On Monday 3 July I was delighted that once again the Company provided a stand at the London Careers Festival at Guildhall, part of the Livery Schools Link. Over 800 children from a wide range of school came to see examples of potential careers put on by various Livery Companies.

Chairman of the Craft Committee, Court Assistant David White, Liverymen Emma Simpson MBE, Peter Lynch and Tony Yianni and colleagues James Brown and George Hodgson, the T&B team gave children the opportunity to understand the importance of a career in our trades. The stand was very popular and the do-it-yourself bricklaying demonstrations went down well! A full report of the event is available on our website, with thanks to David White.

The next day, Tuesday 4 July I attended the Sheriffs and Recorders Fund AGM and reception at the Old Bailey. The AGM was held in the presence of Sheriff Alistair King and the Recorder, His Honour Judge Mark Lucraft QC in Number 1 Court, where the most serious legal cases are heard. The Fund raises money to help offenders in jail and on release, giving them additional financial support and mentorship to avoid re-offending. It is a most worthwhile cause which we are very pleased to support though regular donation. The Mistress and I also supported the fund by attended a private screening of the movie “The Duke” at the Barbican earlier in the year.

Then on Thursday 6 July together with the Mistress, the Clerk, and representatives of 35 other livery companies, we spent the day walking in the City. Each year the Plumbers Company organise a “City Churches Walk”, visiting ten or more city churches. Starting with tea and bacon rolls in the crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral, we were split into two groups each led by an experienced Blue Badge London guide. Over a four-hour period with a sandwich lunch, we learned a huge amount about the history and architecture of the churches, many of which were rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666.

One of the most interesting Wren churches is St Stephen Walbrook, right next to Mansion house. It is the Lord Mayor’s parish church with a remarkable central dome and round central altar by the sculptor Henry Moore.It was a fascinating and inspiring day. My thanks to our Blue badge guides Stephen Birrell and Philip Wright, and the Master Plumber Air Cdre Paul Nash OBE and the Clerk to the Plumbers’ Company Adrian Mumford for organising the day.