The Master’s Voice – A Record of Letters to the Livery Sandra Raine 2025 – 2026

This page features the latest letter from the Master of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers to the Livery, alongside a growing archive of past messages. These letters reflect on the Master’s year in office—sharing milestones, personal reflections, and key developments within the Company and the plumbing industry. Together, they offer a rich and enduring insight into the values, traditions, and leadership of the Worshipful Company, strengthening the connection between the Master and the wider Livery community.

 

Master Sandra Raine

Raine Drops 8 – The Master’s Blog, June 2026

4 June was the start of a full programme for the week ahead.  It began with Ian and I attending HMS Sultan’s 70th Anniversary Ceremonial Divisions as VIP guests.  After a brief spell of horizontal rain, HRH The Princess Royal carried out an inspection and took the salute in the march past on the parade ground. Lunch was taken in the Wardroom with the officers.

 

HMS Sultan

The next day we travelled to Bournemouth for the Livery Weekend to join the Lady Mayor, the Sheriffs and Masters, all accompanied by their respective Consorts.  The first evening we enjoyed Rockwater, Branksome, a bar on the promenade where we met many friends and made some new ones.

Bournemouth Reception

On Saturday we visited Bovington Tank Museum where the Lady Mayor drove a tank before firing its canon.  The weather (gale force winds and rain) dictated that our barbeque be held inside a barn, rather than in the orchard of Purbeck Cider Farm.  In the afternoon, we visited the Town Hall in Swanage, the façade being originally constructed for the Mercer’s Hall in 1670.  This was followed by a trip on the Swanage Steam Railway, passing the ruins of Corfe Castle.  Dinner in the evening was a mixer, with seating decided by drawing playing cards to find your table number.

Bournemouth

On Sunday, a few, brave souls, took an early morning dip in the sea.  We then wrapped up the weekend at a Masters’ meeting to decide on a name for our year group.  We will be known as “The Unsquared”, a name from yours truly, a reference to the Lady Mayor unsquaring the Square Mile.  The weekend had been very well attended with Masters and Consorts from 98 Livery Companies.  With the Lady Mayor, Sheriffs, consorts and other officials, there were over 200 in attendance.

Bournemouth Beach

Leaving Bournemouth at around 11:00 a.m. we headed north for my Master’s Break in Durham and Northumberland.  We were joined by 46 of you at the Beamish Hall Hotel for three nights.  We visited Alnwick Gardens and Castle, the backdrop used in many films and TV shows including Harry Potter, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Downton Abbey, Blackadder to name a few.  We enjoyed a Gin tasting at a local micro distillery, visited the Roman outpost of Vindolanda and explored Beamish, The Living Museum of the North.

Master’s Break

We were left mystified on Tuesday evening by Paul Lytton, The North East Magician.

Master’s Break Paul Lytton Magician

Our final evening was in the Winter Gardens room – an excellent venue to finish the break.  PM Peter Rumley summed up events in his inimitable style with a super closing speech.

Master’s Break – The Last Night

You can read more about this on our website at Gin and Magic Anyone? The Master’s Break

There was little time to reflect on our break as the following morning saw us head straight to London where Ian and I were guests at the Constructors Company Banquet, a white tie dinner at Carpenters’ Hall.

Constructors’ Banquet

On 18 June, I was a guest at another white tie dinner.  This time the Joiners and Ceilers Summer Banquet at the recently refurbished Skinners’ Hall.  In addition to the guest speaker, there was a rather special guest of honour who seemed to want to be photographed with me!

Joiners & Ceilers, Basil Brush with The Master

On 19 June, we had a briefing call with my guest speaker for the Summer Festival, Shaun Wallace from ITV’s The Chase, before Ian headed to the Old Bailey for a tour and lunch with the Sheriffs’ Consorts.

Consorts Lunch Old Bailey

Another busy week followed including attending the Gardeners and Charterhouse Livery Garden Party at The Charterhouse on 22 June with the Lady Mayor. Each guest was able to have a wonderful corsage assembled by talented apprentice flower arrangers.

Livery Garden Party

On 24 June, it was off to the NEC for our Annual Lecture, held in Birmingham this time as part of the World Plumbing Conference and Installer Show.  Following a short stint on our stand. My world class speaker, Matthew Griffin, gave a thought-provoking talk on the future of water security.  He proved quite a wow with the audience.

Annual Lecture Guest Speaker

I also had the honour of presenting Certificates of Excellence to our Bursary Winners and to our Silver and Bronze winners of Skill Plumb UK.  I was also able to present the Gold Medal to Andrew McCann, who has been selected to represent the UK in the International World Skills Competition in Shanghai later this year.

Award Winners

In the evening, I attended the Gala Dinner with a group of Plumbers to round off the evening. It was a pleasure to see Asst. Kevin Wellman presented with the distinguished service award, named after our own Past Master Geoff Marsh.

Meanwhile in London, our Liveryman Alderman Prem Goyal CBE was elected as Sheriff for 2026/2027, along with Alderman The Hon. Tim Levene.  I congratulate them both and look forward to being part of the Guard of Honour at the Admission of Sheriffs in September.

The following morning, 25 June, I joined the Conference at a discussion with our PPDS volunteers who did such amazing work in Nepal last year.  The discussion was led by PM David Adams. Each of our volunteers talked about different elements of the work, the challenges they faced and how much they gained from the experience.

