January has been a relatively quiet month for Livery activities, a blessing in disguise as I also have had much non-Livery activity to manage. Nevertheless, your Court has been active with a full programme of Committee Meetings as well as a splendid evening at the Girdlers’ Hall, where we approved admission of no less than 11 new members of the Freedom. The Hall itself was a very special venue and contains the stunning Bell Carpet, presented to the Girdlers’ Company in 1634, seen here on the wall behind John and I.

In the 2nd week of the month I was very fortunate to be invited to attend City University’s Graduation Ceremony at which the Lord Mayor is installed as ‘Rector’ for the year.  This was a joyous occasion, with the students enthusiastically cheering, not only for their fellow students, but also for their lecturers.  With several other Livery Masters we were invited to process as part of the Ceremony in full regalia. If you watch the Monday morning session very closely on the link below you will see me at 10:02.26am taking a seat carefully concealed behind the mortar board hat!

Winter Graduation 2023 • City, University of London

The same week saw me represent the Company at the Launch of the City of London Chamber of Commerce.  In common with many other attendees I was surprised to learn that the square mile has not previously had a dedicated branch, however the initiative was clearly very warmly received. It will be interesting to watch its progress over the next few years, particularly on the promotion of SMEs and tourism. Further details can be found on the Livery Committee website at

City Chamber of Commerce and Industry launched – Livery Committee

The highlight of January, on the very last day of the month, was my success in arranging for my Consort John to be arrested and charged at the Old Bailey and subsequently locked up in the Tower of London. Unfortunately it seems that members of our Livery had raised enough bail to allow his release!  In all the event raised more than £43k in aid of the Red Cross, with a very credible donation of £1330 coming from our own Livery.  Thank you very much for your generous donations to the event.