Page 20 - The Constructor A5V24 V1

The Company Officers

Likewise, new Masters appreciate the support a Beadle provides, guiding them through the evening,
Grace, Taking of Wine, Sung Grace, Loving Cup, the Loyal Toasts and, of course, the Speeches. The
quiet experience that the Beadle brings offers a sense of re-assurance for the Master and continuity
for the Company.
My training as a Toastmaster has helped me to understand the role of the Beadle and equipped me
for the magnificent Banquets and Dinners I attend, especially when the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and, on
occasion, Royalty are in attendance. Truly, a privilege and honour.
It is very nearly ten years since I was appointed your Beadle, December 2005, when I shadowed my
predecessor at the Christmas Court. They have been eventful and great years. In that time my
Toastmaster career has grown and I am the current President of the National Association of
Toastmasters and will be leaving that office in October. In that time I have worked at many
wonderful venues and occasions, meeting some very famous celebrities.
As a Past President of the National Association of Toastmasters my ribbon will be claret & blue – the
same as that of my beloved West Ham United FC whom I have supported since a boy. As a Fulham
fan, I hope the Master will forgive me!!
Do I have any regrets? None – it has been a very enjoyable journey!”

THE HONORARY CHAPLAIN

We are very proud to have as our Honorary Chaplain the Reverend Canon David
Parrott BA LLM, the Guild Vicar of St Lawrence Jewry, which is the official church
of the Lord Mayor of London and the City of London Corporation and stands in
the Yard of the Guildhall. Canon Parrott worked for 25 years in Chelmsford
Diocese before moving to St Lawrence Jewry in 2009. He is married to Sue and
they have two adult sons. He has a wide ministerial background, and has
particular interests in ministerial formation, preaching and church law. He is the
author of ‘Your Church and the Law’ (Canterbury Press, 2008). David is also
Education Adviser for the Ecclesiastical Law Society. He sees his duty as being
there, but not there!
The Chaplain’s Challenge – to remain invisible!

“I have the privilege to be Chaplain to a number of Livery Companies in the City including the
Worshipful Company of Constructors. I am also Chaplain to the City of London Corporation (which
includes Guildhall, Mansion House and the Old Bailey). The role of the Livery Company Chaplain is an
odd one! It involves a number of elements. I say grace at Company dinners. I seek to support the
Master and Wardens and staff of the Company. I lead the Annual Carol Service, and other services
for some companies: installation services and celebrations of various sorts. I am also available to
take weddings or memorial services for any member of the Company who wishes to come to St
Lawrence Jewry. I seek to be a friend to any Liveryman in need at any time.
But my real work, or at least my most important work, is to be invisible! It is to be available to any
member of the Company, of any faith or none, who would find it helpful to have a private
conversation. You will not find a report anywhere as to who has seen me and what they wanted.
That is the nature of the role and that is why I describe it as invisible! At the most important moment
in the Chaplain’s life I need to be the invisible man.

20 | Autumn 2015 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors