Gallery

May 2023.

17 May 2023 - Honoured to attend The Colours Parade at Wellington Barracks of The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal’s Volunteer Corps) to mark their transfer to London District, and to witness the Passing Out Parade of the 2023 recruits.

16 May 2023 - An opportunity to renew friendships at the Association of Foreign Banks Lunch at Mansion House.

15 May 2023 - Great to attend the Installation Dinner of Deputy Chris Hayward, CC as Chairman of the Royal Society of St George City Branch

13 May 2023 - Poignant to speak at the Marketor’s Great Event Dinner held at the Cutler’s of Hallamshire in Sheffield. I first spoke here in 1986 when I was President of the Sheffield Junior Chamber of Commerce …37 years ago. Ouch!

12 May 2023 - It was great to see so many friends at The National Liberal Club Annual Livery Dinner where I was guest speaker.

11 May 2023 - The outstanding result of this year’s Big Curry Lunch was announced at the Mansion House by the Lord Mayor. Not only was the target of raising £325,000 surpassed but, after expenses, under the brilliant leadership of Chair Michael Hockney the team raised the record sum of £435,000!

9 May 2023 - This year’s extraordinarily beautiful 368th Clergy Support Trust Festival (formerly Sons & Friends of the Clergy) was held at St Paul's.

9 May 2023 - Pleased to open the Wincott awards for outstanding achievement in economic and financial journalism.

6 May 2023 - The City and the craft skills of The Livery had a real part to play in the Coronation. The Lord Mayor wore the Coronation Robe from the Skinners; and critically, the new Anointing Screen, gifted by the Livery and Corporation, shielded the King from public gaze at the most sacred moment in the Coronation

5 May 2023 - Quite a sight, as current members of The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships met at St Katherine Docks on Coronation Weekend.

4 May 2023 - Prize Giving Event and Afternoon Reception - Royally Inspired - For City's Schools – SO difficult to judge the winners at the finals of the “Royally Inspired’ Art Competition for City Schools at Guildhall.

4 May 2023 - Prize Giving Event and Afternoon Reception - Amazing Talent ! The Lady Mayoress and I presented the prizes to the lucky winners.
April 2023.

26 April 2023 - Treloar's Fundraising Dinner held at Mansion House saw over £66k raised ! A splendid evening in aid of a fantastic cause

25 Apr 23 - Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon James Cleverly MP delivered a Tour de Force speech on the current geopolitical context for the West at the Easter Banquet.

24 Apr 23 - Honoured to be invited to join the Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council Strategic Partners Dinner at Guildhall.

21 Apr 23 - Delighted to be Principal Guest and enjoy a boisterous St George’s Day Banquet with the Royal Society of St George at Guildhall

19 Apr 23 - Delighted to be the Principal Guest Speaker – at the Election Luncheon of The Fuellers – attended by Past Master Fueller HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

19 Apr 23 - Dozens of business leaders heard intensely moving speakers headlining the This is ME Spring Workshop, which is supported by The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, held this year at UBS and expertly Chaired by Jodie Hill

18 Apr 23 - Delighted to meet Preet Gill, the Shadow Minister of State for Overseas Development, the UK’s first female Sikh MP

15 Apr 23 - Deeply honoured to be promoted to the rank of a Knight of Justice in the Military and Hospitaler Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem
March 2023.
30 Mar 23 - The completely ‘sold out’ 16th Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch, helping to raise funds for the veterans of His Majesty’s Forces, was held at Guildhall in the presence of their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
30 Mar 23 - The Lord Mayor's Big Curry Lunch, with massive support from the City’s Livery Companies, over 1600 people were treated to an excellent curry lunch prepared as usual by Head Chef of Noon Foods, Mr Rao
30 Mar 23 - Delighted to attend the Jewish Leadership Evening to mark the centuries long contribution of The City’s Jewish community to its success

