Annual Derek Melluish Memorial Lecture and Reception, St Lawrence Jewry – Monday 2 March

This annual event, organised by the City of London Guide Lecturers’ Association, was held at the Church of St Lawrence Jewry on the evening of 2 March.  Along with other Livery Masters and City Guides, I listened to a fascinating lecture by Sharon Ament, Director of the London Museum, who gave us a fascinating overview of the building of the new Museum at Smithfield Market, with a planned (partial) opening in late 2026, with the remaining part due to be opened in 2027.  Definitely a diary-date for a visit!

Visit to Treloar’s School – Tuesday 3 March

Together with the Lady Mayor, Mayoral Consort, Sheriffs, their Consorts and other Livery Masters I visited Treloar’s School/College in Alton, Hampshire on 3 March.  Treloar’s began in 1907 when the then Lord Mayor of the City of London, Sir William Purdie Treloar, set up a fund for his Mayoral Appeal.  In 1908 Sir William opened the school and hospital in Alton which has developed to be one of the country’s leading providers of education, care, therapy, medical support and independence training for disabled young people. Each year the Lord/Lady Mayor, as an Honorary Trustee of the Treloar Trust, visits the School accompanied by Masters and Prime Wardens of Livery Companies.  We were warmly welcomed by staff and students, given a briefing and watched a film on their work and future projects before going on a tour of the buildings.  A buffet lunch was provided before an early afternoon departure.  A truly memorable and inspiring visit. It was lovely to see all the staff and students so happy and witness at first hand the quality of care and education provided to young people who have disabilities – and some very severe disabilities.  To find out more about Treloar’s, do visit their website – https://www.treloar.org.uk/our-history