The Master, Tom Flood, and Walbrook Warden, Neil Reynolds, accompanied by Past Master, Martin Bigg, and Court Assistant, Trevor Harrington, supported by our Clerk, Chris Millett, meet the Lady Mayor, Susan Langley, and her Consort, Garry Langley, at the Mansion House. The Master presented her with an inscribed Dartington Glass jug containing Thames Water (from a tap in Putney, courtesy of our clerk).
The purpose of the visit was to commemorate the anniversary of the day (14th July 1197) that King Richard I sold to the Corporation of London the conservancy of the River Thames.
Following the presentation by the Master, the Lady Mayor thanked the Company for the jug and water, describing the importance of water and the River Thames to the City of London. She described her personal connections with the river and water, she and Garry have had a barge for some time, which they are currently replacing with a new one. She then presented the Master with a glass ball as a symbol of her thanks to the Company.
The Lady Mayor led a toast in water to the River Thames. This was then followed with a toast with a few more bubbles.
During discussion the Master mentioned that the Company is one of only a few Livery Companies with a cutter, which the Company use regularly and usually wins its races. The Lady Mayor mentioned that she has never been on a Livery cutter so the Master invited her to experience the Water Conservators’ cutter at a time and place to be agreed.
After the Lady Mayor and Consort retired, we had a guided tour of the vaults where the historic maces, swords, and gold and silverware are stored, plus the numerous gifts from visiting heads of state and governments. Many items are on display.  It is an impressive collection. They regularly use the gold and silveware at banquets and state occasions. It takes about a day to clean and polish the large loving cups if anyone has spare time.
After checking our bags and pockets we expressed our grateful thanks to the staff at the Mansion House for their time.
A prize if anyone can explain the provenance of these items hiding in the corner of a display case.
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