On 26 April, I was a delighted to be a guest of the Master Plumber at the Worshipful Company of Plumbers Masters’ and Clerks’ Luncheon, Carpenters Hall. It is always a pleasure to lunch here in the Hall where we hold our own installation luncheon, but this time with round tables giving a rather more informal feel.
The Master Plumber, Air Cdre Paul Nash OBE gave a most amusing speech on the Company and its origins, whilst welcoming the Masters and Clerks of eight Construction companies. Guests were presented with gifts of individual lead plumb weights, of a type first used by the Company in 1365. These had been “proved and tried as true”, and so were eligible to be marked with impression of St Michael the Archangel. One of the duties of the Plumbers’ Company in the 14th century was the detection of false weights within seven miles of the City of London. Each weight now comes with a warning to always wear gloves when handling lead, and to wash your hands as soon as you finish!
Later that day, the Mistress and I attended the Treloar’s School charity dinner at Mansion House, sponsored by the Lord Mayor. Treloar’s school is a truly remarkable institution, aking children with a range of serious disabilities and giving them quite exceptional opportunities and education. The Mistress and I had a wonderful time, and the musical entertainment by the cast of “Les Miserables” in the theatrical purple lighting in the Egyptian Hall was truly memorable.
Finally, on 27 April, together with the Clerk, I hosted an intimate “New members’ supper” at Davy’s Plantation Place, with five new members. This is a great way for the Master to get to know new Freemen, to discuss the Company and explain how one can become more involved in our activities. My sincere thanks to the new members who were able to attend.