PPDS Volunteers at WPC Conference

Immediately after that, I headed straight back to London for a quick change ready to go to the Centenary Dinner for The Honourable Company of Master Mariners at Guildhall.  This event was attended by not one, but two senior members of the Royal Family: The Master Mariner, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and the principal speaker, HRH The Princess Royal.  I was early enough to have the privilege of meeting the Duke of Edinburgh in the receiving line.  The sweltering heat did not deter people from marking this prestigious occasion.

The next day, 26 June, Ian and I had a quick visit to Trinity House to check a few final points for the Summer Festival.  I was looking forward to attending a function later that afternoon with the Sea Cadets on TS Royalist at St Katherine’s Dock.  Sadly, this was cancelled at short notice due to the red weather warning.

The final event for the month was on 29 June at Merchant Taylors’ Hall.  Joined by many Masters who have become good friends during the year, Ian and I were at a reception and Dinner for the Outgoing Master of the City of London Solicitors’ Company.

City of London Solicitors’ Company Dinner

I am looking forward to the last formal Plumbers’ event of my year, the Summer Festival at Trinity House.  Later, we have the planned tour of Shakespear’s Globe Theatre so look out for the flyer for this.

Raine Drops 7 – The Master’s Blog, May 2026

The month of May was again a very active month. On 6 May, Ian and I were guests at the Painter Stainers’ Barnett Dinner at Painters’ Hall. A white tie event to commemorate the birthday of William Barnett who made a bequest to the Painter Stainers so that members could celebrate his birthday each year with a Livery Banquet. A most enjoyable evening with good food and good company. What a great way to ensure that you are remembered, any generous donors out there Plumbers!

Barnett Dinner

Barnett Dinner

Barnett Dinner

Barnett Dinner

The 8 May was Royal Garden Party day at Buckingham Palace. We started with a splendid lunch at The Goring, where the dining room was filled with Livery Masters and Consorts all in their finery, before making our way to the Palace gates.

The Goring

The Goring

The weather held and once inside the Palace Gardens we enjoyed afternoon tea before the Royal Party made their way through the crowd. Walking through the gardens afterwards we kept bumping into other Masters enjoying the surroundings. Passing through the rose garden we spotted something familiar – two lead planters crafted by our museum demonstrators to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Late HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Garden Party

Garden Party

Garden Party

Garden Party

Garden Party

Plumbers Planter

After Social and Membership Committees on 12 May, it was off to St Paul’s Cathedral for the Clergy Support Trust Service. The Clergy Support Trust is the largest and oldest charity supporting Anglican ministers and their families. With gown and badge, along with other Masters, I had the honour of processing from the West door along the nave to my place under the dome. The Lady Mayor followed us, along with the Archbishop of Canterbury, who gave the sermon. We heard much about the very important work of the Trust which we were happy to support.

Clergy Support Trust

The following evening, we were treated to an excellent Livery Concert and dinner put on by the Mercers’ Company at their Hall. Dress code for men was “Smoking Jacket” which resulted in an unusual variety of choices. The concert was given by George & The Dragon, a song and piano duo with brilliant interplay and comic timing. Their programme included work by Flanders & Swan,

Cole Porter, Victoria Wood and Noel Coward. They ended with their own piece, commissioned by the Mercers, commemorating the 114 Livery Companies. You can see this yourself by following this link: George & The Dragon.

Livery Concert at Mercers

Livery Concert at Mercers

On 18 May, Ian was at another gathering of the Denis Consorts Group, having introduced two new ‘Denii’ himself this month. Joined by the Mayoral Consort, they planned future events from a hostelry in Leadenhall Market.

Following our Freedom and Livery Committee meeting on 19 May, I was joined by the Wardens and Clerk in hosting an Induction at Guildhall for Liverymen who had been clothed in the past couple of years. This is an opportunity for newer members to meet each other as well as the officers of the Company and to learn more about Company history and traditions.

Our social event on 20 May was a walking tour of Spitalfields with an emphasis on the influence of the Huguenots in the area. Once again the event was fully subscribed. My interest in this is that I have Huguenot ancestors, as, I discovered do several of our members. After a walk around the area, including an unexpected visit to a private house of the period, we visited Sandy’s Row Synagogue, which was formerly a Huguenot Chapel. After lunch at The Kings Stores, which some historians believe to be the place where Jack the Ripper was last seen, a few of us visited The Garden at 120 from where there are some spectacular views across London.

Huguenot Tour

Huguenot Tour

Huguenot Tour

Huguenot Tour

On 22 May, along with many other Livery Masters, I attended the Oiling of the Gates ceremony at Temple Bar as a guest of the Architects Company. This is a relatively recent annual event where the Master of the Gates oils the gate hinges with an oil can and declares them to be in good working order. The gates once marked the western boundary to the entry to the Square mile. The ceremony included Pikemen and a rare appearance from Sir Christopher Wren who of course designed Temple Bar! Everyone loved the WD40 twins. After oiling the gates, it was time to oil the Masters with a celebratory glass of champagne in the Courtyard. Some very bemused looks from tourists wondering what on earth was going on with these odd people wearing funny badges and heavy robes at the start of the heatwave.Oiling the Gates

Oiling the Gates

Oiling the Gates

Oiling the Gates

Oiling the Gates

On 26 May, the IPM and I met for an informal discussion with the Master and IPM of the Worshipful Company of Tobacco Pipe Makers and Tobacco Blenders.

