Here is, as promised, the last blog I will write before the August/early September break!

It’s been a super second half of July, with again several events that have all proved thoroughly enjoyable. They include the following.

An evening spent at the Guildhall School of Music with the Paviors Luncheon Club, to watch the students put on a fabulous rendition of Guys and Dolls. This annual visit to the GSM for this event has really become something to look forward to!

I attended the annual service of the Imperial Society of Knights Batchelor in St Paul’s Crypt where the Bishop of London, who has been accused of being a tad direct on occasion, gave an inspiring address reminding us all that those with privileges have responsibilities for the preservation and inclusiveness of our society. This was followed by a buffet lunch in the sun outside Apothecaries Hall, enjoyed by all at the service, including many Masters of other Companies.

I went to the Battersea Power Station project on the 21st to do a dry run of the visit now announced to be for the Paviors’ Technical Visit on September 17th. The notice is out and I do hope we get support for what I learned will be a fascinating insight into the past and future of this iconic area. Lunch will be found somewhere suitable for those interested.

On the same day, in the evening, I attended an Agincourt Concert in All Hallows’ by the Tower church. Whilst the period music was not completely to my taste, the dozen or so pieces of it were alternated by an actor reading several stories or speeches about Agincourt! The best was obviously Henry V’s evening before battle oration as recalled by Shakespeare. This was another lovely evening with refreshments in the Church Cafe after.

On Sunday 26th a Paviors Team consisting of Jacqui Davies, Alasdair Henderson, Pat Churchyard and Stewart Laing entered a 2 hour Go Kart Race at Sandown Park in aid of the Lord Mayors Charity. 25 other Livery companies entered teams, and despite some bad luck with slides into track walls requiring assisted removal etc, the team (managed by me!) got as high as 6th but ended in 16th place.

I participated in another all-day walking tour, with many other Masters Mistresses and some Clerks and Wardens, around about 10 of the City’s Churches. The day started at St Paul’s Crypt Cafe, and was organised (including lunch and a piano recital in St Mary Le Bow church), by the Constructors and Plumbers Companies. I hadn’t realised that most of the churches burned by the Great Fire in 1666 were rebuilt by Christopher Wren and it was fascinating to see how varied he supervised their reconstructed forms!

By the time I write again, I will hopefully have completed the Charity Bike Ride I’ve announced. I’m really pleased with the number of donations sent in to the Clerk and lodged on the Paviors Charity Just Giving site. Here it is again in case you want it (https://www.justgiving.com/Master). Thanks very very much to those who have already donated, and I will try to thank you all in person at the earliest opportunity!

As I write this I’m aware that my chosen Masters Charity Kids Company has been closed down! Needless to say I won’t be forwarding any further funds from either the Paviors’ Charity Golf Day or the Charity Bike Ride, unless I can be certain it will go to good use. I have had some very sad correspondence from the staff I got to know at Kids Company, and I have visited and seen some of the immensely valuable work they have done! It is a shame how quick in this country we can knock things down before investigations are done and allegations are proven, but it’s not the first time it has happened in the face of adverse press comment!

Have a great rest of the summer and don’t forget to book your places for the Mansion House Banquet on September 24th!

Terry