Dear Fellow Lightmongers,

April was a quieter month with many livery activities stopping for Easter, although the Mistress was a guest of the Information Technologists, Mariners and Environmental Cleaners. There is quite an active program of events for the Masters’ Consort with many arranging interesting visits and receptions. Meanwhile we both attended the Big Curry Lunch at Guildhall. This is a buffet cooked by the Army cooks in aid of their charity. Over the 3 sittings over 600 people were served and it raised in excess of £70,000. It is an annual event and open for anyone to attend.

Big-Curry-Lunch-at-Guildhall

Big Curry Lunch at Guildhall

This month I have been the guest of the Companies of Watermen and Lightermen, Air Pilots and the Information Technologists.

In the Watermen’s Hall is one of the traditional Watermen’s red coats with a silver badge given to the winner of the apprentice rowing race down the Thames. Up to six apprentice Watermen compete for this prestigious honour, which has been held every year since 1715. Up to six apprentice Watermen of the River Thames compete for this prestigious honour, which has been held every year since 1715.

Doggett's-Coat-and-Badge

Doggett’s Coat and Badge

The Information Technologists celebrated their 25th Year as a Livery Company with a magnificent banquet in Guildhall attended by over 600 guests including the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and over 70 Masters and Clerks. They appropriately chose May 4th for the event which, as every Information Technologist knows, is Star Wars Day. (May the fourth be with you.)

Who-can-resist-a-selfie-with-a-Stormtrooper

Who can resist a selfie with a Stormtrooper

We had our own very successful Golf Day, held once again at the RAC Woodcote Park. Playing the Coronation Course this year with Steve Nicholls and his team from Edmundson Essex taking the first prize.

Lightmongers-Golf-day-Winners

Lightmongers’ Golf day Winners

One of the real pleasures of my year has been to visit our cadet units in action. Having previously visited our sea cadets, this month I was with 56 (Woolwich) Squadron for their awards evening. The unit are a credit to Flt Lt Mark Bird who puts so much effort into the unit. The pleasure in the cadet’s faces when they heard they had been promoted gave me great pride to be affiliated with them.

56-Squadron-award-winners

56 (Woolwich) Squadron award winners

I did have a go on their flight simulator, but having crashed on my first 2 attempts I was given instructions by George Serbuca, one of the Cadets. It was George’s last evening as a cadet so a special presentation was made.

George-Serbuca-receiving-his-Award

George Serbuca receiving his Award

Receiving-a-lesson-in-flying

Receiving a lesson in flying

We continue to support the Lord Mayors’ appeal Educate, Support, Inspire which this year supports the LSO Discovery programme, St Paul’s Music Outreach and Music in Hospitals. This month several Lightmongers attended the Lord Mayors Ascot Race Day in support of this appeal. I can also announce that on the 8th September I will be joining the Lord Mayor abseiling down London’s “Cheesegrater” building. More to follow on this one.

Only-220m-high

Only 220m high !

Future Events

14th June – Annual Lightmongers’ Lecture, Tallow Chandlers’ Hall – The theme of Illuminating London’s Bridges- places still available.

19th June – I am to be jailed in the Tower of London. All donations to the Clerk to go to my Bail would be gratefully received.

26th June – Election of Sheriffs – Guildhall – invitations out soon LIVERYMEN ONLY

7th July – Tickets now available for our Summer Banquet at Mansion House. Lord Mayor Attending.

29th September – Junior Warden’s Reception – save the date.

3rd November – Members Only Dinner – Tallow Chandlers’ Hall – save the date