Quartermasters’ Drinks – Wednesday 26 November

The inaugural event of our Past Masters’ Association, named The Quartermasters, took place at Guildhall on Wednesday 26 November.  Each year, at the Livery weekend, the Masters agree to form and name their PM Association and at Aberdeen in June it was agreed that, as we are Masters in 2025 (25 being a quarter), the Quartermasters would be an appropriate name. There was an excellent attendance, but it was surprising how many Masters are now Immediate Past Masters within 6 months!  Time flies but it was great to meet up again as a group. 

Provost Marshal (Army) 1 Military Police Brigade Officer Dinner Night – Thursday 27 November

I was honoured to be invited to the Military Police Brigade Officer Dinner Night at Southwick Park, Fareham in Hampshire, on Thursday 27 November.  Southwick Park is an impressive building which houses the Defence School of Policing and Security and was the Second World War HQ of General Eisenhower.   On arriving at the Officers’ Mess I was asked whether I wished to visit the D-Day Map Room to see the magnificent map which was used to plan Operation Overlord and where the General gave the ‘Go’ order for D-Day, 6^th June 1944.  As you can imagine I was royally entertained by the Provost Marshal, Brigadier Sarah Pringle-Smith, and her colleagues to a 3-course dinner.  Sadly I could not partake of the wines as I was driving home after the dinner!  A delightful evening and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and chatting with many of the current and retired officers.  The RMP is, of course, one of our 6 Military Affiliates and I’m delighted to say that the relationship with the Company continues to flourish.

Security and Fire Awards for Excellence Dinner – Monday 1 December

As one of the Judges for this year’s Security and Fire Awards for Excellence I was invited to their Awards Dinner on Monday 1 December at the JW Marriott Hotel, Park Lane.  I was astounded that 1100 guests were present and wondered how the hotel and catering staff would cope!  However we enjoyed an excellent dinner and wines, followed by the Presentation of Awards under their 29 categories.  Stephen Mangan, the actor, comedian, presenter and writer, hosted the Award Presentations.