August is traditionally a quiet time in the City and the pace has notably slowed and the first two weeks were remarkable for being entirely free of T&B commitments. On the 14th it was back into action for the Craft Committee meeting where we were able to consider the revised criteria for Master Craftsman Bricklayers.

The next day saw the Charitable Trust visit to the Fifth Trust at Elham Vineyard in Kent where Maureen Wilson-Wright, the wife of Past Master John Wilson-Wright, is a trustee of some 29 years standing. The work that the Trust undertake is excellent and the rapport between the staff and students was something to behold. We also enjoyed a wonderful lunch prepared by the students.

I would encourage all Liverymen and particularly those in the area, to visit and support this superb charity and congratulations to Maureen for her commitment to this excellent cause. The Trust are in the process of raising funds for a comprehensive development of part of one of their properties which the Company is supporting but more funds are needed and please do visit their website www.fifthtrust.co.uk

After the visit we enjoyed a tour of Simpsons’ vineyard at nearby Barham where we tasted their Roman Road Chardonnay. Hard to believe it wasn’t top draw Chablis and it is good news that Simpsons are going to be producing wine for the Fifth Trust with the grapes form the Elham Vineyard. Simpsons is unique in having a helter skelter within the winery and Past Master Ian Mitchell-Grimshaw was delighted to take a test drive!

The following day I had a most productive and informative meeting at Hadlow College in relation to education and training and was delighted to see that the college has just re-written all its apprenticeship courses to align more closely with the requirements of local employers – no wonder that their training to work ratio is amongst the highest in the country. Hadlow are keen to develop links with the City Livery Companies and it is hoped that there may be opportunities to realise this in the coming year.

The 28th saw the Mistress and I on parade at the ACF Cadet Open Day at Folkestone Barracks. The enthusiasm of the cadets was impressive and when one hears so much bad press about today’s youth it is hugely reassuring to meet such capable, confident and considerate youngsters and to see a multicultural range of cadets working with each other and forming friendships which social and religious divides might otherwise preclude. Perhaps if more youngsters joined the cadet forces or undertook other regulated community based activities many of the problems of crime, violence, education and training facing our young might be overcome or at worst alleviated.

I should also highlight the excellent work of the Adult Volunteers who often give up their own holiday entitlement to attend the two week Summer Camps and the field trips at other times of the year.

It is hard to believe that September will be my last full month as Master but it looks likely to be a busy one.