August was nice and quiet which gave me plenty of time to recuperate and reflect. I did manage to go flying with the Master of WCIT and to visit the Master Poulterer’s turkey farm, Kelly Bronze. Both were great fun and the turkey was delicious!

It is only a couple of months until Alastair King, the current Lord Mayor, becomes Master with his marvellous Consort Florence. The Wardens and Clerk had a meeting to get the planning underway. I am informed that we will have another full Almanac for the year so do put the dates in your diary when you receive it. It has also been a really useful way of letting guests and visitors know what we get up to. You can also advertise in the Magazine for only £50, see below.

 

With all that has been going on this year, I really have not had time to mention some of the behind scene things that have been happening. Principal of this is the strengthening of the Finance Committee. Gary Dixon and Christine Nicholson have both done a huge amount to get our systems operating more effectively which I am sure some of you have noticed. We have also brought in some new members and John Burton has become our Honorary Treasurer. In what has been an expensive year, the Committee has done well with the Clerk to manage our costs but inflation has caught up with us. As such Court has just ratified their duration that Quarterage in November needs to go to £450 for the year. Interestingly, like many members clubs, they also suggested that we levy £150 in advance redeemable against any of the main dinners for the year. They are also reviewing Joining, Court and Livery Fines. If you know anyone who is wanting to join, get them to apply asap!

Communications and the IT team were stars in not only rebranding us on the 4th February with a new logo and easier to navigate website but also in reviewing our database and communication needs. This included a new system to manage the annual magazine. Thank you, Jon Spree and Chris Simmance.

A new feature in the Magazine is that you will be able to advertise your business there for only £50. There are only a few left so make sure you get one. You need your logo. A ⁠⁠One-line description (“We do X for Y”), your ⁠⁠Website link and your ⁠⁠Email address. Take these with your payment card along to this link and it is all very efficient – spaces are going fast!

Our events have been rather hit or miss this year. The main ones, such as the Spring Lunch and The Summer Banquet were a great success. Senior Warden elect Rita W Bologna did a huge job getting a team together who brought together 250 for the Letters Patent and Banquet at Mansion House – well done all! Much was learnt from this and she is doing this again for the Installation on Monday 24^th November. We are also looking at how to formalise our recruitment to grow membership.

On that note, if you are a relatively need Freeman or wanting to introduce people do bring them along to our Member Breakfast on 1^st October. We will have a number of Committee Chairs and others to say a bit more about what goes on and how you can get involved. Thank you for organising this, Shernaz Engineer.

Another of our successes was the very special Jazz Event organised by the Clerk. He developed it into a very relaxed affair with five hugely talented students from the Guildhall School of Music. They played during the reception, through dinner and gave a short jam afterwards. Their wonderful leader, Dr Jo Lawry, told us that they are now rated third in the world! It was a very special evening and a shame that more members did not attend. It is definitely one to get into your diary as soon as you get your Almanac.

Ten plucky members and visitors, including myself, managed to make the Second Wednesday Drinks despite the London Transport tube strike – well done! A number of good conversations came out of the evening and we reluctantly left about 9pm to brave the buses to get home.

The Lady Mayoress, who joined us for our trip to The Defence Academy in the summer, hosted a conference with the Educators, the Academy and ourselves to discuss how the Military should train its various arms. It will be great having her support next year.

October has its attractions, too. In addition to the Members Breakfast mentioned above, you can go and see your Master Elect in the boxing ring with his gloves fighting a New York fireman to raise money for the Fire Service. No-less competitive but a lot less painful is the Inter Livery Crazy Golf on 16th October. Both will be fun nights out and, at the time of writing, there were a couple of playing slots for the golf just opposite Mansion House.

There is also the Second Wednesday on 8^th October where I am expecting a number of new joiners from the Manson House Banquet so do come along with your own guests and meet them.

Last but certainly not least, the deadline for 2026 Grant Applications from the Trust close on 30^th September. If you know of a school, charity or promising student that they can help, pass this on.

 

Dare Create Succeed

James Talbot

First Livery Master

Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs No.112