Master’s Blog 15
Admin & Planning, being educated by the Chartered Architects and the World Traders, then a sample menu at Mansion House.
THE MASTER’S BLOG: 15
MEETING WITH WARDENS: TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2018
It is good to have a lunchtime catch-up with the Upper Warden and Renter Wardens today during which we have a useful discussion about future plans.
CHARTERED ARCHITECTS’ LECTURE: WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2018
The title of tonight’s Lecture is “Heritage and Modernity- War of Peace” and we hear a fascinating range of views on architecture in the City of London by the distinguished trio of Peter Luscombe, Annie Hampson OBE and Paul Finch OBE (who don’t all have the same view on the role of modern buildings in the City). Master Chartered Architect, Stephen Wagstaffe, kicks the proceedings off with an interesting illustrated talk based on his impression of buildings in the City over the last 60 years, including some excellent photographs taken from the top of The Monument in 1955, in 2000 and recently. As someone who thinks that there are some lovely old and modern buildings in the City of London, this is a good evening and I leave with notes of a few more buildings which we really must visit during our time here.
31ST WORLD TRADERS’ TACITUS LECTURE: THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2018
Filling the Guildhall to capacity, the Worshipful Company of World Traders’
Annual Lecture has become one of the key events in the City of London
calendar. Tonight’s lecturer is introduced by the Lord Mayor Locum
Tenens, our Upper Warden, Dame Fiona Woolf. Described as “one of the
world’s great polymaths”, Dr Nathan Myhrvold served as Chief Strategist
and Chief Technology Officer of the Microsoft Corporation and is now
involved in patent portfolio development, nature and wildlife photography and writing cookery books. The title of his address is “Cyber-Trade: Will AI (Artificial Intelligence) Displace or Enhance our Work” and Dr Myhrvold delivers a witty and upbeat address which is appreciated by the large audience. In summary, his view is that we should welcome rather
than fear the growth of intelligent computer systems. The Lecture is followed by a reception during which we have the chance to meet with other Masters and guests.
MANSION HOUSE TASTING: FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2018
Food is again on the agenda as we visit Mansion House at lunchtime today. I have been to Mansion House on many occasions over the years (including a few times already in my year as Master) but today is a little different as the Mistress and I are shown into a small dining room on the ground floor where we sample possible food and wine for the Annual Plumbers’ Banquet which will take place here in the Egyptian Room on 21 March 2018. It is a very
pleasant experience and I am pleased to report that we are unanimous in agreeing on each course and the wines.