Visit to Reeds’ School, Cobham, Surrey – Thursday 21 May

You may recall that I attended the Reeds’ School Foundation Lunch on 6 March when I sat next to their Headmaster, who very kindly invited me to the School.  Eager to do so and find out more about their programme, especially as our Company Inroles one of their pupils as an Apprentice each year, I drove to Reeds in Cobham, Surrey, on 21 May.  I was warmly welcomed by Kathryn (Director of Development and External Relations), Olivia (Foundation Manager/Relations) and Ruth (Foundation Manager/Pastoral).  Over a very welcome coffee they explained the history of Reeds, the curriculum, their Foundation programme and how they benefit from their association with Livery Companies and our own Apprentice scheme.  It is clear the focus is on both values and skills which is warmly embraced by staff and students.  The buildings are set in 45 acres of beautiful grounds with excellent classroom and sporting facilities (the tennis stars Tim Henman and Jack Draper were former pupils) and after a tour (which also included their own Chapel) we made our way to the main building for a delicious lunch with the Headmaster, discussions and a photo.  I was delighted to be able to visit Reeds in my last 2 weeks of my Master’s year and I truly appreciate the time afforded to me.  I would love to visit them again in the future, perhaps as an Apprentice Master to a Reeds Apprentice!  To find out more about Reeds School, do visit https://www.reeds.surrey.sch.uk

Oiling of the Gates, Temple Bar – Friday 22 May 

The Clerk and I were invited to attend the Oiling of the Gates on Friday 22 May which took place, on a very warm morning, at Temple Bar, Paternoster Square.  Temple Bar was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built in the 1670s and originally stood at the western end of Fleet Street, where the Lord Mayor would traditionally greet the Monarch on their entrance into the City. The structure was dismantled in the late 19th century and stood for decades at a country estate in Hertfordshire before being carefully rebuilt stone by stone in its current location in Paternoster Square in 2004.

At the beginning of the ceremony we were treated to a history lesson by ‘Sir Christopher Wren’ who was resplendent in formal dress and wig!   The oiling is a new tradition whereby the Master of the Gates oils the hinges using an oil can and then declares them in working order.  Members of the Honourable Artillery Company’s Pikeman and Musketeers formed the Guard, and Masters, Prime Wardens, Upper Bailiffs and Clerks of the Livery Companies (as well as members of the public) watched the ceremony.  A Reception followed which was very welcome as the day’s temperature became hotter!