2020 – 2021 David Pinkerton

President  Alderman Sir Charles Bowman
Vice President Alderman Robert Howard

 Master David Pinkerton

Upper Warden  Ivor Cook
Lower Warden  Norman Chapman
Hon Sec Daphne Cave
Hon Treasurer Chris Otter
Independent Examiner Michael Brecknell
Hon Chaplain Rev William Taylor

His Chosen Charity   T.O.F.S (Supporting very young babies born with a malformed windpipe and food pipe, being unable to breath or swallow properly – (tracheooesophageal fistula / oresophageal atresia)

Donations – to https:www.tofs.org.uk/donate.aspx

At the Dinner a really warm welcome was given to our new Master by the 95 in attendance. (The Hall holds 94). In addition to Members and Guests, there was a very supportive family group, who really enjoyed themselves.

Immediately after Grace given by Past Master James Cross, the Master made a short speech of introduction, touching on his chosen charity for the year T.O.F.S  (see above) and had great pleasure in presenting Sally Anne Hill with her Past Masters Jewel and introducing our new Upper Warden, Ivor Cook and Lower Warden, Norman Chapman

Dinner, provided by Cook and Butler.
Trio of smoked fish, Marinated in Dill and Cucumber Gin – Sauvignon Blanc 2018 – Dom Bergan Vias
Loin of Highland Venison, Plum Crust, Juniper Berry Jus  – The Accomplice Shiraz – 2016 De Bortoli
Poached Pear in Mulled Wine – Clotted Cream Ice Cream – Muskat Ottenel Late Harvest 2016
Coffee, Petit Fours – Baräo de Villar Port

The Master’s Guest speaker, who replied on behalf of the guests was Mr Paul Kelly Managing Director of Kelly’s turkeys, a very major supplier.  He is in the Guinness Book of records for being the fastest Carver and Turkey plucker, and holds awards for outstanding service to the Turkey industry.

He had many of us laughing a great deal, perhaps a joke or two were not necessarily 21stC  PC.

Towards the end of the evening after the toasts, one of David and Margaret’s family, apologised if he was breaking with protocol but wanted to thank Margaret for all that she has done and does for David and the family, this was supported with a very large round of applause. Quite right to.

The AGM was held in the Court Room of Bakers’ Hall, where it was agreed that our regular donations would be continued to.

Lord Mayor’s Charity
St Peter upon Cornhill
Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund
COLA Shoreditich Park
Lord Mayor’s Big Curry (H.M. Forces)
The Master’s chosen charity.

During the latter part of 2019 and very early 2020 the GPC had been working on creating a new Leaflet, led by Louise Otter.

This leaflet was distributed for the first time at the AGM

If you would like a copy sent to you, please click here.

Our Master had a very good year planned for 2020/2021 and was really looking forward to it. However with the various lockdowns and restrictions over the year, some re-planning had to be done. See below.

His original plan included;
A visit to the Museum of St John, Clerkenwell

A visit to Marlborough House

An evening cruise on the Lady Daphne

Visit to the Bank of England

A wine tasting – see below

Dennis Seavers House – in Folgate Street

Given the problems caused by Covid 19, we are so glad that over 20 Members and partners took part in our virtual quiz, pulled together and organised for us by Past Master Peter Cave.
Very positive feedback from the Master and all those who took part.
The questions were fair but apparently quite tough  – one person played their Joker on a particular round with confidence – their score regrettably as 0 and with a Joker (points x 2) was still 0.

The Rounds covered were:
City Pictures
Who, what and where?
Music, TV and Radio
Pirates and Lines
Animal, Vegetable and Mineral

The Winner was Member Phillip Hanton (a serous quizzer) with 30 out of a possible 36 (with the Joker)
Cornhill Ward CC Peter Dunphy came 2nd 0n 22 points

Our Master very generously decided to offer a bottle of Champagne to the Winner, which was suitably converted into Waitrose Vouchers for both the Winner and the Runner Up.

Past Master Peter Cave took 30 or so Members on a brisk walk around virtually every street and alley in the Ward, (as they stayed seated in their comfy chairs with a glass in hand)  even jumping back in time.

A bit further forward in time late 1700’s

The East India Company Offices, site of 1986 Lloyd’s Building

Oh dear our Ward boundary goes over a fence!

Time to stop.

Good fun and well researched and presented.

A full copy of the presentation is in our Member’s Area.

This time, 25 Screens, 40+ people went for another brisk walk led by Peter Cave, but this time around Cornhill Ward. Many more streets than Lime Street Ward. Plenty of stories,

history,

and pictures. Good fun.

Again, as with Lime Street ta copy of this presentation is in the Member’s Area of the website.

A 35 minute show designed specifically for “Zoom” and similar – Great presentation.

Even a couple of skeptics almost admitted they had enjoyed it:).

Many said – how did he do that!

Think the faces tell it all.

The Hon. Sec was advised that there was a possibility of an actual visit – subject to Covid 19 regulations on that day (Groups of 6). She dived into action, ably supported by Patricia Dinsdale, and Liz Thornborough (on the day). A fascinating visit, stunning coaches and vehicles to admire, with a full commentary.

Then off to Brown’s near Victoria for a convivial  lunch – then back into lockdown!

 Virtual Wine Tasting – 22nd October – At Home

Accessible Wines  of the Iberian Peninsula

               

Past Master Mark Gubbins led us on a wide ranging wine tour of the Iberian Peninsula, (our Master’s favourite area) which over 40 Members and friends really enjoyed.

