92. Christmas Court and Lunch, Guildhall, 12 December 2023


The Christmas Court meeting was a wonderful occasion for getting work done and enjoying the fellowship of the Court and the Company.


After the Clerk, with the assistance of Past Master Mark Lane, admitted Afzal Ginwalla as a Court Assistant, it was my pleasure to admit him formally to the Court. The Clerk and I admitted three new Freemen to the Company: Terrence Jerrom, Gerald O’Shaughnessy and Richard Sawle.  It was great to welcome them to the Company.

We also accomplished a substantial amount of work.  I seized the opportunity to thank many members of the Company for their generous contributions of time and support for the amazing number of activities over the past few months, and to come to this meeting.  We confirmed insurance cover for the Company assets, including the gowns and badges, and reviewed our finances.  These are closely aligned to our membership numbers and recruitment.  Following a report from our Past Masters we confirmed the criteria for membership of the Company. We received several updates on work under way on recruitment, marketing and messaging, which would be presented at the January FM&GP Committee.  Following a request from the Lord Mayor we agreed to welcome guests of the City to our events where appropriate.

Past Master Rob Casey updated us on the Water Conservators’ leading Climate Action Implementation Plan and we agreed how we would offset our carbon emissions.  Court Assistant Trevor Harrington encouraged Court members to start the annual members’ phone round.  Deputy Master Colin Drummond described the preparations under way for the March City Water Debate and requested help in finding sponsors. Fleet Warden Carolyn Roberts shared a draft Sustainability Policy that is going forward to the Sustainability Group.

There was a real buzz across the Court as we enjoyed the hospitality of the Guildhall and looked forward to a break and the New Year.

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