The Master’s voice

28 November 2021 after overnight genome sequencing, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that 2 cases of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 (Omicron) had been identified in the UK r. Why do I mention it here? Because it then began to affect all events of the month of December started on Thursday the 2nd with an invitation to attend Southwark Cathedral, first for Evensong in a side chapel and then the official opening of the Cathedral Learning Centre, in the basement rooms. The volunteers had prepared a magnificent buffet and I was introduced to many interesting people by the Dean, our Chaplain, the Very Reverend Andrew Nunn. There is a remarkable amount of space in the basements and the Learning Centre has been equipped with some state-of-the-art projection and viewing equipment. Prior to the visit to the cathedral, I had participated in an international Zoom conference from my laptop in the comfort of the Clerk’s office, and my contribution was a presentation of the state of the UK laundry and drycleaning industry, now more than 18 months suffering from the effects of the Covid pandemic. This was organised by CINET.

Monday, 6 December was the day of our annual carol service and supper at the Hall which is always a splendid affair, and this year was no exception. The Cathedral Choir was exceptional and the Cathedral acoustics do really accentuate the very best. As usual the Service was excellent with well-chosen bible readings, read by representatives of the Liveries present. Once again the Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass shared the Service and it was a privilege to have them join us.

We retired to the Hall for a magnificent Christmas supper, where we had some pre-Christmas high jinks with balloons, party poppers and paper hats. The Christmas style table layout in our Hall was spectacular and a joy to see each table with illuminated floral centre pieces, but a shame no one thought to photograph it so that we could share the experience. We had a very British tombola, after the meal, with the Southwark Cathedral’s Dean, Andrew Nunn, picking out the tickets. The raffle collected £650 all of which went to Master’s charity, Alzheimer’s and Dementia, in particular Admiral Nurses, who are similar to the better-known Macmillan Nurses but specialising in dementia care.

Wednesday, 8 December was another webinar, this time organised by the Worshipful Company of Horners and followed the theme of the City Climate Action Group and they titled a four-presentation pitch ‘Plastic and the Road to Net Zero’. A paper that was inspired by my attendance at this seminar has already been published and is available online on our website.

Saturday, 11 December it was off to Chester Cathedral for the winter gathering of the Livery Northern Brigantes which included a reception in a side room, plus Christmas supper in the refectory, and then a Christmas concert in the Cathedral proper. While at the reception I met up with Carrie Marsh, Master Fueller. During supper we both had allocated seating at the dining table with Councillor Jill Houlbrook the Sheriff of Chester and my allocated seat for the Concert was on the front row, along with the Sheriff, with the best view available in the Cathedral.

Wednesday, 15 December it was back to London for two events in one day: our own organised visit to the Guildhall Art Gallery to view the Noël Coward Collection. You could say that he virtually invented the concept of Englishness for the 20th Century. The Noël Coward Foundation was set up as a charitable Trust in 2000 with the aim to award grants to educational and development projects across the Arts and to continue the keen interest Coward himself took in charitable work during his lifetime. It supports a diverse range of organisations working in theatre, music, dance, playwriting, technical training, academic research, and many other areas.

Then it was off to a concert in the Egyptian Hall of the Mansion House in the presence of the Lord Mayor and his illustrious guests although HRH The Duke of Kent had tendered his apologies. It was a special dinner plus concert by ‘The Hanover Band’ and featured extracts from Handel’s Messiah and a guest appearance from soprano, Danielle de Niese, who sang arias from Handel’s Rinaldo accompanied by the orchestra. The Launderers, put in a strong contingent of four diners with Deputy Master Major Jack Strachan and I with our respective consorts.