2017-2018 Alderman Robert Howard

The AGM was held at the Cheesegrater, very kindly hosted by AON,  as our dinner venue (New Leathersellers’ Hall) did not have a large enough extra room to hold it in their building

56 Members were in attendance in addition to the Master

It was announced that
Paul Coombes had taken on the role of Minute Secretary
Peter Cave would take on the role of Membership Secretary

Donations
Lord Mayor’s Charity £1,000
St Peter upon Cornhill £700
Sheriffs and Recorders Fund £200
Lord Mayor’s Big Curry (Armed Forces) £250
Master’s Charity 100 plus profit on 1 chosen event.

Red Cross Biennial £400

After the AGM a quick walk round the corner into Gracechurch St and then into St Helen’s Place – the brand new Leatherseller’s Hall (their seventh since the 1400’s) awaited us. This is the first time in over 150 yeras that we have had a Livery Hall residing in Lime Street Ward. We were honoured and very appreciative of the invitation to hold our Installation Dinner in their Hall.

Merchant Taylors are of course in Cornhill Ward.

For centuries the Leatherseller’s Hall has been on the north side of St Helen’s Place (in Bishopsgate Ward). As part of the total refurbishment of the whole of St Helen’s Place by the Leathersellers – the Livery Hall and all the livery staff were moved to the southside and thus into our Ward.The Clerk to the Leathersellers and our Hon Sec had been discussing this exciting development for some years. Everything went according to plan.

A glass of “sparkle” allowed us time to admire the Beautiful Modern Chandelier designed by Dale Chihuly

After the reception guests descended to the main hall.

68 Members and 28 Guests sat down in the Main Hall

The Menu

Blue Chip Salmon – Smoked Flakes and Creme Fraiche – Tin Pot Hut SB Marlborough
Guinea Fowl Breast, Tarragon Mousse, Pearl Barley, Madeira and Rosemary Foam – Spice Route Mouvedre 2013
Caramelised Braeburn Apple Tart
Coffee, Petit Fours, Port

After the formal toasts the Hon Sec welcomed all the guests,

especially our Guest of Honour – Fiona Adler who probably needed no introduction to the majority present – Fiona being Past Non-Aldermanic Sheriff and the current Sheriff’s consort.

A resplendent new hall, with an amazing new Tapestry all round the room designed by Victoria Crowe,

Woven at the Dovecot Studio.

Excellent food and wine, a great speaker – what else could you ask for.

A great start to Robert’s year.

The Hon. Sec heard about this concert in aid of the Lord Mayors appeal and thought the Ward Club might be interested and so applied for 20 or so tickets. With a lot of “negotiation” – in the end she managed to get all the requests for tickets covered. 60 Members and guests, went to hear the LSO in fine form, inside a totally packed St Paul’s
The Lord Mayor and his party processed in to Scipio – sounded excillaerating with full Orchestra and Organ.

then:
Parry – I was glad
Allegri – Miserere
Walton – Coronation – Te Deum

Saint-Saens Organ Symphony played by

The Lord Mayor – The Rt Hon – The Lord Mayor – Dr Andrew Parmley

A special start to the Master’s year.

This year’s Members Evening had a new venue – The Black Bar – a very trendy and exciting Bar off Old Street in Adam’s Court.(Became a Davies Wine Bar a few months later) 25 Members and Guests turned out for a really good evening. It is disappointing that sometimes an event that is purely social, with no underlying theme seems to be less well supported at the moment – many people missed out on good food, good fun and a glass or two in a stunning venue. . Obviously accompanied by plenty of conversation 🙂

A very special evening where 20 lucky members, through the kind assistance of one of our members (Kay Godfrey), were allowed in 2 small groups to visit the workshop of this amazing jeweller.

What made the evening even more special was that we were introduced to the Background and History of TF by Theo Fennell himself, who then took each group on the tour. Here was a man with a passion.

From concepts to sketches to amazing drawings to mock ups, to the “real thing”. Fantastic.

The group who were not on the tour had the opportunity to stroll around the amazing shop getting to hear about some of the Jewellery and other works of art on display whilst enjoying a Glass (or two) of Champagne.

After a VERY special evening, leaving with a “Goodie Bag” just added to the overall experience.

Many thanks to Kevin Hughes, Steve Hatton, Liz Thornborough, Julia Blackwell and Peter Cave for collecting around Lloyd’s and Leadenhall Market for the Red Cross on Red Cross Collection Day. Drizzle and Cold made it exciting! BUT the “mantra” of “every £ you get is more than the Red Cross would have got”, keeps one going. At around 12.15 we “stood down” as the Master of the WC of Insurers and his small team moved in to hopefully, “hit” the lunchtime “rush”.

We raised £210, an excellent effort. (If you have read the previous 3 years you will have noticed that the sum raised has reduced and reduced).

