38. The Myddelton Lunch, January 19, 2022

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 added that it has been a difficult two years for a fraternity that moves forward on the basis of shared friendship and achieving our objectives – both in our trade and in our charitable work. Our Company, of water and environment management experts, has continued to support Pan-Livery and City activities relating to our trade. Recently we have been focused on climate change action plans and what we, as water and environment specialists, can do to help the Livery. Work on climate change has brought together a cross section of our Members over the last year - doing essentially two things: preparing our Climate Action Plan and exposing the issues on carbon baselining.

The Lunch closed with an unconventional but successful seated Stirrup Cup, with guests at liberty to move seats and renew acquaintances.

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