On Monday 13 March, I attended a webinar on stained glass organised by the Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass. It was a very interesting talk on the major commissions over the last few years, mainly in buildings such as churches. The window shown above was presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as a gift from Members of both Houses of Parliament on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee. It was designed and made by British artist John Reyntiens working with a team of experienced draftsmen, painters and technicians in his studio. The window has now been installed as the three central panels of the north window in Westminster Hall.

On Tuesday 14th March I attended a service at St Michael Paternoster Royal to celebrate the life and achievements of Dick Whittington, commemorating the 600th anniversary of his death. The service and presentations were organised by Alderman Alison Gowman. 

A wreath was laid in memory of Sir Richard Whittington, who is buried in the church but the precise location of the grave is unknown. As you can see, he was a Mercer and four times Lord Mayor, being a great benefactor of both the City and the Mercer’s Company.

Professor Caroline Barron spoke on the topic "Richard Whittington: The Man behind the Pantomime" and Professor Carolyn Roberts spoke about "Dick Whittington and the 64 holer". Both talks were fascinating – the 64 holer refers to the largest public lavatory at the time, funded by Sir Richard Whittington!

On the theme of stained glass, the church has a window depicting Dick Whittington and his cat, seen high behind me! The service and lectures were followed by light refreshments at the Innholders Hall, just a minutes walk away.

The next day, Wednesday 15th, the Mistress and I were honoured to be invited by the Master Carpenter Brigadier John Meardon and his Mistress Ann, to the Spring Dinner of the Carpenters’ Company. A splendid affair in the presence of His Excellency Mr Karel van Oosterom, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and his wife Anna. We all enjoyed the musical entertainment by four talented saxophonists from the Guildhall School of Music, including favorites by Gershwin. The train strike caused some upset, with quite a few guests arriving late, but the show went on – nothing can stop a good Livery dinner. The food and wines were absolutely exceptional, as was the company!