The Installation

19.01.12

So, my first blog, and so fittingly about my first day as Master of the Worshipful Company of Marketors. The Installation was the highlight of my career. Surrounded by friends, family and well wishers in the glorious Plaisterers Hall, I was clothed by the outgoing Master Jim Surgey at the Ceremonial Court. I could not have been prouder. The Mistress (Brenda) and I then received a blessing from Arch Deacon David Meara before I installed Sally Muggeridge, Roddy Mullin and Michael Harrison as my Wardens. I then went on to install Leo Addis as a Court Assistant, and admit Philip Andrew and Steve Wilson to the Livery and Michael Lynch as a Freeman.

Next came the presentation of Marketors Awards. First was a Bursary of £10,000 to the Cass Business School in the person of its Dean Richard Gillingwater. This was a particular delight as Cass have already produced two fine examples of advanced marketing thinking from our previous sponsorship. And so to the winner of our Regimental Award. This went to WO2 Crampton who exceeded the most stretching recruitment targets which were imposed over a short space of time. An achievement of which any Marketor would have been extremely proud.

And so to the banquet, and particularly the greeting of all the guests. This is always a pleasure but was doubly so today. There were new faces, which we were delighted to meet, but there were also those who I have known throughout my career. We were equally delighted to see our official guests who included the Masters of the Solicitors, the Plaisterers (our new home), the Chartered Secretaries and the Information Technologists (my other Company). Then there was the military contingent, led by Major General Poffley OBE. Of course there were also my sons, one of whom arrived late - but he was at an audition in Birmingham and did get the part, so is forgiven. It was a very warm welcome to all.

In addition to providing us with music throughout dinner and supporting us in the singing of Grace, a group from the Choir of St Brides delighted us with the Flower Duet from Lakme, the perfect balance to the Loving Cup and the speeches which followed. Sally welcomed the guests with the ideal balance of information and humour, while our guest speaker Ken Olisa, a consummate marketer, called on his extensive business career to regale us with tales of marketing (global IT), banking (he has one), being Master (IT Company last year) and PM's expenses (he controls them). Regrettably time did not allow for a stirrup cup but it was a truly memorable evening and an excellent start to 2012.

John Flynn
Master Marketor