The same evening, I was at Goldsmiths’ Hall for a Livery Committee Reception.

If you haven’t already booked for our Annual Lecture, please do so now, it is FREE this year. This is one of our core events and is on 24 June at the NEC as part of the World Plumbing Conference and Installer Show. We have Matthew Griffin, a world class speaker, discussing the important subject of the Future of Water Security. This can be booked through the World Plumbing Council website at The Worshipful Company of Plumbers Annual Lecture, which is also accessible via a link on our own website.

The flyer is now out for our Summer Festival which will be on 6 July at Trinity House, overlooking the Tower of London. I have as my guest speaker Dr Shaun Wallace, who fans of ITV’s ‘The Chase’ will know as one of the ‘Chasers’ with the task of stopping contestants winning cash prizes.

He is also a practising barrister and has defended several high-profile cases at the Old Bailey. We expect this to be a popular event so please book early to avoid disappointment. The price is lower than last year thanks to the support of our sponsors. Book now at Summer Festival – July 6 2026

 

Raine Drops 6 – The Master’s Blog, April 2026

A quiet start to April with Easter falling on the first weekend allowed some relaxation. Time for a few planning meetings. My first official event of the month was our visit to Amberley on 15 April.  Coincidentally this was exactly six months after my installation and marked the midpoint of my time as Master.  This visit was arranged in conjunction with the History Group.  As well as our lead casting workshop, we enjoyed a captivating talk from stained glass artist Sarah Knighton, followed by a demonstration of her craft.  I am pleased we are able to build on the links our craft has with that of others, in this case lead work, which features prominently in stained glass work.

 

                                                                     

                                                                 

17 April was a chance for a meeting with John Benjamin to finalise the details of the jewellery surgery prior to the April Court Lunch.  Then it was off to Mansion House where I was privileged to have a front row seat to witness an event few Masters get the chance to see, the granting of Letters Patent to the Worshipful Company of Communicators, No.113 in Order of Precedence.  The Lady Mayor made the presentation.  Ian then joined me for the Banquet that followed in the Egyptian Hall. Here I found myself seated between last year’s Lord Mayor, Alderman Alastair King and Alderman, and member of our Company, Prem Goyal.  A thoroughly enjoyable evening where we were both on the top table, albeit at opposite ends. A great night too for our photographer Andy Sillett who sits on the Court of the Communicators.

                                                                 

                                                                 

                                                                  

Photos by Andy Sillett

On 21 April, we were in Coalville at Stephenson College for the finals of the HIP Female Skills Competition.  Once again, a huge amount of talent with the winners of the regional heats competing for the prize.  Previous winner and PPDS volunteer Daisy Turner was also in attendance to see the group competing as she had done before.  The skills on display were at such a high level that the judges had to go round three times to finally decide on the winner.  All of those who reached this final should be very proud.  They represent the best of their year group and their tutors are rightly proud of them.

Ian and I were back at the RAF Club on 22 April, for the Air Pilots’ Cobham Lecture.  This year the speaker gave us a fascinating talk about the famous aviators Alcock & Brown.  We have been fortunate to have been able to attend a number of lectures put on by the Air Pilots and they have all been excellent.

On Thursday 23 April I was at Watermans’ Hall for their Masters and Clerks Lunch. A memorable affair.  I was photobombed by a knickerbocker glory. Rarely have a seen so many Livery Masters so high with a sugar rush upon leaving the hall having consumed their desserts.

                                                                 

On Friday 24 April Ian and I were at the Treloar’s Gala Dinner at Guildhall, hosted by the Lady Mayor.  The event raised over £220,000 for the Treloar’s School, a staggering amount for a dinner.  The evening included various auctions and concluded with Martin Kemp, musician and actor, as a DJ for an 80s themed dance session.  There were even 80s sweeties for everyone! The sight of Livery Masters boogying like sixties ‘gogo dancers’ on a raised dais in the middle of Guildhall where we were joined by Alderman & Sheriff Robert Hughes-Penney will be forever etched in my memory.

                                                                 

                                                                   

                                         

At our Court Meeting on 28 April.  We clothed five new Liverymen.  The Court also unanimously agreed to make our Beadle, Peter, an Honorary Liverymen for the sterling service he has given to the Company over the past 16 years.  I have been most grateful for his sound advice as I moved up the chain and during this year in particular.  This lunch was Peter’s last Plumbers’ event before retiring as our Beadle.  Whilst we will miss him in that role, we hope we will continue to see him at our events. We warmly welcome Brian, our new Beadle, who has been shadowing Peter for several months.

                                                                 

Photos by Andy Sillett

The Court Lunch that followed featured John Benjamin, former presenter on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, as our guest speaker.  John held a jewellery surgery prior to the lunch where he appraised many items brought in by you.  He has carried out such surgeries numerous times and never knows what might turn up.  This time, he was not disappointed, with one special item brought along.  His speech showed how much he has enjoyed it when he is able to tell someone the item they thought was worthless turned out to be something exceptional.   John will be installed as Master Art Scholar this May and so we were fortunate he was able to fit this into his schedule.  John and I have been firm friends since we first met ‘on the circuit’ a couple of years ago and I wish him well for his year.

