Thursday 24 November 2022

My year as Master Entrepreneur couldn’t have got off to a better, nor busier, start. I was delighted to see so many people at the Installation service itself in St Vedast alias Foster. This cozy and stylish church was splendidly lit by candles and we were treated to a superb rendition of Swing Low Sweet Chariot by the Seraphim singers, directed by Robert Mingay Smith. After swearing my oath as Master, I was installed by Immediate Past Master Judy Hadden and given my new badge of office, which I shall wear proudly during the upcoming year. It was then my pleasure to install Mark Huxley, Alderman & Sheriff Alastair King and James Talbot as Senior, Middle and Junior Wardens respectively.

 

 

The weather having held off raining for us, we walked the short distance up Foster Lane to a warm welcome in Goldsmiths Hall. Our Freemen and guests enjoyed a sparkling reception in the gilded rooms which I was told had been were used recently for a scene for the TV series Killing Eve. Progressing through to the main Livery Hall, we were treated by the stunning sight of all six giant chandeliers being lit by hundreds of candles to create a dazzling atmosphere. 

While dining on a sumptuous meal, we were serenaded by classical musicians, the Bridetower Quartet directed by cellist Alison Holford who, in a nod to my musical predilections, performed a number of classical arrangements of songs from the 1970s and 1980s by the Clash, the Stranglers and the Buzzcocks amongst many others. I wonder how many times such music has been heard in Goldsmiths Hall?

It was my pleasure to take wine with Bernard Howard, who has recently become one of our much valued Patrons, as well as our new Freemen who had been admitted earlier in the evening in the Installation Court.

I was delighted to thank Immediate Past Master Judy Hadden for her contribution over 2021/22, which has been immense, and present her with two memories of the year.

The formal part of our dinner was rounded off as we were addressed by Professor Turi King who gave a hugely engaging and informative talk about her career as a world renowned geneticist and imparted some of the inside story of the discovery of King Richard III’s body in a car park in Leicester.

The formal part of the evening being over, we retired for a stirrup cup amongst friends old and new, as we reflected back on a wonderful evening, which marks the start of the next year for the Company of Entrepreneurs.

 

Friday 25 November 2022

 

My first official engagement as Master Entrepreneur was less than 24 hours after being installed as Master. I was delighted to be the guest of the Chairman & Committee of the Broad Street Ward Club at their annual Civic Lunch held in the magnificent, ancient crypt of the Guildhall. 

 

The City of London is divided into 25 Wards which themselves provide the Aldermen and Common Councillors who are responsible for governing the Corporation of the City of London on a day to day basis. Within these Wards are vibrant social clubs which maintain the traditions of the City of London and run many engaging events throughout the course of the year. Broad Street are one of the largest (with over 300 members) and by my experience, one of the most welcoming Ward clubs in the City.

 

I was invited by virtue of our official Company address being on Throgmorton Street, within Broad Street ward. I was treated to a delicious meal, in the company of some very friendly and welcoming Club members. The principal speaker was Sheriff Andrew Marsden, who is no stranger to the Company of Entrepreneurs, having spoken at our 2022 Spring lunch. Being a Past Master Marketor, Andrew understands the history of our Company and is always a big supporter of ours. He gave a very witty and engaging speech, which had extra depth to it if you could understand some of the more specialist references which benefited from an appreciation of the Yorkshire dialect (which, having attended school in Sheffield, raised a smile to my face). The hospitality was a credit to the Broad Street Ward Club and I must have liked it; I’m now applying to be a member in my own right!