Sad to say that 12 months later there were only 2 Volunteers from the whole of the Ward Club – so we stood down – a shame.

The Hon Sec and Past Master Peter Cave attended this excellent Fund Raising event representing the Ward Club.

Rev’d William Taylor (Our Chaplain) and Rev’d John Hayton (A long standing member) led the Ward Club congregation in a short service before we moved off to Guildhall for our Civic Lunch.

The Service
All people that on earth do dwell From Psalm 100 – William Kethe (1550 to 1594)
First Reading – The President – Psalm 103 v 1 -22
Those whose almighty word chaos and darkness heard – John Marrlott (1780 – 1825)
Second Reading – The Master – Matthew 6 v 5 – 15
Crown him with many thorns, the Lamb upon his throne Edward Perronet (1726 – 1836)

Blessing

National Anthem

130+ Members and Guests enjoyed an excellent lunch with interesting and amusing speeches in the Company of Alderman and Sheriff William Russell. Our Master was very pleased to invite members of his family, in addition, Wendy Mead – the Chief Commoner and Ian Russell, Master Leatherseller

The Menu
Reception – Baron de Beaumont Vin Mousseaux Brut

Warm Haddock and Leek Tart with Saffron Sauce- Vermentino IPG Pay d’Oc 2015
Rack of Sussex Lamb, Pine Nut and Basil Crust, Thyme Jus – Gamay 2013 – Val de Loire Simoneau
Dark Chocolate Mousse, Rum Creme Anglais
Coffee and Chocolate Truffles, Barao Vilar Port or Cognac

Toastmaster Jamie Wallis Esq

A cheque for £1,000 for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal was presented to The Sheriff by our Master and Vice President.
A cheque for £250 was also presented to the Sheriff for the Sheriff and Recorder’s Fund

The Toast to our Ward Club was given at the end of a very enjoyable speech by our Guest of Honour, Alderman Vincent Keaveny.

The Master and 20 Members in attendance.

Affiliations
No progress with the Sea Cadets, so was given a contact with the Air Cadets – will report back

Membership Fees
Given increased costs of venues and for events in General the Hon. Treasurer suggested that an increase in the Annual Membership Fee should be kept on the table for discussion – realising that there is a large administration effort involved. A figure of £30.00 as a minimum was suggested.

Ward News
Elizabeth Rogula, Henry Colthurst, Dominic Christian were all re-elected at the CC elections in the spring. In addition Tom Clementi was also elected.
Past Master Peter Cave had also stood and had given a good and close fight.

Red Cross Fair
Bridge Ward had offered to help out with a joint stall and “front of house”

Lord Mayor’s Show
All in hand, on Budget, involving 10 students from COLA Shoreditch Park + 40 +/- Members and Friends from the Ward Club

 

Both of the Ward’s Aldermen – Charles Bowman (President) and Robert Howard (Master and Vice President), lead 35+ Members around the boundaries of our two Wards. Beating the main marking points.

This is a tradition that goes back centuries, when people could not read and write. Each generation had to be reminded, where their Village/Town Boundaries lay. Fights did ensue. This is probably the first time that this ceremony has been done by two Wards together and in harmony. The last time Lime Street was involved in a Beating the Bounds was in 2003 – Master Peter Hill’s year, when Lime Street and many other Ward boundaries had been changed following the first major review in centuries.

Leaving Gt St Helen’s we started our perambulations at the entrance to St Helen’s Place where we were welcomed by the Leathersellers Master, Beadle and Clerk who escorted us all (“Limies” and “Cornies”) to the east end of St Helen’s Place to beat our first boundary marker.

Immediately next to us was a statue commissioned by the Leathersellers for H.M.Queen’s 60th Jubilee.

Leadenhall Market next

A glass of “fizz” in the Market, kindly provided by the Broker Wine Bar. Many thanks to our Members, Kevin (in picture) and Veronica

St Mary Axe, Camomile Street,

Yes the Ward Boundary did go through a building site!

and into Bishopsgate – Limies job done!

“Cornies” to the front.

Bishopsgate (on the West Side), along to Old Broad Street, down Old Broad Street,

Stopping off at Rocket for a Glass of Rose kindly provided for by our Master (Cornhill’s Alderman) and along to Bank Junction.

At Bank Junction a determined Alderman ensured that the full Boundary of the Ward had been “marked” marching out into the road with gusto. tourists, intrigued!

Cornhill, Birchin Lane, Castle Court, Corbett Court, St Peter’s Alley

and a final “Beating” in Gracechurch Street – immediately opposite the entrance to Leadenhall Market

Both Ward Boundaries have now been clearly Beaten – with everyone able to tell future generations the exact Boundaries of Lime Street and Cornhill Wards !

