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The Master’s Year

The Life and Loves of a Male Consort

Steve Lawrence writes “When I was asked to write a short piece about my
year as Master’s Consort, I thought it was a great idea. After all I haven’t had
a chance to say anything publicly since receiving my badge of office from
Lee last October.
I’ve done this once before, during the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Year with the
same Master but for the Arbitrators. Back then I was one of only two male
Consorts with Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Farmers Company, as the
other. However not much was seen of Sir Tim on the Consort circuit. That
was probably because back in 2001-2 the circuit didn’t exist. Consorts were
little seen or heard. The whole thing was a bit of a let-down.

This year has been another kettle of fish. There have always been at least four or five male
Consorts. This means being able to retreat with a male friend when the conversation becomes a bit
too focused on matching shoes and handbags. However male Consorts are still rare enough that no
Consorts’ event is complete without at least one in attendance.
Being a Consort allows a lot of freedom the Masters don’t have. Essentially Masters just invite each
other to lunches or dinners (the recent City Churches Tour organized by the Constructors and
Plumbers is an exception). However for Consorts it’s an open field. Lee organised a Lambeth Palace
Garden Tour and I organized a Pop-Up Painting Event. Both were very well attended but had very
little in common except everyone had a really good time.
Being invited to, and sending out invitations for, Consorts’ events has placed a lot of pressure on the
Clerks as this activity was never part of their original job description. Some Clerks resent this but Kim
has been extremely helpful 100% of the time.

It’s inevitable that eventually there will be a better balance between male and female Consorts.
I feel I got in at just the right time. I’ve had a wonderful year with plenty of good times and no
headaches. I’ve almost done my year and become friends with a lot of good women. I hope Kirsteen
will be able to say the same thing next summer. I’m sure she will.”

THE MASTER’S WEEKEND

This year’s Master’s Weekend was held in Exeter on the last weekend of June. The Master chose
Exeter because she went to university there and she thought that it would be an ideal venue for her
weekend away.
40 members and partners enjoyed a splendid weekend, staying in the Exeter Mercure Hotel and
wining and dining to the full. Most of the attendees made their way to Exeter either by car or train
although a few intrepid souls travelled by air.
Victoria had organised a very full itinerary which started on the Friday evening with a leisurely guided
tour round the centre of Exeter in order to work up an appetite for the evening meal that was held in

Autumn 2015 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors | 7