Dear Fellow Lightmongers,
Before rounding off 2016 which now seems an age away, the year concluded with the pleasure of attending our affiliated school for the visually impaired, New College Worcester’s concert which was held in Worcester Cathedral. The occasion was to celebrate the schools 150th anniversary and we were treated to a festival of music from talented musicians and singers. It was also an occasion to say goodbye to the principal Mardi Smith who is retiring after 26 years of dedication at the school. Over the years Mardi has attended many Lightmonger events with her students and we wish her all the best for the future.
New College Worcester 150th Anniversary concert at Worcester Cathedral
Did you also notice our Christmas card this year featured the winning entry from the competition to illuminate London’ river crossings. Thanks to the Clerk who was on standby the night of the announcement to get them off to the printers. This is something I am sure we will hear more about in the coming year and there is a plan to complete one of the crossings within the city limits of the river this year.
After the Christmas break, Livery activity started with a splendid Masters and Clerks evening hosted by the Plaisterers. Many of the Livery companies and other city institutions were represented there and it was good to see the hall restored to its former glory after being flooded by a burst water main in 2016.
During the year we hope to see our affiliated carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth before she sets off to the USA to receive her compliment of fighter jets. In the meantime we haven’t forgotten our past affiliations and were pleased to support the HMS Illustrious Association for their annual memorial service. The Lord Mayor Dr Andrew Parmley was also in attendance who has a family connection with Illustrious. I’m not one for “selfies” but couldn’t resist this one!
The Lord Mayor and the Master at the illustrious memorial service
Having heard so much about our cadet units it was nice to visit one, not just to see the cadets but to meet the people behind the unit. Clearly they are all very passionate about what they are doing for young people in the local community. The occasion was a cocktail party given by the unit for parents and supporters. Attendees included Admiral Sir Trevor Soar who is their President. Many thanks to Liveryman Dave Burns and his wife Wendy who put so much into supporting our cadet units, TS Wizard and 56 (Woolwich) Squadron.
The Master, Admiral Sir Trevor Soar and the Mayor of Haringey at the Sea Cadets
Just announced is the Lord Mayor’s Luminaire Design Competition. (Yes we got them to use the right terminology but there is a footnote to explain what a luminaire is!) This competition is initiated by the Lord Mayor of London to design a luminaire suitable for Mansion House, although it will have a permanent home elsewhere within The City. The purpose of the Luminaire Design Competition, building on the centuries old development of crafts and skills through the City Livery movement, is to stimulate and reward new design talent in 21st Century Britain. The Worshipful Company of Lightmongers is supporting the Lord Mayor with this competition and will be providing a prize courtesy of the Deputy Master John Rowsell and technical advice to the judging panel.
The competition is open to students resident in the UK engaged in full or part time study at a British institution. Entries will be judged in two age categories, 16-18 and 19-21 with prizes in both. We have attached the entry form with this blog so if you have children at school or higher education please pass it on and encourage entries. The winners will be announced at our Summer Banquet on Friday 7th July 2017.
Events
Events applications have been issued for the Senior Warden’s Reception at the Musical Museum on Friday 3rd March. Do get bookings in as soon as possible.
Don’t forget to book for our Annual Members and Guests Dinner on 17th March at Drapers’ Hall. This is a great opportunity to invite clients and friends who may be interested in the Company.
Also applications for tickets to the United Guilds Service at St Paul’s Cathedral on 31st March have been sent out. Tickets are very limited so please get in early to avoid disappointment.
And finally, for all you golfers out there, applications are open for you to submit teams for our Annual Golf Day held at the exclusive RAC Woodcote Park on 27th April.
Don’t forget to save the date of the 7th July 2017 for our Annual Summer Banquet at Mansion House, this year the Lord Mayor will be presenting the winner of the Luminaire Design Competition.
For further events and more details please refer to our website www.lightmongers.co.uk and your copy of the Events Diary 2017.
Michael Simpson
Master Lightmonger
08/02/2017
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