In Memoriam

Fred, who was Master in 2012, was a man of many parts.  An excellent photographer (as we all know and valued), he was also photographer for the Royal Society of St George and the Order of St George, both of which he joined in 2011.  

He was a Freeman of the City of London, a Member of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, Drum Major of the Epping Forest Pipe Band and a member of Clan Macpherson.  And, in the middle of this busy life, he also stood as a Parliamentary Candidate for Lewisham in 2001.

All of us who knew Fred miss his charm and humour and great ability to put people at their ease.  A gentleman indeed.

Past Master David Green died in September, after a long illness.   David was Master in 2008 and served as Hon. Treasurer for many years. He was also Clerk to the Governors of Cripplegate Foundation and a Trustee of St. Luke’s Parochial Trust, which has a long historical connection with the Foundation.

As Hon. Treasurer, David worked tirelessly to put the club’s accounts into good order, which included increasing the funds to cover the cost of our float in the Lord Mayor’s Show in Gavin Arthur’s year of office. David did an enormous amount for the Ward Club and, although he hasn’t been able to come to events for some time due to his illness, he is well loved and much missed by a great many people.

On a lovely early autumn day, we visited Kenwood House in Hampstead, specifically to see the Singer Sargeant exhibition of the American Heiresses who came to England to exchange wealth for title.  There were some beautiful and fascinating pictures and such interesting stories.  We also took the opportunity to admire the house itself before a lovely walk through Hampstead Heath and down to the town.

Lunch, very welcome after all that exercise, was at La Cage Imaginaire and was completely delicious.  They looked after us so well and it was hard to tear ourselves away from the lovely atmosphere and the good company at the end of the afternoon.

The views from Tower Bridge are wonderful, worth the exhausting climb up more steps than we cared to count, both up and down the Thames and also through the glass floor beneath our feet – which not all of us dared to walk on!  And when we descended to ground level again, having absorbed the incredible history of the bridge’s making, we were treated to a partial raising of the bridge, presumably a test, but very enjoyable.

We then went onto inspect the engine room and the beautifully polished brass fittings on the pumps, before walking up to Crutch Friars and lunch at the City University Club.  They had opened especially for us and gave us a delicious and very attentive lunch, which we enjoyed amongst the best of company.

Lovely spring weather made the Ward Club’s visit to the spectacular Crossness Pumping station even more enjoyable. This Victorian engineering marvel known as the ‘Cathedral in the Marsh’, was part of London’s response to three devastating cholera outbreaks in the 19th Century. The building has been extensively restored and was opened to the public in 2016. Rob Harris, Visitor Development and Outreach, provided members with fascinating information and insights about this amazing place and its incredible history.

Ward Club members on the visit to the Government Art Collection.

A very interesting and informative visit when, following a viewing and explanation of the art on display our Guide went on to explain how this vast collection is requested, selected, viewed and finally distributed throughout the world.

Our visit was followed by afternoon tea at the National Liberal Club.

Ward Club members were given a very interesting overview of the local history and tour of the impressive chapel by the Steward, Mr Richard Buck. A “Royal Peculiar” as a private royal chapel, it forms part of the Duchy of Lancaster and is also the chapel of the Royal Victorian Order. Following the tour, members enjoyed lunch at popular theatreland restaurant, Joe Allen.

Ward Club members had a fascinating tour of the historic Lincoln's Inn, one of the four Inns of Court, dedicated to the qualification training and development of barristers. The tour was followed by a delicious lunch in the great hall.

Members of the Ward Club had and interesting visit and absorbed the history of the notorious, now decommissioned Police Station.

Lunch of fish and chips in the Byward Kitchen which is in the gardens of All Hallows next to Tower Church.

Very apt following a fascinating tour of Trinity House the home of all things seafaring.