Before I left on 10 April for a visit to Vienna, the Mistress and I spent a delightful day in Canterbury, visiting the Cathedral and meeting with a local guide in preparation for the Master’s trip in June. We are looking forward to this very much, and the event is now fully booked with 25 people coming to Kent.  

Over the Easter break, the Livery world goes quiet for a few days, making the trip to Vienna with a few friends feasible.  We had a wonderful time, and it is a most impressive and historically important city. The spectacular tiles on the roof of St Stephen’s Cathedral were a reminder of the impact which decorative roof tiling can make.

Whilst I was away, the Mistress had a busy week. She attended our Women’s livery luncheon at Ironmongers’ Hall on 16 April, organised by Renter Warden Dr Jenny Rolls and Past Master Lesley Day, which I am assured was a great success!

This was followed on 19 April by the Consorts’ visit to the Ranger’s House, Blackheath. Now owned by English Heritage, Ranger’s House is an elegant Georgian villa on the boundary of Greenwich Park and Blackheath which contains The Wernher Collection, a world-class art collection amassed by the 19th-century businessman, Sir Julius Wernher.

The house is better known to many as the London home of the Bridgerton family in the eponymous television series - note the imported wisteria!

Nineteen consorts and guests enjoyed a guided tour of the amazing and eclectic Werner collection of fine objects and art, followed by tea and a glass of champagne at Heathfield House, a short walk away. 

Heathfield House was built in 1793 for John Brent, a wealthy shipbuilder based in Rotherhithe. In testament to his success, the National Maritime Museum has a 1797 painting by Pocock, entitled "Portraits of nine ships of war and others, launched from the yards of Messrs. Randall & Brent within the space of one year". Between 1770 and 1803 the Randall & Brent shipyards built a total of at least 64 ships, mainly warships of 74 guns and smaller for the Royal Navy. 

The Mistress was very grateful to all who came and helped with serving tea and home-made scones. Our older daughter Emma made banana cake and fudge, and over £370 was raised for the Charitable Trust.