Introduction
It is your new Master here letting you know what I have been up to so far.
What a pleasure and privilege to have been installed as Master Fueller on 13 October 2022. I have a very hard act to follow in Carrie Marsh, especially regarding her full and detailed weekly blogs. I am not as social media “savvy” as Carrie, but I plan to issue a regular communication to keep you informed about the activity of your new Master.
You will see the Master and his Consort, my wife and Past Master Jan Harrison, are heavily involved in both internal Fueller activities helping us to grow and develop, and also heavily involved in external activities, which perhaps you are less aware of. These help to raise the profile of the Fuellers and enhance our reputation as a modern growing and significant Company.
I am happy for and would encourage any feedback on this e mail.
I will be working with others on these communications for your benefit. This will include the Fueller Communication Committee chaired by Michael Green who will be populating the social media communications; the Editor of The Fueller magazine, Lynn Postle; the Editor of eNews, Louise Thompson and our Clerk Alex Maclean Bather.
So, what have I been up to on your behalf in October 2022?
Thursday 13 October Installation Court and Dinner at Drapers Hall
I was installed as Master at the Installation Court. All was well until the actual transfer of the Masters Chain which got temporarily tangled in Carrie’s lace dress! No damage done I am pleased to say. The Dinner had 150 attending in what is one of the most magnificent Livery Halls in London. I was pleased to be supported by many fellow Fuellers as well as guests including my family and friends. The food was excellent as well as the music. The main speaker was my friend Eddie Donaldson OBE Vice President of the RNLI , who explained about the RNLI having to rely 100% on donations and he provided more insights and stories about their vital work. I spoke about my journey to be Master and set out plans for my year including industry activities, supporting the Corporation of London and fellowship, with an emphasis on charity. I am excited by the physical challenges I will be setting in my year to seek sponsorship to raise funds for charity.
For more details on this evening see the article to follow in The Fueller magazine. Photographs by Mark Dalton can be viewed and purchased on markdalton.zenfolio.com.
Monday 17 October 2022 - Special Court Meeting at Carmen Hall
One of the roles of the Master is to chair all Court Meetings. Within 4 days of my installation I was chairing my first one, which was a special Court meeting to discuss and review the use and wording of our Motto. This has been a topic of debate for a few years, triggered in part by the reference to Carbon in our motto. The meeting was called to conclude on the matter and move on. After much debate and representations from all 16 Court attendees as well views submitted in writing from other Court members, a unanimous decision was achieved. This was to retain the current Motto, but not generally use it, unless particular appropriate circumstances require it. More details on this meeting were issued by our Clerk to all members on 27 October. Let me know if I can help with any queries.
Wednesday 19 October 2022
Jan and I attended The Worshipful Company of Carmen Installation Court at Carmen Hall and lunch at Butchers Hall. For the last few years the Master Fueller has had the privilege of being installed as an honorary member of the Carmen and vice versa. Both Companies continue to get closer and are working to deepen the relationship between us. I was installed at the Carmen Court meeting on 19 October. Our immediate Past Master, Carrie Marsh and her husband Dave, were both also attending to be installed as full members of Carmen. Many of us then moved onto a fantastic lunch at Butchers Hall where we chatted to many members of Carmen. A most enjoyable event.
Wednesday 19 October 2022
I attended early evening The Lord Mayor’s Defence and Security lecture at Mansion House. This early evening lecture was hosted by the Lord Mayor and this event has become an annual event attracting attendees from the press, the Livery, the City and the Military. The speaker was Admiral Sir Tony Radakin Chief of the Defence Staff who is the head of the British Armed Forces. It was a fascinating and very informative lecture. It included various topics regarding the British Armed forces work with Ukraine. A focus as the Ukraine Ambassador to the UK was attending. Also covered were the resources to Indo China and the UK 3% defence budget. A fascinating lecture.
Friday 21 October
Jan and I attended the Annual Livery Banquet of The Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters at Plaisterers’ Hall The Framework Knitters Company annual Livery Banquet is a special event. As Master I was invited with my wife Jan, along with a very large gathering from other Livery Companies and from the clothes design and manufacturing world. The Lord Mayor spoke and is a member of this Company. The highlight of the evening was the presentation by the Company to its student bursary winners each who have excelled in their field of clothes design and manufacture. Perhaps some will become members of the Livery.
Monday 24 October
Jan and I attended the Fuellers Industry Group meeting at Carmen Hall The Fuellers Industry Group committee has a new Chairman, Bill Fortescue. This event was held to debate the terms of reference, activities and objectives of the Group. It was an excellent event attended by a number of interested parties. The ongoing work by this Group is a very important aspect of the Fuellers activities and will go towards an objective of ours which is to be seen “as a voice of energy in the City”. I look forward to Bill and his team contributing to the Fuellers energy profile and I thank Bill for taking on this important role.
Wednesday 26 October 2022
I attended the Installation Dinner of the Worshipful Company of World Traders at The Mansion House. As Master Fueller I was invited to celebrate the installation of the new Master of The Worshipful Company of World Traders. This is Michael Shapiro and we got to know each other through various events leading up to our Master Year. The speaker was The Lord Mayor and any event at the Mansion House is always a grand and special event.
Sunday 30 October 2022 - Fullers Sunday at the Chapel in The Tower of London followed by lunch
Fuellers Sunday is an annual church service on the Sunday nearest All Saints Day. This year 27 of us consisting of Fuellers ,friends and family were very privileged to attend the Sunday service in The Chapel at The Tower of London. We were escorted in over the draw bridge and I am pleased to say we all made it out afterwards! The service was magical with an outstanding choir and we enjoyed tea and cake with the congregation afterwards. It was then a short walk to enjoy a glass of bubbles and lunch at the local restaurant, Natural Kitchen in the Double Tree Hilton. A fun, memorable and very enjoyable event.
To close
What a hectic and enjoyable first few weeks. I look forward to more of the same. For future events and activities please see the Fueller website.