                                                                   

                                                                 

Photos by Andy Sillett

On the evening of Wednesday 29 April Ian and I were guests at the CIPHE President’s Dinner at Watermans’ Hall.  As many of you will know, our own Court Assistant Jason Clark is the current CIPHE President and is an avid supporter of our Company.  The guest speaker, Tier Blundell, gave an inspiring talk on how someone can become a high achiever however difficult their background may have been.  Several more Company members were also guests.

                                                                

 

For my final event in April, we had a 5:00 a.m. start the next morning travelling to Barnsley for the HIP Learner of the Year Finals.  This brought together the winners from regional heats in the plumbing skills competition.  Once again, the skill levels on display were exceptional, with only a few marks separating the finalists.  It was most encouraging to see how well they supported each other, even though this was a hotly fought contest.  As an added bonus for the competitors, the Mayor and Mayoress of Barnsley visited to offer support.

                                                                   

                                                                  

On 10 May, Lvy. Mike Horwood is undertaking the gruelling Etape Caledonia bike ride.  Please support him as he raises money for the Plumbers’ Charity.  Contact the Clerk for details of how to contribute.

Our next social event, a walking tour of Spitalfields, is on 20 May.  There is one place remaining for anyone wishing to join us.

Bookings are now open for our Annual Lecture on 24 June.  This year it is at the NEC as part of the World Plumbing Conference and Installer Show.  We have Matthew Griffin, a world class speaker and futurist, discussing the future of water security.  Please do book for this and come to the Installer Show where you can visit us on our stand.  The Lecture and Show are free!!  You can register here: Plumbers Annual Lecture where you can also book for the Gala Dinner in the evening.  You may also like to attend the Conference itself when, on 25 June, some of our PPDS volunteers will be talking about their work in Nepal.  Check out the World Plumbing Conference website at World Plumbing Conference 2026.

Raine Drops 5 – The Master’s Blog, March 2026

March turned out to be an exceptionally busy, but most rewarding month. On 2 March, after a couple of committees in the office, I attended the Derek Melluish Memorial Lecture at Guildhall. This was a fascinating talk on the new London Museum at Smithfield which is due to open later this year on the old Smithfield Market site.

On 3 March, Ian and I had the pleasure of visiting Treloar School in Hampshire with the Lady Mayor and Masters from many other Livery companies. Treloar’s is a charity that runs one of the UK’s largest specialist education centres for young disabled people. It’s highly specialised staff are amazing and the young people we met benefit greatly from the work they do. They currently have a project to upgrade a residential building to instal Jack & Jill bathrooms and improve the environment for the teenage students who live there. I have in mind a few areas where we may be able to help, along with our colleagues at CIPHE.

Treloar

On 5 March, I attended a reception hosted by Lvy. Alderman Prem Goyal CBE in honour of our incredible volunteers who last year provided a village in Nepal with a clean water system. The volunteers were joined by their mentors and supporters and gave us a presentation on the work they had done.

 

PPDS Reception

PPDS Reception

Another lecture and supper on 10 March at Ironmongers Hall, the Sylvia Tutt Memorial lecture, where I was a guest of the Master Chartered Secretary, a good friend of mine. The lecture focussed on good Governance practice.

Sylvia Tutt Lecture

On 11 March, Ian was at the Honourable Artillery Company for a talk about their history and tour of their premises. The HAC provide the personal bodyguard for The Lady Mayor. Their Pikemen can regularly be seen at her official functions. The tour included a visit to the armoury.

HAC Tour

HAC Tour

The Master Certificate Awards, initiated by our own Past Master Geoff Marsh, were held at Mansion House on 12 March. Plumbers were the biggest group represented, with six Master Certificates and one Journeyman Certificate presented by the Lady Mayor to the deserving attendees.

Master Certificate (Photo by Andy Sillett)

Master Certificate (Photo by Andy Sillett)

Master Certificate (Photo by Andy Sillett)

16 March was without doubt the high point of the year. Our flagship event, the Annual Banquet, this year had the highest attendance since pre-covid times. Thanks to our sponsors, PEW and HDR, we were able to hold the price at the same level as last year. We were especially privileged to be joined by the Lady Mayor, who took the time to mix with our members during the stirrup cup. Our guest speaker, Felix Francis was highly entertaining. From the messages I received, it is clear how much you enjoyed the event. See the full account of this at A Plumb and Perfect Banquet.

Banquet (Photo by Andy Sillett)

Banquet (Photo by Andy Sillett)

Banquet (Photo by Andy Sillett)

Banquet (Photo by Andy Sillett)

On 18 March, I attended the City Water Debate organised by the Worshipful Company of Water Conservators at Bakers’ Hall. This was a lively debate prompting some searching questions, largely around how to encourage domestic water saving and the extent to which water companies will sell this message given their heavily reported record on discharges.

City Water Debate

Meanwhile Ian attended another event with the recently formed group of current male consorts, calling themselves the “Denis Consorts Group”, after Denis Thatcher. The group were treated to a tour of Mercers’ Hall, after which they retired to a local hostelry.

Mercers’ Hall

On Thursday 19 March, Ian and I were back at Mansion House for the Lady Mayor’s dinner for Masters, Prime Wardens and Upper Bailiff. There were about 350 guests in the Egyptian Hall. It reminded me of our own banquets in days past when we had well over 300 guests ourselves. I was warmly welcomed by the Lady Mayor.

