114. The Worshipful Company of Gardeners’ Banquet, Mansion House, 9 February 2024

 


As Master of the Water Conservators I was very honoured to be invited to the Mansion House Banquet by the Master and Company of Gardeners.  We were greeted by the Company of Pikemen and Musketeers, a sub-unit of the Honourable Artillery Company, the oldest British Army Regiment, given a Charter by Henry VIII in 1537.  We were then given a very warm welcome by the Master Gardener with whom we have much in common, including the recognition of the value of water!


Eileen and I were hosted and very well looked after by Zoe, a member of the Gardeners, before we entered the Egyptian Hall which was magnificently enhanced by beautiful flower arrangements. We were so impressed by the displays that we made a donation for two, one of which headed to York after the Banquet as a gift to our daughter.

At the conclusion of a magnificent dinner we sang grace - Laudi spirituali, dating from AD 1545.

We were formally welcomed by the Upper Warden, and the Lord Mayor, Alderman Michael Mainelli responded.  He emphasised the City’s green credentials and commitment to sustainability, acknowledging the contribution of the Gardeners.  In addition to a green space on the roof of the Mansion House there are two hives.


The Master then welcomed us and included several gardening and science jokes.  I will not share them as I would like to recycle them at a later date!  We were not surprised when his welcome was interrupted by the Master Wax Chandler who proceeded to make her own super contribution.  The Response on behalf of the guests was given by the Rt Hon Theresa May MP.  She provided us with much food for thought on environmental and sustainability issues as a very experienced politician.

I had the great honour and pleasure to be seated between the Master Wax Chandler and the Lady Mayoress who were lovely company.  The Master Wax Chandler and I shared many of the challenges and issues of the Livery especially on diversity and ability.  The Lady Mayoress shared some of her German background and her current full time job as Lady Mayoress including significant administration and organisational responsibilities without the exciting travel opportunities of the Lord Mayor.

After the Banquet we caught up with other Livery Masters and Consorts and we were very grateful for the late night generous hosting by the Master and Consort Paviors.  We eventually caught the last train home.  It was a close call!


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