Lunch with the Judges
I was delighted to be invited by Sheriff The Honorable Liz Green to attend a lunch with the Judges at the Old Bailey on the 3rdof December.
On arrival at the Bailey I was shown to the Sheriff’s Chambers and was joined by a number of guests and Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, who had just finished his term of office as Master World Trader.
Over lunch I was intrigued to learn of the life of a Judge and the sort of cases they presided over at the Bailey. At the time the cases in the Courts involved ranged from a stolen handbag up to murder. The judges explained that they had to try to become immune to some of the sights and sounds they heard but that, on occasion, it could be very difficult.
After lunch I sat in on a case as an observer.
Carols at St Margaret Lothbury
I always consider that Christmas begins as we attend the Carol Service at St Margaret Lothbury.
When I talked to Honorary Freeman Richard Townend about which carols to have at the Service I was keen to make sure they were all our favourite carols and would link in with the readings during the Service.
The Choir at St Margaret are behind and above the congregation and, to my mind, have the voices of angels! As they sang Stille Nacht I couldn’t help remembering my childhood Christmases and the wonder of Christmas!
A new life for Robert Browne!
The final element of the 450thCharter Anniversary Commemorations concerned a portrait of Tyler and Bricklayer Clerk Robert Browne painted by Mason Chamberlin a member of the Royal Academy. Robert Browne was Clerk to the Company from 1766 to 1791 having been Beadle before that. He must have been very well thought of to have a portrait painted by Mason Chamberlin, and history records that the portrait was displayed at the Royal Academy.
After the Anniversary exhibition closed the portrait was restored by fine art restorer Simon Folkes and the frame by gilder and restorer Bruce Francis, and the portrait has proven to be more valuable than originally thought.
Careful consideration had to be given to the next part the portrait would play in the life of the Tylers and Bricklayers, and I was delighted that Guildhall Club agreed to display it on a long-term loan basis for all to enjoy for many years to come. Guildhall Committee Member, Chris Hayward accepted the portrait on behalf of the Club.