Fellow Lightmongers,
I do hope that this finds you all in good health and have enjoyed your Easter break. I would like to say that I hope you are enjoying the Spring sunshine but unfortunately this hasn’t yet arrived! We live in hope.
I am sure you will all join with me in congratulating Bill Price MBE on his visit to St George’s Chapel, Windsor to receive The Queen’s Maundy Money. It truly is a great honour and richly deserved.
Unfortunately I was unable to represent the Company at this years United Guilds Service due to ill health. I was very disappointed to miss this as I think this is one of the most enjoyable events of the year.
Our Members’ and Guests’ Dinner held at Haberdashers Hall was a huge success and the letters I have received from our guests have really endorsed that feeling. My sincere thanks goes to Air Marshal Sir Ian MacFadyen KCVO CB OBE for a wonderful speech, which was informative and humorous.
Air Marshall Sir Ian MacFadyen KCVO CB OBE and our entertainment for the evening ‘Timeless’
It is a great privilege to present our awards to the Military. I think that the good thing is that they received an award just for doing a great job and giving their all. The knowledge of the award is unknown so the announcement of recognition of their efforts being a surprise makes it even more special. To them it is ‘just in a day’s work’.
Our military award winners with the Lightmongers sponsors, Past Master John Harding, Past Master Rodney Bennion OBE and Past Master Emeritus Ian Crosby.
RN Award presented by Commodore Jerry Kyd Captain of HMSQE to Lt Cdr Brett Simpson.
RAF Award presented by Sqn Ldr Andy Bucknall to Flt Sgt Woodward.
ARMY Award presented by Major Andrew Craig to Corporal William Westwood
My sincere thanks to our Clerk who works tirelessly to ensure that our Company is represented in the City as a professional and welcoming organisation.
I have attended three events at Mansion House this month: The installation Dinner for the Framework Knitters, The Plumbers’ Awards Dinner and the Fuellers’ Election Lunch. All splendid occasions at which I was unfortunately forced to eat more food, and even worse drink more wine, but only in moderation.
Just four Master and Clerks’ events this month and of course all most enjoyable. It is quite amazing to learn that the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists are offering a prize of £750, 000 to a charity who can demonstrate the difference this money could make to them. This is open to all so if you know where this could make a difference to a charity that you are involved with take a look at their website for information.
Here is a picture of me with Master Plaisterer and Master Chartered Surveyor at the St George’s Day Celebration.
The month has a very strong RAF feel to it. I attended the Cobham Lecture organized by the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators on Wednesday 11th April. This told of the forming of the RAF in 1918 and the story so far. Secretly I wasn’t looking forward to this as I thought it could be a little over my head but I couldn’t have been more wrong. It was fascinating and I could have listened for much longer as the speaker was so knowledgeable.
I then went to Guildhall, an invitation from the Lord Mayor to celebrate 100 years of the RAF. Another very interesting evening. Air Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier KCB CBE DFC gave a wonderful speech, which made me feel very proud to know that he is an Honorary Liveryman of our Company.
Our Annual Golf Day was held once again at the RAC Woodcote Park on Thursday 26th April. We had a really good day. The weather was fairly kind to the golfers and all seemed to have enjoyed their time on the green. A lovely evening followed with lots of laughter, good food and wine, and a successful raffle.
Nearest Pin Winner – Norman Emery, Nearest Pin in 2 Winner Richard Merry
Team Bennion
Team Merchant
Team Roof
My thanks to James Hill of Electrical Testing Ltd for organising the golf, and to all of our sponsors, of both holes and prizes for the raffle, and to our Junior Warden Father Peter Harris for all the Dinner wine. The event has raised many thousands of pounds for our charities over the years and my thanks go to Past Master John Otten whose brainchild it was to have a Golf Day and who still makes a valuable contribution.
I have attended both the Education and Marketing Committee meetings and left feeling so assured that all is in hand. The Committees, headed respectively by members Stuart Mucklejohn and Michael Cumper, are really working very hard on our behalf to ensure that the Company is moving in the right direction.
John and I were invited by Sheriff Neil Redcliffe and his wife Emma for supper at the Old Bailey. The evening was superb. We enjoyed excellent food and wine, but best of all was the tour around this historic building which was so interesting. The Sheriff has certainly done his homework and there is such a lot to learn. Well done Neil.
In the cells at the Old Bailey
That’s all from me for now. I look forward to seeing you all very soon.
Barbara Harding
Master Lightmonger
May 2018
Future Events
Lost Rivers of London – Events Committee - 3rd June 2018 -‐ details out soon.
Summer Banquet Mansion House – 6th July 2018 – bookings to be taken soon.
Annual Four Livery’s Lecture – 17th July 2018 – details out soon.
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