Christmas at the Old Bailey – Wednesday 10 December

Fortunately the title does not mean that I shall be at the Old Bailey over Christmas – well, I hope I won’t!   The Clerk and I were invited to a Christmas Service with Lessons, Readings and Carols in the Grand Hall of the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) on Wednesday 10 December.  We joined the Representative Lord Mayor Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, Mrs Mainelli, the Sheriffs, their Consorts, other Livery Masters and Clerks for a delightful hour.  The organist and choir were excellent and the Grand Hall was a stunning venue to host such an evening.  Afterwards there was a Reception which, as always, provided the opportunity to catch up with our Livery colleagues.  

The Worshipful Company of Turners’ Livery Dinner – Monday 15 December

I had the honour of being invited to the Worshipful Company of Turners’ Livery Dinner on Monday 15 December in the magnificent Goldsmiths’ Hall, in the presence of The Lady Mayor, her Consort Gary, the Sheriffs and their Consorts.  It was a truly enjoyable occasion and everyone was in the festive spirit.  I was especially pleased to meet some of the guests who had been, or who are currently, members of the WCoSP.  

Visit to the City of London Police (CoLP) – Thursday 18 December

The Senior Warden (Wes Harper) and I were invited by the City of London Police to join them on their ‘Operation Reframe’ on Thursday 18 December.  ‘Operation Reframe’ was set up over 2 years ago as a collaborative multi-Agency approach, initially to create safer spaces for females, to promote safety at night and to help those who work, visit and reside in the City feel safe.  It also gave us the opportunity to meet some of the teams who work throughout the night.  After being welcomed at Bishopsgate Police Station by Commander Umer Khan, who introduced us to the Police teams, we set off on foot patrol around the Liverpool St Station area, stopping off at various bars and restaurants where the Officers engaged with managers and security staff.  During the evening we also met members of the City of London Corporation, who work with the Police to ensure that licensing procedures and safety guidelines are adhered to, as well as The Samaritans.  It was a fascinating insight into the machinations of ‘Operation Reframe’ and the cooperation between the Police and civilian organisations to ensure our public areas remain safe. We learnt a great deal during our couple of hours and we are so grateful to the team who escorted us throughout.  Wes and I hope to re-visit the CoLP in the New Year for more in-depth conversations to explore areas of mutual interest and benefit.

Carol Service at the Tower of London – Friday 19 December

Our annual Carol Service was held at the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, Tower of London, on Friday 19 December.  Our Chaplain, The Reverend Canon Roger Hall, led the Service and the Chapel Choir, under the leadership of the Master of Music, Colm Carey, sang beautifully.  Readings were performed by the Chaplain and members of the Company.   This Service is always very well attended and proved to be a truly memorable, final event for our Company in 2025.