Lunching with the Worshipful Company of World Traders
Over the past 9 months as Master I have bumped into Master World Trader Dr Edwina Moreton very often. She was installed as Master the week after me, and since then we have become firm friends.
Malcolm and I were delighted to join Edwina at a World Traders’ Business Club at the Caledonian Club, where the guest speaker was Catherine Lewis La Torre, CEO of British Business Investments and British Patient Capital.
Also on the table was Master Fruiterer Cheryl Roux, another new friend, Master Guild of Investment Manager and Master Chartered Secretary and Dame Inga Beale, former CEO of Lloyds of London, so it is fair to say we were in some very august Company!
After an enjoyable lunch Catherine spoke to those present about the work of British Business Investments and British Patient Capital. Some of what she talked about went over my head, but I understood that her organisation provides funds to Fund Managers who are investing in new business in the UK. These businesses include innovation, fintec and medical science.
It was very interesting to learn about the activities of another Livery Company which is focussed on trading around the world.
Dining with the Marketors
On the day that new Prime Minister Boris Johnson took over the reins as Chief Lord of the Treasury we made our way to Mansion House, as guests of T&B Liveryman David and Past Master Marketor Sally Williams for the Banquet in honour of the Lord Mayor of the City of London.
Sadly the current Lord Mayor Peter Estlin was not able to attend, but Alderman Sir David Wootton stood in, and both Sheriffs, their consorts and Sheriff Elect Chris Hayward were in attendance.
As a result of a legacy to the Worshipful Company of Marketors a new Masters Badge had been commissioned. It was blessed by PM Sally and presented to Master Andrew Cross. Sally also gave a most appropriate Grace, mentioning the new PM and the heatwave being endured by all.
Also joining David and Sally was their son, Joe, who lives “just across the bay” from Malcolm’s daughter Helen, so we had quite a long chat about Sydney, and his forthcoming wedding in October.
After a most convivial dinner and speeches, it was time to head home to our very warm house on one of the warmest nights of the year.