The Worshipful Company of Bowyers enjoyed a happy, but very hot, day on Thursday the 9th of July on the occasion of the installation of the new Master of the Company, Maj Gen Dr Andrew Sharpe CBE. Andrew took on the Mastership from Sir David Wootton who had completed his two-year term in the office (the two-year term for the Master being unique to the Bowyers). Sir David, as a past Master of multiple City Livery Companies and an ex-Lord Mayor of London brought considerable experience to his period in office, and the incoming Master expressed his sincere gratitude to Sir David for the wisdom, commitment and leadership that he had brought to the Company.
Installed alongside the Master and Immediate Past Master were the new Upper Warden, Mr William Charnley, and the new Renter Warden Mr Simon Leach. Heavy robes on top of City Morning Dress, in temperatures that exceeded 34 degrees, even inside the ‘cool’ surroundings of the church, led to a warm welcome for the new Master and Officers. Fortunately fans were provided, and the flutter of many small breezes made conditions rather more comfortable.
The officers of the Company were joined at the service by The Clerk, The Beadle, Members of the Court and the Livery of the Company, and their families. The service of Installation in the Church of St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate was conducted by the Company Chaplain The Revd David Armstrong, who reminded the new Master, the Officers and the members of the Court of the important roles of service and humility in leadership. A convivial and relaxed lunch was held afterwards in the adjoining Hall.
