Finance and Wizardry

16.10.12

This was going to be one of those hectic days. It started as usual early in the morning by responding to a load of emails, and then onto the Hall of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists, my other company. This was for a meeting of the Financial Services Group, an organisation of twelve livery companies which together support the Lord Mayor during his year with background knowledge of the financial services sectors and updates on the countries he is vitising. The Chairman was our very own Liveryman and Chair of the Marketors Trust, Trevor Brignall wo did an excellent job. On this occasion the FSG Lunch was hosted by the Marketors and so we two plus our Clerk Adele had pride of place. The Guest of Honour for the lunch was Mark Field MP and previously a professional in the City. He gave an excellent insight into the condition of the City and the political perception.

A dash back home to more emails and a few calls, and then onto the Events Committee at the Guildhall in the quirky Alderman's Court which seems to float on the side of the Guildhall. Unfortunately I could only be there for an hour but did manage to hear about the booking system and next years events. And so to the  Worshipful Company of Turners of London's Wizardry in Wood Reception at the magnificent Carpenters' Hall in Throgmorton Avenue. There I met the Mistress Brenda and the Clerk Adele and we view the craft in action and saw amazing pieces which were on display throughout the Hall, many of which were on sale. It reminded me of school and woodwork classes, although I am sure that I never producing anything like this. Our host was the Master Turner Peter Gibson, while the Guest of Honour was Alderman Fiona Woolf OBE who formally opened the proceedings. A delightful event at which we met many old friends and made a few more.

John Flynn
Master Marketor