Masters’ Dinner (Photo by Gerald Sharp)

Masters’ Dinner (Photo by Gerald Sharp)

This was followed on the Friday morning with a hearty breakfast at Plaisterers’ Hall which has become a regular feature preceding the United Guilds Service at St Paul’s Cathedral. The United Guilds Service was well attended by the Plumbers. Being No 31 in the order of precedence we were seated under the Dome.

Group at UGS (Photo by Andy Sillett)

The service was followed by lunch at Painters’ Hall where the Painter Stainers’ Company hosted not only ourselves, but many other Livery Companies. I gave the thank-you speech to our lunch hosts at Painters Hall.

Lunch at Painters

On Monday 23 March, after a meeting of the Executive I attended a Freedom Ceremony where six of our most recent Freemen received their Freedom Certificates at Guildhall. Many of them will

be clothed at our Court meeting in April. After the ceremony I took the group and their families to the City Livery Club for a drink where we were all able to get to know each other a little better.

Freedom Ceremony

Freedom Ceremony

While I was at the Freedom Ceremony, Ian was at another consorts event, this time a demonstration of wood turning arranged by the consort to the Master Turner. An exceptionally skilled Turner made a couple of objects including a wooden bowl where he turned the bowl to a thickness of only one millimetre.

Turners Demonstration

The next day, 24 March, I visited Mary Hare School for deaf children which, among other things, teaches plumbing skills to level 2 to its students. PPDS Nepal volunteer Daisy Turner gave students a talk about her own career journey and the work she and others did in Nepal. She also judged a plumbing competition for the students that took place in the morning. Upper Warden Janet Rivers generously donated plumbing materials left over from her time as a plumber. Read more about this at Mary Hare School Visit.

Mary Hare School

Mary Hare School

Another sad occasion on 25 March when I attended a memorial service for Past Steward and former Court Assistant Geoffrey Barber. He was a very generous supporter of the Company but unfortunately had to step down from the Court due to ill health. Many of you will know his wife, Daphne, also a Member of the Livery, former Steward and our Almoner.

On 26 March I was a guest of the Blacksmiths’ Company for their Lady Day Lunch at Pewterers’ Hall. Being the Master of the most senior livery company present, it fell to me to thank the Blacksmiths on behalf of the guests. The Blacksmiths face similar challenges to many traditional crafts in attracting apprentices and we were able to share ideas about how to change this.

On Saturday 28 March, Ian and I joined the shooters for lunch following their clay pigeon shoot at Bisley.

The month rounded off with us taking advantage of a quiet few days before Easter to make a further visit to the northeast to finalise a few details for my Master’s break in June.

Bookings are now open for our Court Lunch on 28 April where our guest speaker will be John Benjamin, jewellery historian, lecturer and writer. He will also be discussing and appraising jewellery at a special session before lunch. Check the flyer and our website for details.

We also have our visit to Amberly coming up on 15 April. This year it is being done jointly with our own history group and we have Stained Glass Conservator Sara Knighton giving us a talk on stained glass including use of lead says, followed by a hands-on workshop. Bookings are open – see Visit to the Plumbing Museum & Workshop.

Look out for the opportunity to sponsor Lvy. Mike Horwood who is undertaking the gruelling Etape Caledonia bike ride for the Plumbers’ Charity on 10 May. Details will be published soon.

We wish you all a Happy and Peaceful Easter.

Raine Drops 4 – The Master’s Blog, February 2026

It’s hard to believe I am already a third of the way through my year as Master.  The time has simply flown past.

On 2 February, I was a guest at the Art Scholars Banquet at the magnificent Merchant Taylors’ Hall.  We have built up quite a rapport with the Art Scholars since I met John Benjamin some time ago.  John will be our guest speaker at our April Court Lunch.

Art Scholars Banquet

Art Scholars Banquet

Earlier that day, Ian was at Drapers’ Hall for a tour where the consorts group was given some insight to the Drapers’ history and that of the hall and its treasures.  Afternoon tea followed.

Consorts at Drapers’ Hall

On 9 February, we had the ever-popular Plumbers’ Table at Ironmongers’ Hall.  Once again, we had about 50 Plumbers and guests together for an informal lunch. Very encouraging to have 12 potential new members present. This is an ideal opportunity to bring someone along who is thinking about joining the Plumbers to give them a taste of what we do. Look out for the next one in September.

Plumbers Table

Plumbers Table

The next day, I was at Guildhall to hear Jill Finch, a City of London Guide and Lecturer, speaking about the lanes, courts and alleyways of London.  A fascinating talk for those who are interested in London’s history.  In the evening, I was back at Merchant Taylors’ Hall for an enthralling concert led by the St Paul’s Cathedral Musicians.

On 11 February, after meeting with John Benjamin from the Art Scholars, it was over to the Pelligon, near Canary Wharf, for the investiture of the Chancellor for the University of East London, Lord Kensington, followed by dinner.  What a small world we move in; one or two of the new people I met knew others in the Plumbers very well. I was impressed by the dynamic group of lecturers present, keen to ensure practical application is the byword in the courses. The passion and enthusiasm of their students was refreshing.

