Master Water Conservator

I was invited to the January Court Dinner of the Scientific Instrument Makers on January 24 by the Master and Wardens. The Master, Charles Holroyd, and members were very welcoming. The Guest Speaker, Dr David Kingham, gave an informed and spirited account of how researchers at Tokamak Energy, Oxford, were leading the World on developing the techniques for commercially-viable fusion energy – a key part of the UK’s carbon reduction programme. For example, creating a plasma and measuring its temperature – up to 100 million degrees - is a challenge that needs to be overcome before commercial production of energy expected in the 2030s. In Dr Kingham’s view, the success of the project was underpinned by private donors and companies, working within a public framework. This has an agility in funding innovations. My thanks go to the Master and Members of the Company.

The Water Conservators Myddelton Lunch commemorates the life and work of Sir Hugh Myddelton who constructed the New River (1613) bringing water from the River Lea, near Ware, to Islington. It also commemorates the the Granting of Livery in 2000. Master World Trader, Mary Hardy The Guest Speaker was Mary Hardy, Master World Trader. Other guests included Alderman Michael Mainelli and Master Waterman, Derek Mann. The event was designed to be as safe as practical and all things considered was well attended. Walbrook Warden Prof. Martin Bigg welcomed the guests, inviting Mary Hardy to respond on behalf of the Guests. Mary reviewed the water providers’ history and its important role in the development of the City of London, as well as describing her journey to become Master of Livery Company no. 101, just ahead of the Company of Water Conservators, but both Millenium Livery Companies. The Master responded, thanking Mary for her speech and all Members and guests for joining us today. He

The WCT Board met by Zoom on 17 January 2022. The Agenda including a number of compliance duties – now commonplace for charities registered with the Charity Commisson, and the current year’s expenditure programme. This focuses on an extension to the successful Universities Bursary Programme – three new universities are to be offered support for by contributing to fees of needy students undertaking Masters degrees in our subjects. The programme also seeks to extend the opportunities for London primary schools to participate in STEM and biodiversity activities, and further engagement with the Student Eats project, which supports FE and HE students and staff wishing to learn how to grow food sustainably whilst minimising the use of water. Student Eats at Exeter Trustees noted that the action to ensure that the Trust’s investment funds had objectives which matched their own had now been completed, with changes to both. Trustees reviewed and approved the medium term financial plan whi

Roy was always part of our Company. From the early days, in 1985, deciding that something needs to done about restoring our trade in the City Livery movement. Roy was Master of the Company of Water Conservators in 1993-4, and the Father of the Company since 2014. Roy was there to help. Aside from his professional contribution to wastewater mangement, he was the Company’s artisan: expert in calligraphy – including the design of certificates for the Company, and a skilled furniture maker – crafting a traditional water jug for Company collections. His funeral took place in Amersham on 17 January 2022 which was attended by many Conservators and their partners. Many kind words were said and comfort given to Sonya, his Consort. Roy and Sonya joined many events connected with the Company including visits to old time music hall shows and, as above, joining Georgina and I and other Conservators on a Swan-Upping outing in Reading. His contribution to Company life was outstanding and the

January is a busy month with business meetings of the Finance Mangement and General Purposes Committee and the Board of the Water Conservation Trust. It is also the time we re-consecrate the Water Conservators’ Cross, commemorating the Company’s elevation to the Livery status on 1st January 2000. The Lunch celebrates the life of one of our heroes, Sir Thomas Myddelton, and reaffirms our civic connections. The first event pf the year was a meeting of t he Livery Climate Action Group (LCAG) which assists City of London Livery Companies and Guilds to manage their impact on climate change and the environment, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and making responsible use of resources. Our particular involvement is to design an appropriate carbon baseline tool, which is straightforward to use and covers as much as possible of Livery Companies activities. This group is led by Deputy Master Rob Casey and is open to Members. Finally, commiserations to Past Master Barry Dennis who is follow

Sadly, the coming together for our Christmas Court Lunch, followed by our annual Carol Service at St. Mary-at-Hill on 16 December was cancelled because of concern about the rapid rise of infections caused by the omicron version of the coronavirus. The planned tour of the Middle Temple, for partners and friends was postponed until Spring 2022. Company business continued by Zoom with the expectation of ‘re-opening’ at the Myddelton Lunch on January 19. As a fraternity, there are things that are best done face-to-face and we struggled with these. In particular, the passing of Roy Harris, Master 1993-4 and Father of the Company, on 20 December 2021, left us bereft. Reflecting the long time since we had met, at the Zoom meeting of the Christmas Court it was decided to contact all our Members to talk about how they were getting on, and what we could do to improve our links during this trying period. This work continued into the New Year. Guests at the successful 2021 Banquet Ho