Round the corner into Cornhill to the Counting House for an excellent, convivial end to a great evening.

during 2020 and the Covid 19 lockdown – two virtual walks were given round both wards. The presentations are both within the Members Area.

22 very lucky members and their guests were invited to a Private showing of all of the items coming up for sale in the forthcoming “Made in Britain” auction.

We were given a fascinating talk by Robin Cawdron-Stewart one of Sotheby’s specialists.

This event was very kindly arranged for us by our Master’s wife Lady Magdalen Asquith.

Round the corner to Browns for an excellent supper rounded  off a very good evening.

As Winners the year before (again) we were tasked to organize this year’s event. The Teams were Lime Street and Cornhill,, Queenhithe, Bassishaw, Coleman Street, Broad Street, Billingsgate, Bishopsgate, Algate, Aldersgate, Bread Street, Langbourn, Bridge, Cripplegate, Cheap, Vintry and Dowgate a great turnout and really the maximum that the Hall could hold.

The Quizmaster from Sussex Mr Steve Dempsey and his wife Anthea (Scorekeeper)

set some fair but tricky questions over the 8 rounds. He was very determined that the answers were either right or wrong, no half marks.

After a close encounter – we managed to come third. The team from Queenhith’s first reaction when they found out they had won was “Oh help, we will be in trouble with our Hon Sec.!” – their second reaction was far more positive.

Our President arrived from a Meeting in time to congratulate the Winners

and also hand out the wooden Spoon 🙂

An excellent 1 course supper was served from The Queens Head with wine copiously poured by William and Chris Otter

 

Postal Museum Phoenix Place

A personal guided tour round the highlights of this one of the newest attractions in London (had only been opened a few weeks when we  went) culminating in a supposedly 20 minute ride on the new restored underground railway.

This used to take Post to all the major sorting Offices such as Mount Pleasant, near where the museum is located and King Edward Street. (near St Pauls). Lots to see, not enough time to see it:) .

First Day Covers, Very Rare Sheets of Stamps, Letter Boxes,

including an Air Mail only letter box, Royal Mail Stage Coach and much much more.

The ride on the train – it is tiny, was great fun – except that we were held at a Red signal for 15+ minutes. Those who traveled on Southern Rail (major problems for months) felt really at home.

Some souvenir buying in the shop and off round the corner to lunch at Belgo Brasserie for lunch.

Good service, good food and wine – An excellent day out.

The Hon Sec and Past Master Peter Cave attended this really special Service at St Stephen Walbrook.
This event is now a “tradition” and fixed in the City Calendar. (This was only the 2nd one to be held).

Uplifting Hymns, Zadok the Priest (Handel), Prayers by the Lord Mayor’s Chaplain – The Revd Canon Roger Royle and Rev Cannon David Parrott, Vicar of St Lawrence Jewry. The event finishing off with Walton’s Crown Imperial. A great send off.

What a special day for the Ward Club. Our President and Aldermen of Lime Street Ward took over as Lord Mayor of The City of London from Alderman Andrew Parmley. The Silent Ceremony in Guildhall is basically as described – silent.

During the Ceremony the incoming Lord Mayor specifically is presented with three specific items which he/she just touches

The Crystal Sceptre – given to the City by Henry Vth after his victory at the Battle of Agincourt – in thanks for the City providing major funds to support the War Effort – priceless

An Elizabethan Purse

The City of London Seal (Victorian)

Pictures to come

A special gift
After the Silent Ceremony is completed The Lord Mayor and the Late Lord Mayor return together to Mansion House.

Slightly later in the afternoon – gifts are presented to the Lord Mayor and the 2 Sheriffs by Livery Companies and Ward Club (closely associated with the Lord Mayor or Sheriffs)

A small group including – our Master, Alderman Robert Howard, Hon Sec and Upper Warden, Daphne Cave, Past Master, Peter Cave, Hon Treasurer Christopher Otter presented the Lord Mayor with a Silver Gilt Box of St Stephens Walbrook (his favourite building in the City – we believe).

This was made for us by a highly acclaimed silversmith Viki Ambery-Smith, just stunning.
The roof has engraved on the outside the design that is on the inside of the dome. The floor of the box (inside) is engraved with the floor plan as shown in the cut-out view as below.(From Banister Fletcher’s book of Comparative Architecture). Exquisite craftsmanship .

This Ceremony was followed by a Church Service at St Lawrence Jewry, then, up early to get ready for the Lord Mayor’s Show.

A just fantastic day, even the weather was relatively kind. The drizzle whilst we prepared

stopped at about 10.30 and just about held off until we all returned at about 2.15pm.

Preparing and planning months in advance one’s own Ward Club Float and taking part in the parade is super special (the author can say this with certainty)

The floats theme was “The City through the Ages” starting with a “young” Dick Whittington

and a poor BoPeep

ending with Sir Richard Whittington

and a glamorous Bo-Peep

who had found her sheep and a seriously sophisticated Black Cat (Dick Whittington’s of course).

