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Short Biography Born London. 1960-1991 Worked for Sun Life Group (now AXA) in the City. Latter years spent in areas of Company Law and as Public Relations Officer for the Group. Took voluntary redundancy. Volunteer information officer and advocacy worker for Age Concern Hillingdon since 1993. Appointed Director/Trustee of Age Concern Hillingdon 2001 and Vice—Chairman 2002. Diploma in Psychology with distinction, Birkbeck College, University of London 2000 (awarded Gilchrist Prize 1998/9). Member, Hillingdon and Community Police Consultative Group. Freeman of the City of London since 1981. Livery: Wax Chandlers. Other Ward Clubs: Bridge (Chairman 1996 to 1998), Coleman Street, Farringdon. Other City Organisations: Guild of Freemen (Life Member); Royal Society of St. George (City of London Branch); Friends of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
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PROGRAMME OF EVENTS 2000/2001
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MASTER’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2000 - 2001 The AGM Luncheon on 7 March was a great success, being a well—attended and friendly occasion made special by the presence of The Lord Mayor and The Lady Mayoress and the splendid Cripplegate models made by David Aggett which provided the centrepiece to the floral decorations. We were pleased to have the support of the Masters and Clerks of the Pewterers and Salterers together with members of the Wax Chandlers. On this occasion a cheque was presented to the Lord Mayor for his charity, Barnardo’s. On 6 April, James Drummond—Murray of the City of London Museum Archeological Service gave us a most informative illustrated talk on the history uncovered by “The Big Dig” for the Jubilee Line extension. This excellent presentation provoked much interesting conversation at the buffet supper afterwards in the Lord Raglan public house. Our guided visit to the Theatre Museum in Covent Garden on 16 May followed an optional lunch at the nearby Marquis of Anglesey. The visit gave us a short tour of exhibits showing the development of the theatre over the last 400 years, a “hands—on” workshop on the art of shadow puppetry in which members participated and a make—up demonstration. In this, your Master, much to the amusement of members, was transformed into a bewigged, white—faced, beauty—spotted Restoration Lady. Fortunately, no—one had a camera! In a change to the programme, our 7 June event saw us at Hoare's Bank in Fleet Street. John Mabberley gave us a most informative and enjoyable tour of the only remaining old-established deposit bank in England. The tour covered not only the Hoare family history but also banking in the City in general and included a viewing of the small private museum. The private sit—down buffet at The Devereux which followed was particularly commended by members. We were fortunate to have a dry day for our visit to Stratfield Saye, the country home of the Dukes of Wellington on 15 July. Following a tour of the house, members were able to enjoy the extensive grounds and an exhibition on the life and career of the first Duke, which was particularly well presented and very informative. On
22 August the tour in Spitalfields by City guide, Gareth Harris,
and the buffet supper at the delightfully restored 1719 home of Peter
Lerwill was over subscribed and proved to be one of the most popular and
successful events. I am grateful to Peter for arranging the evening —
even the weather was
fine which allowed us to sit sipping sparkling wine in his garden. City Guide Paul Taylor’s walk on 14 September took us on a legal tour through some of the historic courts and squares of Middle and Inner Temples before crossing Fleet Street and into the Royal Courts of Justice to discover the extraordinary range of buildings which make up this great complex. I am sure we cannot remember all the facts with which we were regaled but I am equally sure we all remember the Grade II listed telephone box! Although the Banquet at the Tallow Chandlers’ Hall on 19 October was poorly attended, it proved to be a most happy and enjoyable occasion judging by members’ smiles afterwards. I am sure that much of this was due to our speaker, Perry Nove, Commissioner of the City of London Police and himself a Ward resident, who spoke so amusingly of the rather more relaxed way of policing the City in past times. It was also my pleasure on this occasion to thank the Reverend David Rhodes and Anne for their contribution to the Ward Club over the years. I am grateful to our President, Alderman Gavyn Arthur who again acted as our host on Lord Mayor’s Show Day on 11 November. This allowed 30 members to view the procession from Guildhall Yard and to enjoy lunch in the Guildhall afterwards, which was most welcome given the inclement weather. At our Annual Carol Service held on 12 December, conducted by the Rector of St. Giles Church, Rev. Katharine Rumens, we were again joined by the Guild of Firefighters, who shared the service, together with the Masters and Clerks of the Livery Companies within the Ward. The well—attended service was followed by an excellent buffet in the Pewterers' Hall. The frosty weather on 20 January seemed wholly appropriate for our visit to the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg as recreated in Somerset House to view an eclectic collection of the Treasures of Catherine the Great. This dazzling display of craftsmanship was preceded by a private luncheon in the 18th century George public house in the Strand. The final event of the club year on 6 February saw us joined by members of Bridge Ward Club for a port tasting in Pewterers' Hall given by Godfrey Spence, Senior Lecturer at the Wine and Spirit Education Trust. No—one present could doubt Godfrey’s expertise and enthusiasm — if only all education was as pleasurable In my year as Master I have endeavoured to “fly the flag” for Cripplegate Ward Club at the many City functions I have attended. I am particularly pleased to have enjoyed the friendly hospitality of the Pewterers’ and to have attended the 500th Anniversary celebrations of the Cripplegate Foundation. I am happy to have this opportunity to acknowledge the encouragement and wise counsel that I have received from our President and all members of the Committee during the year. My thanks also go to Events Secretary, Tony Hunt, for all his willing help and, of course, to Barbara Allan and David Green. who seem to have cheerfully ‘suffered’ my interruptions of their ‘proper work’ during the year. Lastly, I extend my hearty thanks to all members for their support and friendship. JOAN BEAVINGTON February 2001
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