28 Mar 23 - Delighted to receive the actual quill pen with which I signed my declarations upon taking office as Sheriff from the Master of the Scrivener’s Company, Professor Mark Watson-Gandy. A wonderful memento from a momentous day. “Scribite Scientes”!
27 Mar 23 - It was a pleasure to meet Ron Kalifa OBE, author of the seminal Review of UK FinTech which bears his name, and which had the objective of supporting the growth and widespread adoption of UK fintech, and for maintaining the UK’s global fintech reputation.
27 Mar 23 - A very stimulating evening was had by all who attended the City’s first Innovation and Technology Dinner at Mansion House. The glitterati of the technology world heard from Michelle Donelan the Minister for the newly created Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, who only 7 weeks into the post.
23 Mar 23 - The traditional State Dinner to thank the Livery Masters, Prime Wardens and Upper Bailiff for their Companies ongoing and extraordinary contribution to their professions, to numerous charities, education and to the civic life of The City was held with full pomp at the beautiful Mansion House.

21 Mar 23 - A truly stimulating and educational evening at The City Water Debate held at Bakers' Hall.

14 Mar 23 - An inspirational meeting with the Hardman Trust at the Supreme Court showcased the life transforming work they undertake to re-integrate long term prisoners into society.

14 Mar 23 - The Launch of City Giving Day which celebrates volunteering and philanthropy in The City to be held on 26th September.

13 Mar 23 - Joyous theatrical talent was on show at The City University Rector’s Dinner at Mansion House

10 Mar 23 - Delighted to hear such inspirational women speak at the International Women’s Day Breakfast at Guildhall.

10 Mar 23 - With the Lord Mayor and fellow Sheriff, honoured to attend the traditional Opening of the Temple Bar Gates to the Monarch’s Representative, the Duke of Gloucester.

9 Mar 23 - Presentation of Loyal Addresses Honoured to attend on The Lord Mayor as he made The City’s Loyal Address to HM The King at Buckingham Palace, exercising our right to do so as one of the 27 Privileged Bodies who have a key role in British Society.

8 Mar 23 - Sheriff’s Challenge Final - What a thrill to judge at the four-way final of The Sheriff’s Challenge alongside fellow Sheriff and two outstanding Old Bailey Judges.

8 Mar 23 - Enjoyed a tour of Wren's Temple Bar with the Master Chris Dyson and historian Grant Smith and discovered the many potential links with the judiciary.

7 Mar 23 - Paid an inspirational visit to Treloar’s the outstanding school and college founded by a former Lord Mayor who’s 800 dedicated staff care for and develop the skills of 125 severely disabled youngsters ranging from 5 to 25.

6 Mar 23 - Lovely to be able to give members of Farringdon Ward Club a tour of the wonderful Old Bailey.

6 Mar 23 - Great to discuss matters of global entrepreneurship and potential training opportunities for young business people with Junior Chamber International World President Viktor Omarsson and JCI London President Beatrice Antonini at a meeting at The Old Bailey.

3 Mar 23 - A pleasure to celebrate St David’s Day with representatives of The Livery Company of Wales, the Welsh guards, the London’s Welsh Centre, the Bank of America and Welsh Week Worldwide organisers. Dydd dewi sant hapus!

2 Mar 23 – Privileged to host a luncheon to celebrate both International Women’s Day and The UN’s International Day of Women Judges, attended by a dozen extraordinary women of achievement - entrepreneurs, Lady Justices of Appeal, judges, global heads of recruitment, engineers and senior officers of The Corporation - to discuss and reflect on future developments.
February 2023.

28 Feb 23 -The charity showing at The Barbican of ‘The Duke’ in aid of The Sherriff’s and Recorder’s Fund featured a Q&A session with Mr Jim Broadbent, Mr Clive Coleman and Richard Bean was a huge success, raising £15k . A huge ‘THANK YOU!’ to all concerned

28 Feb 23 - A huge pleasure to host a lunch for the star and writers of ‘The Duke’, Mr Jim Broadbent, Mr Clive Coleman, Richard Bean and Mr Will Gompertz of The Barbican and Lady Hilary Russell before the showing of the film in aid of The Sheriffs and Recorder’s Fund

22 Feb 23 - Deeply moved to be presented with a one of the first 200 shoulder badges given to the selfless Defenders of Kyiv at the start of the war a year ago, featuring Archangel Michael, the City’s symbol.

