bailey for lunch shortly with the Old Bailey judges and sit in on a trial in the afternoon – a great privilege.
I will continue to represent the Ward Club on the Red Cross Fair Committee and in my spare time endeavour to get the website fully up to date so plenty to do in 2015………. in reality not fully achieved until 2020 when a new Platform was introduced and a complete review of every year carried out!!

At a social level as Master and Lady we were privileged to be asked to two Mansion House Dinners firstly by Past Master Vincent Emms (The Glassellers) and by Past Master Robert Woodthorp Brown when his company – The World Traders received their Royal Charter.
I was very honoured to be asked to attend the Court Lunch at The Worshipful Company of Leathersellers this year the first time that a Master of Lime Street Ward Club has been invited.
On a different topic
At a Committee Meeting in November three quite important things were proposed by me and supported
Firstly a name change – in future the Events Sub Committee will be known as the General Purposes and Events Sub Committee – the title just reflects its actual role in being there to support the main committee “as and when”.
Secondly it was agreed that as a Ward club we seek affiliation with one of the Armed Forces Units, if possible, somewhere close to the City. I am currently talking with HMS President to see what might be possible but if any of you have any ideas please get in touch.
The third item was the rule change reflecting what we are today – we have dealt with that.

We are almost there;
At present we are a very successful club, we are active, have a very supportive membership and have a really good relationship with our CC’s. I hope this will continue into the future but to do this we need the next generation of positive Committee Members to drive us forward , not just joining a Committee to become Master in X years time.
If you are interested in helping the Club develop, either by joining the General Purposes Committee or The Main committee please chat to Daphne.

I will close by thanking you all for your support in the last 12 months, Past Master John Tuff and John Bristow for “getting me hooked”in the first place, Past Masters, Ann Benson, Roland Hughes, Alastair Basset Cross, and Stanley Liu who all encouraged me to get involved in various projects which came to fruition successfully and definitely Chris Otter and Michael Breknall for keeping us on the Financial Straight and narrow.

Last but of course not least I will thank the Hon Sec and Mrs Cave , on everyone’s behalf, for all her selfless hard work that she puts in for the Club and each Master. If any one thinks it is an easy role and just takes a few minutes, think again. Without D none of my events would probably have happened, and certainly would not have happened with such style……..