I very much trust you and your families had a relaxing summer and enjoyed the pleasant weather which has continued into October. After a wonderful holiday in France, I have come back to a highly active diary for September when I experienced some magical events. ​

On 14 September our Technical Visit to Harper Lane Quarry was extremely well organized by Tarmac, with over 50 people in attendance. On the day, a locomotive was named ‘The Pavior’, thanks to GB Railfreight. I am told this loco has received a record number of hits and likes on our social media sites.

I joined a number of Paviors and partners at Lords, thanks to Ian Edwards. We fleetingly saw some cricket, and the rest of day was spent at lunch; all very civilised! Tim Hailes, one of the Sheriffs, who is an Honorary Liveryman of Paviors, invited Upper Warden Sue and myself to a private reception at the Old Bailey, which was really excellent. Tim is destined to become Lord Mayor in three years time, and I am sure he will be first class.

Glesni and myself, along with others from Paviors, attended the Sheriffs’ Ball at Guildhall which, on the evening, raised over £60K for their charities. It never ceases to amaze me how much money the Livery movement raises for charities each year; the sum, I am told, is in excess of £50 million!

We had 335 attendees at this year’s Annual Banquet at the Mansion House which, for myself and my family, was rather special. Sue, the Upper Warden, made an excellent speech in welcoming our guests, and the London Welsh Male Voice Choir were great to round off a very successful evening that was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended – but particularly this Welshman.

This Welshman also exercised his rights to drive sheep over London Bridge on Sunday 30 September and, as I explained to Alan Titchmarsh who led the drive, although the event was organized by the Woolmen, it would have been us Paviors who would have to clean the pavements on the bridge afterwards!

October has also started with a bang, with a special morning spent at the Guildhall electing the next Lord Mayor. Peter Estlin was duly elected Lord Mayor from November, with William Russell to follow. William is also an Honorary Liveryman of the Paviors so, with Tim Hailes due to follow William, we will have two members as Lord Mayors in succession. Paviors are really proving to be highly active in this regard.

Glesni and myself attended a musical evening at St Paul’s Cathedral organized by the Worshipful Company of Musicians on 3 October and I was invited by the Masons Company to the unveiling of London Stone, which has been in Cannon Street since the 12th century and was, and still is, an important landmark. It is now protected by a glass front at 111 Cannon Street, one of the City’s newest office buildings . As a geologist, it was a treat see this oolitic limestone specimen with so much history.

It is now Friday 5 October and, having enjoyed lunch with the Worshipful Company of Lightmongers at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall, I am on a train travelling to West Wales to do a little more walking with Monty on the coastline. If you have not already done so, can I encourage you to sign-up for a visit to our own London Construction Academy on the 17 October, when you will be able to meet the students on this course and students from Construction Youth Trust.

Dyfrig James