As I sit and write this interim report on my role as Master of our Company it is difficult for me to realise that I am already a quarter of the way through my year in office.  The first three months have been busy but enjoyable and one learns protocol very quickly; indeed, I have had to - already I have attended 31 functions and have met no less than 70 Masters to date. I have been fortunate that, on many occasions, my wife Vera has been able to accompany me.

In amongst the social functions that I have attended, there have been two events that have been particularly important to me.  The first was the Audit Court Meeting on Wednesday 14th June when I was delighted to clothe five new members of our Livery:  Mrs. Wendy Burgess, Mr. Peter Edwin Ketteringham, Mr. Phillip Roger Wellesley-Davies, Mr. David Albert Charles Ayers and Mr. Gregory Byron Cupitt-Jones.  Our Company needs more active members, so I urge all Liverymen to consider inviting to our dinners close friends and/or business associates with a view to their joining us.  I think we all agree that, as a Company, we have much to offer.

The second event was our summer function at Westminster Abbey, which was attended by over 80 people, including the Master Joiner and Ceiler, the Master's Steward of the Turners, a Past Master of the Carpenters, a Past Master of the Builders Merchants and the Senior Warden of the Carmens.

Already in my year I have represented the Company at many events including the prize-giving at the London Metropolitan University, the Ironbridge weekend and the Election of Sheriffs, to name but a few.

As a Company we have several more gatherings to enjoy as the year progresses.  I hope 2007 is progressing well for all our Liverymen and their families.