Master Mariner’s Court Luncheon

Our Master, Tony Ward and our Gallant Clerk, Kim Tyrrell were recently invited by the Master of the Worshipful Company of Master Mariners, Captain Martin Reed, to join him at their Court Luncheon on Wednesday 7 March 2018 in the Wardroom on board HQS Wellington, their official headquarters ship, moored on the Thames near Temple Stairs.  The Principal Guests were the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Phillip Jones and the New Zealand High Commissioner, HE the Rt Hon Sir Jerry Matapare.  Twenty-seven Masters and their Clerks were also present at this extremely convivial Lunch which, according to the Master, was enjoyed by all present.  The Worshipful Company of Master Mariners is, not surprisingly, the only Company whose headquarters and Livery Hall are in fact not on land and they are also the first “modern” Livery Company.  The webmaster recalls one occasion some time ago when he tried to attend a function at HQS Wellington, only for the taxi driver, who couldn’t find it, to say “Well it was here last time I dropped someone off”.  Clearly the effect of the rise and fall of the tidal Thames had not occurred to him!  HQS Wellington was indeed still there, but it was low tide and it was not apparent from the Embankment!