Investiture of Chancellor UEL

On 17 February we took part in the Annual Inter-Livery Pancake race in Guildhall Yard.  The weather held for a really fun day.  I was in the Master’s race and completed my heat without breaking anything, much to the Clerk’s relief. Ian ran in the Liveryman’s race, our Clerk, Debbie, in the Ladies Race and Senior Steward, David, in the Novelty Race.  David got through to the finals and also took silver medal in the costume competition for his Bavarian outfit, as ‘Christopher Plumber’ after the star in the Sound of Music.  See the full report of the day on our website at The Worshipful Company of Plumbers » A Flippin’ Good Day for The Plumbers – 17 February 2026

Pancake Race

Pancake Race

On 18 February, I attended the Educators’ Company Franklin Lecture at Drapers’ Hall.  The lecture was given by Sir Philip Redmond CBE, the creator of the TV series ‘Grange Hill’. He revealed it was the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who suggested he write this at a lunch.  Further networking followed.

Franklin lecture

In the afternoon on 18 February, Ian attended a private lunch at Mansion House hosted by Mayoral Consort Gary Langley.  This was quite exclusive with only a limited number of consorts and their guests in the private dining area.  After lunch, they were treated to a tour of the plate room.

Mayoral Consorts Private Lunch

The following Monday, Ian and I attended the Annual Ravenscroft Lecture arranged by the Glass Sellers of London at Glaziers’ Hall.  This was a most revealing talk by Roland Hill, inventor of the ‘one-way vision’ technology which has been adopted worldwide and which we often see used for advertising or promotion on buses, buildings and façades.

Ravenscroft Lecture

Ravenscroft Lecture

23 February was a rather sad occasion where I, along with a number of our Past Masters and their partners, attended the funeral of Honorary Liveryman Martin Gratte.  Martin, himself a Past Master of the Lightmongers’ Company, was a long-standing supporter of the Plumbers and, through his company, Gratte Brothers, sponsored many of our events in previous years.  The service, committal and wake were extremely well attended, a mark of how highly regarded Martin was.

My final event for the month was at the Ancient Liveries Inaugural Dinner at Guildhall on 26 February.  Organised by the Master Woolman and Master Pavior, this is set to become a regular feature in the Liveries calendar.

Ancient Liveries Dinner

With another consorts event earlier the same day, Ian attended a tour and lunch at the Building Crafts College in Stratford, east London.  Supported by the Carpenters’ Company, the college offers training in various wood working crafts, bricklaying and stone carving, including certain heritage crafts.

Building Crafts College

Our next major event is our Annual Banquet at Mansion House on 16 March where the Lady Mayor is our guest.  Our speaker is best-selling crime thriller writer Felix Francis, author of the Dick Francis novels.  If you haven’t yet secured your place, please do so.  Bookings close on 6 March.  Look out for the flyer for the Court Lunch on 28 April where our speaker will be John Benjamin, antiques expert.

Raine Drops 3 – The Master’s Blog, January 2026

The Christmas and New Year closure was an opportunity for us to compile our Masters break brochure for 8 – 11 June this year in Northumberland & Durham. Look out for general release. The first week in January we were again operating at full throttle. On 6 January, I was a guest at the Masons’ Lunch at Mercer’s Hall and found myself on the top table enjoying the Company of the Master Mason, my second visit to them in just a few weeks.

The following day I joined many other Livery Masters at a reception to say farewell to the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, before she took up her position as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman to hold this office in its 1,400-year history. The reception at Guildhall was hosted by The Lady Mayor, Dame Susan Langley.

Lady Mayor & Bishop of London

On 8 January, after a pleasurable New Year lunch with the office team, it was off to Guildhall again for a Freedom Ceremony where, Jonathan Stone, Emmet McParland and Simon Evans, became Freemen of London. We then retired to the City Livery Club for drinks and an informal chat with our new Freemen.

Freedom Ceremony

On Friday 9 January, Ian and I attended the City New Year Service at St Michael Cornhill where we heard from The Lady Mayor and the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey. This was followed by an informal lunch at Drapers’ Hall.

The following week started with a rather sad occasion. I was honoured to represent the Company and deliver a eulogy at the funeral of my old friend Lvy. Owen O’Neill, a Past President of CIPHE, who passed away last November. One of his last public outings had been as my guest at my installation last October. The wake was an opportunity to meet REME Chatham and Mid-Kent College lecturers.

Lvy Owen O’Neill and me – ‘Plumbers Afloat’ 2014

The next day, 13 January, Ian and I were at Mansion House for a tasting to select the menu for our Annual Banquet on 16 March. I hope you will approve of our choices! It was then to the office for a meeting with members of the Executive and afterwards a quick change to attend the Plaisterers’ Masters and Clerks Dinner at Plaisterers’ Hall. I sat next to the Prime Warden of The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights, a former First Sea Lord. We had a fascinating discussion about world events and defence. Ian, meanwhile, attended another consorts event, this time a gathering of male consorts, where they were joined by Gary Langley, the Mayoral Consort.

My first Court meeting as Master was on 19 January where we clothed two new liverymen, Emmet McParland and Thomas Sterling, and presented a military award to Sgt Chrisopher Canning. It was fantastic to learn of the efforts of 19 Past Masters’ Consorts, organised by Wendy Hamilton, in raising money for Amberley through sponsored walks. Our thanks and congratulations to all who participated. There is still time to donate, contact RW Michael Cooper for a gift aid form. Lunch followed with a change in format from recent years. We limited this lunch to court members, new liverymen, military award winners and stewards to allow greater interaction and discussion on a particular topic. We had a very interesting debate around the table on how we can improve and maintain our contact with the armed forces. I will be following up on the ideas.

