New Master's Installation and Dinner
The New Master’s Installation for Nigel Heilpern was held on 6th July at St Botolph’s Without Bishopsgate followed by lunch at the Mercer restaurant in Threadneedle Street. The service was rousing and supported by wonderful music from the choir at the Church. Father David Armstrong talked about the importance of humility, loyalty and honourable service and the Master read from Genesis 9.13 "the bow is in the cloud...".The church bells pealed as we left for the walk to the Mercer with the Beadle proudly announcing to the City passers by "Make way for the Master Bowyer". Sixty Bowyers, their partners and guests had lunch together to celebrate the new mastership with no Covid impediments for the first time in two years.
The New Masters Dinner was held on 13th July at the Watermen’s Hall. It was a beautifully hot day but in spite of that full robes and bonnets were the order of the day for the Master and the Wardens until dinner. The quarterly Court meeting was held first before forty five Bowyers and guests were welcomed to dinner by a harpist while pre-dinner drinks were served. Dinner, superbly catered, by Mark Grove’s team took place in the main hall. Court Assistant Duncan Samuel welcomed the guests and the newest Court Assistant, Mark Benstead, admitted at Court earlier, responded. A splendid time was had and then once the formal proceedings broke most stayed for a stirrup cup in the Hall. Congratulations also to the Upper Warden, Sir David Wootton, for becoming earlier this very day the next Master of the Watermen!
Nigel Heilpern
Master
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