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MATTERS AND
MEMBERS'
ACTIVITIES
Common Hall was held on 6th July at the
Insurance Hall
New Members’ Event Meeting
Lord Mayor's Appeal
Company Sentinels
Following a report by the Master, Peter
Cowland, on his year in office and the
announcement of all new Company
appointments approved at the election court
held on 1st June, the new Master and Wardens
were installed. Michael Harper becomes the
new Master, Beryl Jeffery is the new Upper
Warden, Bryan Spearman is the new Renter
Warden and Ronald Murray is the new Under
Warden.
Michael Harper spoke of the four principles that
bind the Company together, those of Service,
Fellowship, Harmony and Honour. Honour must
be given to those who have led this Company in
the past to its current strength, and Michael
wanted to acknowledge Past Master, Peter
Cowland, as the latest in this long line of great
contributors to the post - there were few
aspects of the Company to which Peter had not
got involved with his lively spirit and dedication.
The new Master also thanked Peter's wife,
Lesley, for her support to Peter and her
contribution to introducing two new Ladies
functions to the calendar.
In terms of his own Service for the year, Michael
wanted to see the Company continue to grow
and strengthen financially and in its activities,
particular involvement for new members.
Michael noted that charitable giving was a key
service aspect of the Livery and this work
needed to deepen and areas for youth education
and training would be given special support.
Michael then highlighted that “fellowship” is
enjoyment and that there are plenty of
forthcoming events for members to enjoy the
company of others - the Ball, the St Florian's
dinner and the City dinner to name but a few.
Finally harmony, perhaps the hardest aspect of a
Company to foster through challenging and
changing times for many. He noted that energy
and precious resources can be wasted in
defending entrenched positions rather than
getting involved in constructive debate. He
would then hope for a united support for our
decisions when they are made.
A New Members’ Event was held at Old Doctor
Butler’s Head in the heart of the City of London
on Friday 15th June 2012 . This event enables
new members to meet existing members of the
Company. Following the success of the first two
of these meetings this was once again an
enjoyable informal get-together.
Past Master Alan Wells abseiled the Lloyds
building on the 19th June in aid of The Lord
Mayor's Appeal 2012.
The 19th June was day for the big drop, when
Alan and many others, including the Lord Mayor's
daughter, gathered on the rooftop of Lloyds in
glorious sunshine and viewed the City from on
high whilst waiting their turn to make the 289 ft
descent to the ground.
Alan enjoyed the exhilarating experience and
sincerely thanks everyone who donated, bringing
the total he has raised to date to just over
£1,600. He is delighted and so will be recipients
of the Lord Mayor's Appeal.
A rare image of the Company Sentinels having
time on their hands to pose for a photo shoot
(image taken at "Meet the Firefighters" London
Fire Brigade Museum March 2012).
2
Current Master and Wardens for the coming year 2012-2013.
From Left Bryan Spearman (Renter Warden), Michael Harper (Master),
Beryl Jeffery (Upper Warden) and Ron Murray (Under Warden).