Master’s message

The Master Richard Charlesworth MVO

The Election Court, the Service of Thanksgiving at St James Garlickhythe and the Dinner at Tallow Chandlers on 2nd September kicked off my Master’s year in style, and I am most grateful to The Clerk and the Rev. Ray Pentland CB for organising everything. It was also nice that former Lord Mayor and current organist Sir Andrew Parmley helped with hymn and music choices.

The first weekend in September saw the annual Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace, where I am Car Curator and commentator, and it was a great pleasure to welcome a small rally of Coachmakers in their very special motor cars. They had met and breakfasted at Cliveden before driving in to Hampton Court Palace, where they paraded over the stage (well, those that hadn’t got lost on the way did), and I was able to introduce them. They enjoyed a fine day in the Palace Gardens and a splendid lunch in the Owners Hospitality. We shall do it again next year, so hopefully more of you will join in.
On 10th September I attended the 15th Ezra Memorial Lecture given by the Fuellers’ Company, which was fascinating. Former BP CEO Tony Hayward spoke about the future of fuels, with the increasing focus on ‘clean fuels’ and the balance between better use of fossil fuels alongside increasing use of renewable energy.

The following day my wife Zoë, The Mistress, had a fun day as a guest of the Basket Makers at the Dutch Church, coming home with a half completed basket, which she is still working on!

The Clerk and I were guests of St. Paul’s Cathedral on 18th September, where we enjoyed drinks and canapés in the Crypt, standing next to the tomb of Lord Nelson. The last event in September was the annual Lunch of the Nine Leathery Companies at Leathersellers’ Hall where the new Masters get to know each other, and we enjoyed a presentation on the future use of leather in a variety of industries.

2nd October is a big day in the life of The City, as it sees the election of the new Lord Mayor. It was a fascinating day, starting with a very hearty breakfast in the Alderman’s Dining Room at Guildhall, followed by the assembly of Masters of all Livery Companies in the Crypt, in order of seniority, after which we formed a colourful procession, first to a service in St Lawrence Jewry Church, and then into the Great Hall for the Election of the 692nd Lord Mayor. It was a wonderful experience, and one I will remember for many years.