I am very proud, and honoured, to have been Master of the Club, and have thoroughly enjoyed my year. I would like to thank all members for their support, especially the committee and particularly Barbara Allan.

My year began on 3rd March 2006 with the AGM, followed by luncheon in the Guildhall's Old Library, attended by Sheriff Kevin Kearney and his wife. As ever, the event was well attended and enjoyed by all those present.

Having chosen a military theme to my year, the first event was a private viewing of the Guards' Museum on 20th April. The curator, Andrew Wallis, personally gave us a guided tour, bringing many of the exhibits to life, with not a little humour. I was very encouraged by the attendance, (which set the scene for the rest of the year), and a good time was had by all.

On 3rd June, we had a very enjoyable morning, in brilliant sunshine, watching the rehearsal of the Trooping the Colour on Horseguards Parade. This was followed by luncheon at the Civil Service Club.

As one of my favourite venues, a dinner hosted by Andrew Felling MP was held at the House of Commons on 22nd June. After drinks on the terrace, Andrew took those who had not been before on a guided tour of the debating chambers. Following an excellent meal, he then entertained us with a few parliamentarians' anecdotes. Our members filled the dining room, and a very pleasant evening was enjoyed by all.

Having supported the Army on two occasions, our next outing was to support the Royal Navy with an evening on HMS Belfast, in the Pool of London, on my birthday, 25 July. I was very pleased to celebrate with so many friends from the Club. The weather was superb, and we were very fortunate to have the run of the ship. Watching London transform from daylight to night time from the River Thames was a wonderful sight.

Moving on to the RAF, on 24 September we had a visit to 11 Group, Battle of Britain Operations Room at RAF Uxbridge. This was such a popular event that we had to divide into two groups, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, with all members meeting together for lunch at the Battle of Britain Club, adjacent to the camp. This was a really fascinating experience, viewing the bunker, which was visited by the King and Churchill, and a particularly emotional visit for Past Master Joan Kemp, who was temporarily stationed there during the war.

Continuing with the military theme, our Annual Banquet was held on HQS Wellington on 27th October. Having once been a fighting ship, she is now the headquarters of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners. Our guest speaker was Captain Keith Hart, the Company's Deputy Master, who gave us a very informative compact history of the ship. We had an excellent attendance, and the superb meal made a most enjoyable event.

For the Lord Mayor's Show, we took all the tickets available to us at the Guildhall. It is a day that will be indelibly imprinted on my mind, 11th November, as it was the day that I became a grandfather - my daughter having given birth to a baby boy. Once again, all those who attended had a wonderful day.

With the unanimous blessing of the committee, this year's Carol Service was held in St. Bartholomew the Less, within the walls of St. Bart's Hospital, on 12th December. Being such a small church, we all but filled it and, consequently, the service seemed so much more 'family' oriented. My great appreciation goes to Rev. Doug Hiza, who organised the service but who, unfortunately, was too ill to attend. However, we were delighted to welcome back the Rev. David Rhodes, who was able to stand in at the last minute. Afterwards, we were very kindly permitted by the Pewterers' Company to have supper in their lovely Hall.

My Livery, being the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists, (along with several other members), I was keen to give our members the opportunity of visiting the Company's Hall, which is just outside the Ward in Bartholomew Close. A visit was arranged for 20th February, when our host was the Master, Mr. Colin Knight. We were presented with an absolutely fascinating and informative history of the Hall by Joan Smith, the Company Archivist, and were introduced to the myriad of Company activities by Michael Grant, the Clerk. This was followed by a very sociable supper in the hall.

I would like to wish my successor, Andy Hardy, a most enjoyable year. I am very much looking forward to supporting him, as I am certain that all our members are, and I know he will carry on the tradition of being a very worthy Master.

Bryan Baker 
30th March 2007