68. Coleman Street Ward Club, Autumn Luncheon, 15 November 2023


I had the pleasure of being invited along with other Livery Company Masters to the Coleman Street Ward Club Autumn lunch.  Coleman Street is one of the 25 ancient wards of the City of London, and lies on the City's northern boundary with the London Borough of Islington. The Coleman Street Ward Club is, historically, the first Ward Club to welcome the new Lord Mayor of the City of London into office.

When I arrived at the Guildhall I was directed to the New London Awards, clearly the organisers thought I deserved an award, before deciding that the audience looked younger and more casual than I was expecting, especially as my invitation had included a morning suit option.  I suppose jeans and trainers could be morning attire.

The Lord Mayor Alderman Michael Mainelli outlined his commitment to “Connect to Prosper” drawing attention to the partnerships he is nurturing with cities round the world.  He also drew our attention to the challenges we are currently facing globally, and reminded us of the efforts required to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.


After lunch we were welcomed by the Ward Club Chairman Annie Quigley and the response to the Guests was given by the Chief Commoner deputy Ann Holmes.  She described her role in the City of London, the world’s longest continuing democracy.  When in Beijing on a trade tour she was told that she had been introduced as the top peasant.

I was impressed at the warmth and friendship shown by the Ward Club members to its guests.  I had a very interesting lunch talking about security, international banking and improving the quality of management consultancy.

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