22 Feb 23 - A pleasure to renew friendships and host a senior delegation from Kyiv at the Old Bailey. Discussions included the rule of law and its importance in facilitating international trade.

21 Feb 23 - Delighted to open the 19th Livery Pancake at Guildhall Yard held in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and the Poulter’s Charity - photo taken by our Liveryman, photographer Ben Broomfield

14 Feb 23 - Delighted to attend the opening of the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch Garden in Guildhall Yard. Tall young trees, surrounded by fallen trunks. A fitting reminder.
January 2023.

Fame at last! Our Ukranian panel discussion is on YouTube… https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TLDnIa38vJDms2nlasHNGxcGJ0MPsm2q/view?usp=sharing

27 Jan 23 - Final debriefing with the Embassy team in Warsaw - our humbling but extremely productive and inspirational visits to Kiev and Lviv in the Ukraine.

26 Jan 23 - A final visit in Lviv to the beautiful and ancient Cathedral, with all the external aspects wrapped to protect them from damage, provides a source of spiritual strength for many.

26 Jan 23 - Just having left Kiev, news that Ukrainians had managed to shoot down 45 of the 57 missiles, but some of course got through…

26 Jan 23 - Meeting experts from the energy sector and realise the potential for energy storage Ukraine has.

26 Jan 23 - Every picture tells a story ...unfortunately This lady lost her leg. Her daughter lost both legs…and her unborn sister.

26 Jan 23 - In Lviv 5k people needed prosthetics, so the Mayor set up a bionic prosthetic unit at the local hospital to make these rapidly on site.

25 Jan 23 - Arrived safely in Lviv, the largest city in the west of Ukraine, and had a detailed briefing from the Chamber of Commerce.

24 Jan 23- 24th of February sees the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a European war which has cost tens of thousands of lives on both sides and created Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II

24 Jan 23 - Excellent briefing from the Kiev Chamber of Commerce on the impact of the war on the economy and the massive and innovative business response of the Ukrainians to this.

24 Jan 23 - Lest we forget… we are, of course, giving our support in terms of materiel, money and training…but they are giving us their blood in return.

23 Jan 23 - Meeting with Kiev’s Deputy City Mayor Victoria Mukha, Head of the Department for Culture.

23 Jan 23 - Despite a local blackout, with the help of the hotel’s generators we were able to able to give an update webinar on our trip to Kiev to an on-line audience of over 80 people.

23 Jan 23 - Visit to the National Operetta to see first-hand how the theatre had become a symbol of defiance and has provided solace to so many people needing a release.

23 Jan 23 - Delighted to join the panel discussion at the Kiev Business School which took place in a bunker as a curfew had been imposed.

23 Jan 23 - As Sheriff, I was delighted to accompany the London Chamber of Commerce as The City’s civic representative to Ukraine.
December 2022.

15 Dec 22 - Honoured to be asked to present the Old Bailey Witness Service, three year delayed, Long Service Awards. These extraordinary people help, often distressed, witnesses cope with the experience of appearing in Court. 5, 10, 15 and several 20-year Awards were made, including one to the daughter of a recently deceased member. Bravo!

15 Dec 22 – 98% of businesses in The City are SMEs. Their needs, at every stage of their development, were forthcoming from true experts in the field attending my themed meeting on the subject, followed by a truly fascinating discussion on what The City might do to help.

10 Dec 22 - As part of the Brigante’s Winter Gathering, delighted to be asked to visit our Alma Mater, Bradford University Business School alongside fellow Marketors, John Wheen and Peter Goudge. Great fun.
November 2022.

30 Nov 22 - As the Companies first Livery Sheriff, honoured to be the Principal Guest of the Marketors at their Guildhall Banquet

17 Nov 22 - The senior women who attended my ‘Smashing through the glass ceiling” themed meeting. Wonderful advice for young women wanting to reach senior management
October 2022.

