Miriam Finn was educated at the Holy Family Convent at Enfield and at the Hendon College of Technology where she completed courses in Business Studies.  There followed a career as the Business manager at the Premier School of Journalism in Fleet Street.

In August 1955 she became married to Geoffrey Stuart Finn (Past Master (1966) of our Ward Club).  Their daughter Wendy Elizabeth was born in November 1957 and was educated at City of London School for Girls.

Miriam and Geoffrey were amongst the earlier residents of Barbican from 1969 until 1977. In those years much of the complex around Gilbert House was a very active building site but the trials of those days did much to foster a very hardy community spirit and many firm and lasting friendships were made in the face of common difficulties.

During those years Miriam joined Cripplegate Ward Club, was admitted a Freeman of the City of London, and became a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers as well as a very active member of the Barbican Residents Association. In addition to these she was a member of the WRVS team and was a Helper in the canteen at St Bartholomew's Hospital.

Her interests and support for the field of cancer research can be demonstrated by her wide range of memberships with active participation in the work of various organisations as follows:

Voluntary work Department Experimental Biology & Virology Imperial cancer Research Fund 

Secretary of the Mill Hill Friends of The Imperial Cancer Research Fund

Life Governor of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund which has since merged with the British Cancer Campaign, at which time she became a Vice President of Cancer Research UK. 

Member of the City Branch of Leukemia Research 

Miriam and Geoffrey spend much of their time at their home in Spain but even so she still keeps her memberships and contacts with several clubs and groups here in United Kingdom: Queen's Club; R.A.C.; Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club; Phyllis Court; The British Legion and The Royal Society of St George.

Functions Programme 2005-2006
Master: Miriam Finn
The RED links will take you directly to the main listing for the function

MASTER'S REPORT - MARCH 2006

My Year as your Master began on February 20th 2006 with the AGM followed by Luncheon in Guildhall attended by the Lord Mayor Michael Savory and the Lady Mayoress.    The numbers attending were most gratifying and the event was
extremely enjoyable.  

In March a holiday in Spain was organised and although the numbers were not great, those who did come enjoyed it.  A dinner was held at my home where a few friends were also present to add a local flavour.

On April 27th an evening talk and film on John Betjeman was held with a buffet supper at the Queen's Club. This event was extremely well aattended with the Chairman and President of the Betjeman Society and their ladies present.

On June 4th we hired a coach for a trip to Waddesdon Manor, the splendid home of the Rothschild family. This house is built in the French Chateau style and is crammed full of art treasures, an absolute feast for the eyes. After a good lunch there was an opportunity to see the magnificent gardens and to visit the extremely well-stocked shop.

A guided tour of the Wallace Collection was arranged for July 9th. Unfortunately, this was only two days after the bombing in Central London and a number of those who had booked to attend were unable to do so. However, those who were present were able to view the superb collection of paintings and to listen to a most informative talk by a most knowledgeable guide. After lunch at a local pub In Wigmore Street those who were energetic could return and wander round the Collection at leisure.

There was no event arranged for the holiday month of August but on September 3rd the Ward Club had a day out n the New Forest , visiting Beaulieu House and Abbey and Lord Montague’s world famous Motor Museum . A most absorbing and enjoyable day was enhanced by a delicious lunch catered by Leith ’s.

On October 20th we held our Annual Banquet at Tallow Chandlers' Hall where we were able to welcome a most eminent Guest Speaker, The Lord Guthrie of Craiglebank, the former Chief of the Defence Staff who was accompanied by Lady Guthrie. This was a most enjoyable and successful evening held in a splendid location.

On Saturday November 12th, on the morning of the Lord Mayor's Show, I was privileged to make a presentation in Guildhall to Sheriff Kevin Kearney, Past Master of the Pewterers’ Company and a member of our Ward Club, of a leather-bound photograph album as a gift from Cripplegate Ward Club.

In December the highlight of the month was the Annual Carol service on December 13th held at St Giles Crlpplegate followed by an excellent Buffet Supper at Pewterers’ Hall. A large gathering gave us the opportunity for a seasonal family get-together before Christmas.

My final event was a guided tour on Saturday January 21st of Lord’s Cricket Ground arranged by the MCC. This was very well attended and extremely successful. The Guide was most well informed on the history of Cricket and held the interest of our members throughout. The Tour was followed by a wholesome lunch at the Taverners Pub.

I now hand over as Master to Bryan Baker who ha planned an eventful year for the Club. I am sure that all Members of Cripplegate Ward Club will join me in wishing him and Yvonne every success.

I would now like to take this opportunity of thanking you all for your most generous support. I have been most privileged to serve as .Master for the past year and I wish to express a special thank-you to our Honorary Secretary Barbera Allan, to our Treasurer Sidney Morton and to all the Members of the Committee for all their support and friendship.

Return to the Master Roll 

The Committee welcome the loan of items of historical interest such as photographs or  brochures.
All original documents will be returned to the owners.

The Club Records for the years prior to 1959 have been lost. Most of the books vanished for ever during the War years. You will notice there are huge gaps in the records. Although some information has been gathered from the senior Club members and from the descendants of former Masters it has proved impossible to be sure of all who occupied the Chair in many of these earlier years. The official and social activities of the Club during those years are also lost to us. 

If anyone is able to offer any information, no matter how little, please contact us.

Errors & Omissions Excepted - Design Copyright © Sylvester A Crowley 2001 to Date
Webmaster E.Mail Link
Page Updated  : 18 December 2008     at  04:13

Return to the Master Roll