Page 6 - The Constructor 2017

The Master’s Year

seeing apprentices learning their trade. My Masters weekend in Guernsey was another memorable
occasion, the weather was superb, the accommodation, food, wine and comfort was very acceptable
and a good time was had by all.
Over 200 people attended our Sir Christopher Wren Banquet at Merchant Taylors’ Hall and we were
graced by the Lord Mayor playing the organ. This was something I will remember with pride and
pleasure for a long time.
Our Company continues to prosper and the support that is being given to our dinners, events and
committees is most heartening, continuing to provide these with support to ensure growth and
maintain the reputation and rightful place within the Modern Livery Companies.
It was an honour to be have been the 40th Master of this Worshipful Company and when asked I can
say “What a privilege”. I appreciate all the support I have been given by my various consorts during
the year, Kim, our Clerk, Ted, our Beadle and the Wardens.
Finally, Sue and I extend our very best wishes to the new Master and Mistress, Tony and Jan Ward,
who will, we know, do a superb job on behalf of the Company

THE MASTER’S WEEKEND
The Master’s Weekend this year took place in Guernsey from 16 – 19 June and we were blessed with
both exceptional weather and a most beautiful location.
After journeying to Guernsey by either air or sea ferry we congregated at the appointed hotels on the
Friday afternoon. Some of us stayed at the Old Government House Hotel whilst most of the
remainder (who didn’t manage to secure accommodation there), stayed a few hundred yards away
at the Duke of Richmond Hotel. Both hotels are part of the Red Carnation Group and, although
different, were of a very high standard and looked after us extremely well.
Not surprisingly, the Master had fully engaged our Guernsey members (colloquially known as the
“Guernsey Mafia”), to ensure that we had a most interesting and varied itinerary. We started out on
the Friday evening with a reception at Castle Cornet arranged by the States of Guernsey. The
location was spectacular and the weather could not have been better, so, on a balmy evening we
were all treated to a most generous reception which was attended by Guernsey Deputy Joe Moody,
who also joined us for the black tie dinner on the Saturday evening. Following on from this, we
walked to the adjacent Guernsey Yacht Club where we enjoyed a splendid “Guernsey” Buffet
including many local specialities, not the least of which was an enormous platter of seafood. Fully
replete, we then joined the coach for the trip back to our hotel.
Saturday morning dawned bright and clear, and following a hearty breakfast we made our way down
to the Trident quay, to join the boat to Herm, some 3 miles from St Peter Port. After a very smooth
crossing we landed 20 minutes later on Herm, and were met by our guide, Brett Moore, the Estate
Manager for Herm Island. He took us round the island, showing us both locations of special interest
and describing the flora in great detail. Following the walking tour round the island we adjourned to
the Ship Inn for a very necessary drink and an alfresco lunch.
It was particularly noteworthy that the Mistress Constructor, despite the many challenges
occasioned by her health, was also able to attend. Sue joined fully in our varied programme of
events, as can be seen in the Group Photograph which was taken just after we landed on the island
of Herm

6 | Autumn 2017 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors