Installation Dinner
On Wednesday 30 October 2002, about 100 members and their distinguished guests gathered in the Tallow Chandlers' Hall in the City to celebrate the Installation of the Company's new Master, Michael Wilkey. The elections took place earlier in the evening at Common Hall and Michael and his team were voted unanimously to office.
The Tallow Chandlers' kindly welcomed us once again to their splendid Hall. Their company, (14th in order of Incorporation and 21st in order of precedence) can trace its roots back to the 14th century. As the 93rd Company, the Arbitrators are relative newcomers, but our ever-increasing agenda is indicative of the relevance of the Company's work and activities.
Michael, the 23rd Master, acknowledged his predecessor's highly-successful and active year. Victoria Russell was not only the first female to hold the position, but also the youngest. Her year saw many successful events, the establishment of the Apprentice Scheme and the raising of a significant amount of money for the Lord Mayor's Charity Appeal, the Square Smile, by abseiling down Canary Wharf Tower - some 660 feet.
Michael made special reference to Bertie Vigrass, one of the founding members of the Company, and made a presentation to him in acknowledgement of his 23 years of unstinting service. Michael also welcomed the new Liverymen and Freemen to the Company, after their election at the Court and also the Company's first Apprentic, Rory Addison who is about to launch his arbitration career.
Michael's year promises to be as active as ever and the first event is a Networking opportunity for members on 5 December 2002 at the City Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre. He also made special reference to the Annual Banquet, which will be held on 13 February 2003 and urged members to book early and put the date in their diaries!.
We were pleased to have many distinguished guests joining us at the dinner and Michael made reference to several - too many to cover in this short report. The guest speaker, Lord Howie of Troon, responded to the Toast to the Guests, telling us of his experiences and his interesting life. Having been born and educated in Scotland, his abilities in mathematics and technical drawing led him to graduate from "Glasgow Tech" (now Strathclyde University). After a career as a Construction Engineer, he became a Labour MP and is now a member of the House of Lords. One of his main interests is the construction industry and he made interesting reference to the recent Arbitration Act which was welcomed by members.
Altogether, everyone enjoyed a very good evening with excellent company and food. The evening ended with a Stirrup Cup and all present wishing Michael and his team an enjoyable and successful year.