Military Award

Court Lunch

New Liverymen

Whilst I was at the Court lunch, Ian was at yet another consorts event, their annual lunch at Ironmongers’ Hall (he seems to have as many functions as I do!)

The following evening, Ian and I attended a fundraising event for Dolma Foundation where I was privileged to be speaking alongside Lord Blunkett. As some of you will be aware, Dolma does a significant amount of work in Nepal investing in education, health and sustainable business. Recently, four volunteers from our Plumbing Professional Development Scheme rose to the challenge and successfully installed a clean water supply to a village in Nepal as part of Dolma’s initiatives. The Plumbers’ Charity supports Dolma and has just donated £7,600 to help continue its important work.

Speaking at Dolma Fundraiser

Dolma Fundraiser

The second event in my social programme, a tour of the Royal Opera House, was on 22 January and another sell-out (in fact, to accommodate as many as we could we had to arrange a second tour to run in parallel!). We enjoyed watching ballet dancers in one of their practise sessions and were treated to seeing part of a rehearsal in the main theatre. Our guides, Marilyn and Alex, were excellent and we had a final talk and Q&A session with Stuart Robinson, Assistant Technical Director. The staff were intrigued to learn about the Plumbers links to the ROH courtesy of Lvy. and former Senior Steward John Carnaby who had repaired an old Jennings toilet in the Bedford box. Guests retired to an enjoyable lunch next door at La Ballerina restaurant. My thanks to steward Mel Gumbs for organising this and to Ian for helping with the arrangements.

ROH Tour

ROH Lunch

25 January saw us at the City of London Club for a traditional Burns Night Supper organised by the Master of The Worshipful Company of Architects. This was a fun evening with about 140 attending, mainly Masters from other companies and their consorts. The Lady Mayor and Sheriffs were also present and joined us in the ceilidh that followed. Some of us were a little rusty with our Scottish country dancing!

Burns Night Supper

Addressing the Haggis

Early the next morning, I was at the Barbican Centre at City St Georges University of London Graduation Ceremony. At the ceremony, the Lady Mayor was installed as Rector of the University with a select bunch of Livery Masters in attendance. What is the collective noun for a group of Masters?

Masters Group at Barbican

My last formal engagement in January was as a guest at The Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries Masters’ Lunch at Innholders’ Hall where I enjoyed a delicious lunch of roast beef with all the trimmings. A great opportunity to meet up with some of my fellow Chartered Secretaries

Master with Master Chartered Secretary

Between events were the usual round of Committee and organisational meetings, speech writing and thank you notes and even the occasional opportunity to sleep.

Bookings are now open for our Annual Banquet at Mansion House on 16 March. This year, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, PEW and HDR, we have been able to hold the price at the same level as last year. We are fortunate in having the Lady Mayor join us and I have secured a best-selling thriller writer, Felix Francis, as our guest speaker. Please come along and bring your friends and colleagues to this superb event. Book early and you could win one of five signed copies of our speaker’s latest novel.

Raine Drops 2 – The Master’s Blog, December 2025

I hope you have all had a very happy Christmas and a relaxing New Year.

As 2025 drew to a close, there were still a number of City and Livery events on the calendar.  On 1 December, Ian and I were invited to a reception at the RAF Museum at Hendon, together with the Clerk and her husband Avi.

RAF Museum

There was a fascinating display of equipment and uniforms through the ages.  It was an opportunity to meet officers from the RAF and has resulted in a useful follow up contact.

Consorts Lunch

Earlier that day, Ian was at the City Consorts Festive Lunch at Innholders Hall, joining past, present and future consorts from many livery companies for their noisy and good-humoured Christmas lunch.

Carol Service

Carol Service

Many of you attended our record-breaking Carol Service on 10 December at St Magnus the Martyr.  The church was close to capacity as we enjoyed mulled wine, with delicious mince pies once again baked by Penny Brooks, Immediate Past Mistress.  The choir were excellent, as was the organ playing by our former Clerk, Lvy. Adrian Mumford.  The service was followed by a fabulous buffet arranged by our stewards which again proved to be excellent value. Huge thanks to the Past Masters, Consorts, Liverymen and Stewards who helped with the clear up and to Fr Philip for allowing us use of St Magnus.

Royal Society of St George Christmas Banquet

Royal Society of St George Christmas Banquet

On 12 December, Ian and I attended the Royal Society of St George Christmas Banquet at Guildhall. It was a delight to see many Masters, civic dignitaries and Company members, including Alderman Prem Goyal CBE.  We had a fabulous meal followed by carol singing led by the Scholars and Voices of St Brides, Fleet Street. N.B. Master without a sling!

RAF Cadet Dinner

RAF Cadet Dinner

The following evening, we were both at the RAF Club in Piccadilly at the 1147 (Barking) Squadron, our affiliated Cadet Squadron, Annual Dinner.  The dinner was also attended by PM Air Cdre Paul Nash OBE, Honorary President of the Squadron, Lvy. Air Cdre Barbara Cooper, former Commandant of the Air Cadets and our Clerk, Debbie Abergil.  We were very impressed by the confidence of these cadets, a great credit to Squadron CO Flight Lieutenant Sulaiman Faisal, the officers and civilian instructors of the Squadron.

