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MASTER’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1995 - 1996 The Club’s
year (and ours) began with a well attended excellent luncheon when we
observed the happy custom of entertaining our Lord Mayor and his party
in Guildhall. This was
shortly followed by our first break in tradition the programmed event
being organised by Bridge Ward. The new was followed by the old when we
went along to the fascinating old operating theatre at Guys Hospital. From the
physical chilling to the visual glories of the Foreign Office, but
because of the V.E. celebrations we were forced into a late change of
time and date. Another visit has been arranged and if you were among the
disappointed make sure you respond early -numbers are limited. The visit
to Kew was enjoyed by the few members who attended, but our numbers
increased to see and experience the thrill of Beating Retreat. Because
of the Kew response we cancelled the trip to Greenwich replacing it with
an illustrated talk on the Livery Halls of the City. This was well
attended and held in the Church Hall of St. Giles - the first time we
have used this obvious and appropriate venue. Despite
appalling weather the trip to the Chelsea home of the world famous
pensioners was a moving, interesting and enjoyable visit. Attendance
for the Annual Banquet was slightly down on last year, it may be members
thought that the Minister was to be the speaker - not his wife! We had
seats in a Stand for the Lord Mayor’s Show and what a good show it
was. The weather broke just before the end, this sharpened our appetites
for a good lunch with our Bridge Ward friends. Unfortunately
(and unknowingly) our Carol Service clashed with a number of City
functions, so it was not surprising that numbers were again slightly
down. Those who came enjoyed the singing of the senior choir of The City
of London Girls School in the beautifully decorated St. Giles. Our
thanks to the Headmistress, Director of Music and, as ever, the Rector. Our final
event proved to be the most popular, some 150 people turned up at
Painters’ Hall and
were enthralled by a first class discourse by Gustav Milne on the Fire
of London.
It was pleasing to see the numbers of the supporting Wards - Bridge,
Castle Baynard and Queenhithe - mixing so freely amongst themselves and our members; it became a truly city function This year
members received a number of invitations to partake in other Wards
events. I know that those who accepted received a warm welcome for which
we thank our hosts. I hope joint or shared meetings with our sister
Clubs will continue and indeed flourish. Your
Committee dealt with the following constitutional matters: Confirmation
to The Town Clerk of our support for the existing incumbent and system
of selecting the Ward Clerks, membership of the Club is being offered to
those whose Livery Hall (seven) is located within the Ward, the long
outstanding implementation of returning Past Masters Badges after a ten
year period, investigating the possibility of having an up-dated
membership list for club circulation and the award of Honorary
Membership to Mr. Ted Cornish in recognition of the many years of
service he has given to the Club. I had the
privilege and pleasure of representing the Club at the Pewterers' Hall
at dinner and their Prize-giving. The Sheriffs breakfast and luncheon at
the Old Bailey. Both
Kathleen and I are truly grateful to those who supported the Club and us
during the past year - some have not missed an event! It is a fact,
however, that the Club needs more support from the membership. A small
increase often or so would make a noticeable difference to our overall
finances and thus to what future Masters are able to propose. I would
ask you all to make the maximum use of the Club, to retain an active
interest and to really support its aims. My final
words must be to thank our President, the Committee and all who have
assisted in the running of the Club - to acknowledge that without the
support of Cripplegate Foundation in the shape of David and Barbara the
Ward Club as we enjoy it would not exist. A special thank you to
Kathleen without whom I would not exist in any recognisable state! Master
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