28 Oct 22 - Receiving a lovely picture frame from President John Garbutt, on behalf of the Guild of Freemen

25 Oct 22 - At the launch of The City’s Power of Inclusion initiative at Mansion House #ChangeStartTogether

25 Oct 22 - At The launch of Past Sheriff Adrian Waddingham’s book ”Breakspear – the English Pope” at Haberdashers’ Hall. A fascinating read.

24 Oct 22 - Chatting to the splendidly turned-out carpet guard at the Management Consultant’s Dinner at Apothecarie’s Hall

19 Oct 22 - A truly enlightening Defence and Security Lecture at Mansion House with the Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin

18 Oct 22 - The Laying of the Foundation Stone of the new Judicial Quarter at Salisbury Square by The Lord chancellor Brandon Lewis, set to open in 2026

12 Oct 22 - Off to the ancient Quit Rents Ceremony at the Royal Courts of Justice aboard the Lady Aileen.
September 2022.

27 Sept 22 - Attended the opening of the London Stock Exchange with the Lord Mayor as the start to City Giving Day. Hundreds of businesses have taken part this year. Bravo

25 Sept 22 - Marian and I exercised our right at the Woolman’s extraordinarily well organised Sheep Drive.

24 Sept 22 - A colourful, yet respectful, Reflection’s Pageant saw Gloriana pass under a raised Tower Bridge in full salute.

20 Sept 22 - Delighted that Master Moira Sleight, Master Dr Trevor Brignall, Master Mary Hardy and Master Phil Fortey could join the celebration

20 Sept 22 - A truly memorable and enjoyable time today with friends and supporters at Stationers’ Hall where I was presented with my Shrieval Chain and badge
August 2022.
July 2022.
June 2022.
May 2022.
April 2022.

With new Hon Liveryman Sir Simon Fraser GCMG and Past Master Robert Woodthorpe Browne MBE at the World Traders Election Dinner

Here with the Master Phil Fortey, Upper Warden David Stringer-Lamarre and Renter Warden Clive Osborne

Honoured to be invited by Sheriff of York Ashley Mason as a guest to the wonderful Sheriff’s Diamond Jubilee Banquet at Mansion House

Privileged to be a guest at the pre-opening tour of the renovated Guildhall given by the Sheriff of York Ashley Mason

With Past Sheriff, The Hon Liz Green, at The Framework Knitters Installation Dinner at Apothecaries’ Hall

Marian at The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch with the youngest woman Chelsea Pensioner and gallant colleagues

With the Master of the Guild of Young Freemen, Louise Starling in Apothecaries’ Hall secret courtyard

With The Lord Mayor at the 250th Samuel Wilson Trust Awards ‘Celebration of Entrepreneurship’ at Mansion House
March 2022.

With Master Chartered Secretary Julie Fox, Master Actuary Julie Griffiths, and Mrs Lynn Cooper DL, High Sheriff of Greater London at the Investment Manager’s Civic Dinner

With Greg Dyke and Past Master Ian Locks at Stationers' Company Annual Lecture and Dinner at Carpenter’s Hall

After 7 years, so very good to see old friends at the Sheffield Junior Chamber of Commerce Lustrum Dinner for Past Presidents.

‘Citizen and Glazier’ – Marian receives her Freedom from the inestimable Murray Craig just days before his retirement. Congratulations!

Privileged to host a convivial Past Master’s Lunch to John Hammond marking his retirement after 8 years as Learned Clerk to the WC of Marketors
February 2022.
January 2022.
December 2021.

At the Carol service with The Guild of Freeman - Amazing to meet the Wellings Triplets – Stuart, David & Jonathan - born on Christmas Day 1963!

Marian speaking with some of the guests that attended the Reception - wonderful to see so many in attendance
November 2021.
October 2021.
September 2021.
December 2020.
November 2020.
August 2020.
September 2019.
July 2019.