On Wednesday 15th January I presided at the Alms Court Dinner in Painters-Stainers’ Hall.

Liveryman Judith Donovan CBE introduced the principal guest, Admiral the Lord Boyce, the Master Draper.  He spoke very well about the history of wool and the areas of common concern with the Drapers; and touched on his time as Chief of the Defence Staff.

After his distinguished naval career, he was appointed Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports and Constable of Dover Castle in July 2004; King of Arms of the Order of the Bath in 2009.  Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter in April 2011.  He is Elder Brother of Trinity House, Knight of St John, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London, Colonel Commandant of the Special Boat Service, holds two honorary doctorates and is an Honorary Bencher, Middle Temple.  He is also involved in a number of charities and associations, including being: Chairman Royal National Lifeboat Institution (2008-2013); Chairman HMS Victory Preservation Company (2012-); Chairman Advisory Board Centre for Blast Injury Studies; Director of White Ensign Association (Chairman 2007-2010); Trustee National Maritime Museum (2005-2013); President of St John Ambulance (London District) (2003-2011); President of the Officers’ Association (2003-2012); President Pilgrims Society; Patron Sail4Cancer; Patron of the Submariners Association; Patron Trafalgar Woods; Patron Forces in Mind Trust; President Royal Navy Submarine Museum; Vice President Forces Pension Society; Vice Patron Tall Ships Youth Trust. He is a Trustee of Naval & Military Club (Vice Chairman & Director 2003-2009).

This was a slightly sad occasion for me as it was the last formal dinner I will preside over as Master of the Worshipful Company of Woolmen – but it means I can now relax a little and enjoy everyone else’s dinners until the end of my year in April.  And I still have a number of things I want to achieve before I bow out as Master.

Bill Clark – Master, Woolmen’s Company