Between them a whole range of costumes from different eras, surrounding a horse drawn 1900 Omnibus (first time on the City roads since 1910).

including a

Cheese Grater (122 Leadenhall Street)  which when the parade started was attacked by mice who were being chased by Dick Whittington’s Cat!!
All the amazing Art work here and on the Bus, done by Omni Colour  – Great to work with

A very special contingent of pupils from the City of London Academy Stepney Green, mice and  telling everybody “We are the future£” with great gusto. (They even broke their drum!!, which the Ward Club replaced.)

Thanks to everybody for their really hard work on the day.

N.B. The Wednesday before the show the Lord Mayor had to rehearse riding in the Coach, and the Lady Mayoress riding side-saddle at the start of the parade/

At 5.00am the Hon Sec and Peter Cave went along to give them some support.

That evening having been up since probably 4.00am, they took the time out to come to a small Pre-LM Show party for the Ward Club participants.

– this was a greatly appreciated  gesture of support.

The most important part that we did not see. The Lord Mayor in his coach.

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress greatly appreciated the Ward Club efforts

Lunch at Guildhall
25 Members and Guests who were not taking part in the parade watched it go past from inside or outside Guildhall where lunch had been arranged for them. A great venue to watch all the comings and goings and see our Alderman being waved off in the State Coach on his way to Mansion House

Along with the Alderman of Langbourn (Sir David Wooton) and the CC’s from both Lime Street and Cornhill Wards, our Master (and Alderman for Cornhill) Robert Howard and the Hon Sec, welcomed The Lord Mayor, the Lady Mayoress and Sheriffs to Leadenhall Market for the traditional turning on of the Christmas Lights.  Glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, kindly provided  by the Broker Wine Bar set the party up for a tour round the Market and then to switching on the lights.

Let the party commence!

A busy/very day for some Members of the Ward Club. It had been suggested that the Ward Club be involved in two different areas.
a) Taking over responsibility for the Front of House – Reception, Raffle Tickets, Silent Auction and arrangements of other things. Steve Hatton and Chris Otter in particular worked extremely hard on both the Monday afternoon and evening – and all day on the Tuesday.

b) It was decided that we might try working with another Ward Club – Bridge Ward in jointly running a stall for Christmas Cards, Wrapping Paper and Ribbon (Ribbon not a success). Stock had to be bought, Stall set up and sales made. A lot of hard work went into this – overall at the end of the fair both Lime Street and Bridge Ward donated  around £800 each so the effort overall was worth while

All the above was pulled together by Past Master. Peter Cave

As usual a pretty and pretty full church, Christmas Tree with plenty of presents underneath generously given by Ward Club Members for very poor families, which very greatly appreciated.
In the absence of our Chaplain – the Service was led by Rev Henry Eastock-Taylor – who was to go one in 2018 to become Vicar at St Michael’s Cornhill (just down the road).

Choir – Introit  – Gabriel’s Message (arr Jim Clements)
Once in Royal David’s City
Choir  – Wexford Carol (Rutter)
First Lesson Isaiah 9 V 2 to 27 – The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor – President of the Ward Club
O come O come Emmanuel
Second Lesson Luke 2 V 1 to 7 – Master of the Worshipful Company of Poulters
Choir Hodie Christus (Poulenc)
God rest you merry gentlemen
Third Lesson Luke 2 V 8 to 20  – Master of the Ward Club
Choir In dulci jubilo (Pearsall)
Oh little town of Bethlehem
Fourth Lesson John 3 V16 to 21 – Upper Warden of the Ward Club
Choir In the bleak midwinter (Darke)
Hark the Herald Angels sing

Immediately after the service the Master very kindly donated some “fizz” to get the rest of the evening off on a good footing.

White and Red Wine (Provided by Past Master Rowland Hughes) Soft Drinks (Mr Chris Otter) Catering by various Members and especially the Hon. Sec, supported by Providence Row. A charity who have been helping homeless and vulnerable people since 1860.

Everyone went home  in good spirits feeling that Christmas was definitely on the way.

Reported that the Ward Club Quiz Team became a “perfect 2nd” at last September’s quiz. Queenhithe won

Excellent feed back from our involvement in the Lord Mayor’s Show – “the best float in the show”

A very warm thank you to the Ward Club for our President and Lord Mayor for his gift.

The last event in the Master’s Year held upstairs in the Counting House Pub in Cornhill – Over 35 Members and guests attended to here an amusing and interesting talk from William Chapman who had until recently been the PS and Chief of Staff at the Mansion House. Prior to this PS at the Home Office and Appointments Secretary to Tony Blair. Some good stories both re the City and Westminster.