Dickens Performance

Dickens Performance

Carols at Royal Exchange

On 17 December, In the presence of the Lady Mayor, we attended a splendid and rather unique performance of A Christmas Carol by Mark and Oliver Dickens, direct descendants of Charles Dickens, at the Old Library in the Lloyds Building.  All proceeds from the performance went to The Lord Mayor’s Appeal.  We then adjourned to the Royal Exchange to sing carols under the Christmas Tree and to enjoy mulled wine and mince pies courtesy of Fortnum & Mason.

Masons Awards

My final event of 2025 was the Masons Awards at Mercers Hall on 18 December, with HRH The Duke of Gloucester.

We had the last round of committee meetings for 2025 during the month.  After a short but very relaxing break over Christmas, it was back to work preparing for events in January.

Our next social event is on 22 January 2026, a tour of the Royal Opera House.  This sold out within 48 hours of launching.  However, we managed to arrange a second guide and so have been able to accommodate additional numbers.  There are still a very few places left if you would like to tour this famous venue.

Raine Drops – The Master’s Blog November 25

It was wonderful to see so many of you at my Installation. It was a full-on day ending with dinner at the Grocers Hall as a guest of the Musicians Company. Those of you who attended the Installation Lunch would have heard me say during my speech that I was going to throw myself into the role. Well, five days after my installation, I did just that! I took a tumble at Mansion House, no alcohol involved, and fractured my humerus, although I found it far from amusing. Eating with one hand, is a great way to keep the pounds from piling on but not one you will find in any diet book.

A mere broken bone did not stop Ian & I from enjoying a fabulous evening that same week as guests at the Installation Dinner for the Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants held at the spectacular Merchant Taylors Hall on 24 October.

The first social event in my calendar was on 28 October, a splendid sell-out tour of the Houses of Parliament, kindly hosted by Lvy. Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate. He also arranged for Lord Young of Cookham, a Deputy Lord Speaker, to join us for tea which was an added bonus.

The same evening, Ian and I attended a reception at Wizardry in Wood, a fascinating display of woodcraft arranged by the Worshipful Company of Turners.

My busiest week so far started on 3 November when I was privileged to join Masters from every Livery Company at the Garden of Remembrance Service at St Pauls’. In a moving ceremony, the Lord Mayor led us in the planting of crosses to commemorate the fallen. I was honoured to plant a cross on behalf of the Plumbers Company in memory of those who gave their lives so that we could enjoy the freedom we have today.

I then joined many of the Masters for lunch at Grocers Hall. The day rounded off with a Service of Thanksgiving for the out-going Lord Mayor, Alderman Alistair King, at St Stephens Walbrook.

The only fireworks for me came from the witty repartee on 5 November, as a guest at the Court Lunch of the Worshipful Company of Carpenters seated next to the Master Carpenter, Laurence Mallinson. In the evening, I was a guest of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners at their Autumn Dinner at Vintners Hall. Both events provided opportunities to meet and see their students/apprentices acknowledged and awarded. Is it time for the Plumbers to think about providing such an opportunity?

On 6 November, Ian and I attended the Horners’ Lecture at the Royal Society of Medicine. Dr Alicia Chrysostomou gave a compelling talk on the use of plastics and in particular dispelled common misunderstandings and myths, often presented as facts re recyclability.

On Friday 7 November, I joined many other Livery Masters at the Silent Ceremony where Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley was installed as the 697th Mayor, only the third woman to take the role and the first to adopt the title, Lady Mayor. This solemn service dates back more than 800 years and is a poignant reminder of preservation of our history and tradition.

It is often said that every cloud has a silver lining. I would have been walking with the Plumbers in the Lady Mayor’s Show on 8 November. However, as soon as Dame Susan heard of my ‘armless’ mishap, she kindly invited Ian and I to join her as guests in the grandstand at Mansion House. Following an enjoyable Mansion House breakfast, we had a superb view of the entire parade as it passed. We saw many friends from the Company in the parade and the crowd.

The Ladle Dinner on 11 November was the usual informal friendly event. Chaired by the outgoing Senior Steward, Assistant Kevin Thomas, I managed to serve soup one handed without spilling any, despite the reservations of our Clerk! IPM Charles Brooks provided one of his usual well-polished speeches, a fitting tribute to his time as Master.

I was privileged on 18 November to be invited to lunch with the Judges at the Old Bailey by Sheriff Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney. Judges make great dining companions and after interesting discussions over lunch with a select group of guests, I was able to sit in on one of the cases. The lady judge presiding who sat next to me at lunch was about my height. She was in full control and took no nonsense from the barristers. Clearly, she is one of those little things sent to try us! Groan!!

After attending the Annual PMWT Trustees’ Meeting on 19 November at Amberley, I travelled to London for the Lady Mayor’s Address at Mansion House where Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley set ambitious plans for the year ahead to ‘unsquare’ the square mile.

Following various committee meetings, my last event in November was on Friday 28th as a guest at the Broad Street Ward Club Civic Lunch in the Guildhall Crypt in the presence of the Sheriffs.

Sleep is in short supply as the business of the Company, new projects/planning, attending civic and other livery company events, social programme, Masters break finalisation, writing speeches and thank you notes still must be done but I am greatly enjoying the buzz of it all. Ian’s input is invaluable.

Look out for the flyer for the next social event on 22 January 2026, a tour of the Royal Opera House.