Mark had not only researched the wines but also recommended where they could be bought. The wines we tasted  included Vinho Verde, Duro Red and Reserva Rioja. Mark not only provided in-depth details regarding each wine, but full details as to the region the wine originated and the grape varieties. Mark also recommended  some Spanish Cheeses, especially Manchego which for some at least was a real surprise, a very moorish cheese for very tasty wines.

Mark suggested wines has led too many trips (via online orders) by members to replenish supplies after the event.

For more information on the wines tasted and the cheeses recommended – click here

Over 50 people  were led by the Leathersellers’ excellent Curator Jerome Farrell (due to retire in early 2021) on  a very special “zoom’ visit to Leathersellers’ Hall(s) (there have been 7 since the 1300’s)

VIEW the full presentation in the Members Section. 

We were taken back to their Original Charter of 1444, beautifully illuminated

and shown the Charter issued by Charles II (he wanted money so Livery Companies were forced to repurchase their Charter). Note that it has not been coloured  (more cost) and the seal intentionally broken!! The 1444 Charter is still seen as their “true’ Charter.

We were taken through the next 370+ years via Beautiful Books, Paintings, Silver and stories

Bible with scholarly commentary                       Silver Vase by                                             Painting of ??????

via the 5th Hall (late 1800’s)                                                                                                                                                                              and  the 6th Hall (1950’s)

Into the stunning Modern 7th Hall , the Glass Art work is by Dale Chihuly See also Reception at the VandA)

We even went down their Mauve Staircase to their Hall,

Where the Ward Club in Alderman Robert Howard’s year was honoured to hold its Installation Dinner (Note the Club Banner in the right hand corner)

Why the importance of Mauve? A young (18 years old ) liveryman, William Perkins created (by accident) the first  artificial dye – Mauve,  (he was looking for an an antidote to Malaria). – Princess Eugenie of France, a major fashion icon of the times, decided the colour complemented her eyes. He became very rich and a Master Leatherseller.

Normally a packed Leadenhall Market, Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress,  Sheriffs and their Consorts. This year (Covid), definitely NO CROWDS.

Alderman, Sheriff Michael Mainelli (and a Ward Club Member) was up to the task.

Speech made, button pressed, lights on. Crowd of Zero!

Common Councillor Dominic Christian (and Ward Club Member) thought he should show some support a little later on.

Crowd of Zero!

Our Annual Civic Lunch in 2020 was held virtually and attended by over 70 members and their guests., spread over 42 screens.

The Lunch was held in the presence of Alderman and Sheriff Professor Michael Mainelli and Sheriff Christopher Hayward accompanied by their respective Consorts, Elizabeth and Alexandra.

The Master and Mistress
The good news, no need for the train

For each course, members and guests were directed to separate virtual rooms, ensuring the opportunity to chat with friends  and delight to the varied courses chosen.

The Guest of Honour and Guest Speaker, General Lord Dannatt, who was Chief of the General Staff 2006-2009 (Head of the British Army)

provided an extremely enjoyable and entertaining speech which covered his Army Career and experiences spanning four decades finishing with a Toast to the Members on behalf of the Guests.

For a more detailed report, click here

Because of COVID-19 our Annual Christmas Carol Service and get together at St Peter’s upon Cornhill had to be cancelled  – that did not mean and we would not get together, celebrate Christmas and have some fun. 27 screens and over 50 members took part in this unique event.

The event not only included traditional carols and songs, but a range of traditional and alternative readings.

The Vice President – giving a reading

A new fixture for the year was cracker jokes, noisy charades and a short Christmas Quiz, to which there were some interesting answers. The event also included a fascinating presentation by the City by Alderman, Sheriff Michael Mainelli, regarding turning on Christmas Lights in the City during the pandemic.

For much more information click here

An excellent presentation, by Patrick Wilkins, Secretary to the Wandsmen of St. Paul’s Cathedral, with over 70 people listening and watching – a great turnout.

This really whettted our appetite for a “live” visit towards the end of 2021, we hope.

                             

St Paul’s Cathedral in the 1500’s                                               St Paul’s – Great Fire 1666                                    Wren’s Masterpiece – 2021

The Nave of St Paul’s

Full Presentation 

to see this click here

City Of London Gin _ Tasting

For further comments, click here

Virtual Gin Tasting, with the City of London Distillery, provided the opportunity to taste five of their gins, accompanied by an insightful talk regarding the history of gin, and the distillery. Before, the tasting could commence, we sampled some of the gin botanical – rolling the juniper berries between your fingers, and sampling these berries, bought a mixed reaction, but worth a try.

Gin has been an important element of the city of London since the 18^th century, at this time there was again distillery or shop on every street in the city. The City of London Distillery opened in 2012, and it was great for the ward club to be able to taste and assortment of their gin again.

The first tasking was with their Classic London dry gin and we learnt that their original pair of copper stills were named after the BBC’s good show ‘The Two Fat Ladies’ Clarissa and Jennifer. We then slowly tasted each gin, and it was wonderful before, each gin to learn the details of where the ingredients were sourced, and the elements undertaken at the London distillery. Tasting the Square Mile, Christopher Wren, and Old Tom, ensured there was a gin to everyone’s tastes.  The evening was rounded off with their Sloe Gin, with members reminiscing of their experiences of distilling sloe gin at home.