A Busy Year End!
Signing Christmas Cards to all in the Company gave me much pleasure. So many memories with so many friends came back to me. It underlined how our Company is a social organisation – the goodwill and fellowship lies at its heart.
I would like especially to thank Jackie Johnson in the Office for her hard work at a busy time in preparing the materials for despatch.
You’ll have seen from the calendar enclosed that we are planning a busy programme, with the aim of adding to those scheduled at present. There is a lot to take part in, and I include in that the organising of our Company’s activities.
If you read nothing else in this blog – at least go to the last item!!
Not Your Usual Lunch!
In a recent initiative to hook up with leading consultants in larger firms, IPM Geoff Llewellyn has been arranging Leadership Lunches. We have been entertaining a few such consultants to a fine lunch to which Geoff has invited a lead, and distinguished, speaker. The latest was Will Hutton, who among other things has been Editor of the Observer and CEO of the Work Foundation and gets onto the Today programme. He is also known for his books.
The debate was very lively!
Do let Geoff or me know of prominent consultants you know in major firms who might be interested in such a lunch!
Spitalfields Music
Spitalfields Music is a charity that brings top artists and local musicians to Tower Hamlets. It works with schools, community centres etc, and also has programmes for Special Needs youngsters.
I was invited to the first fundraising concert of their December Festival, in Spitalfields Church. The Lord Mayor and her Consort came to show their support, and mentioned the contribution the Corporation of London makes to the performing arts and to surrounding boroughs.
It is striking how much can be achieved by dedicated workers well led and actively supported by trustees who bring good sense, experience and commitment. In our pro bono work we see good examples and bad. I had a strong impression this was in the good camp, but our work to upgrade our client charities is so valuable for their beneficiaries. http://www.spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk/about-us/
Presentation to the Lord Mayor
With Assistant Ian Bonny to Mansion House in order to join the Presentation of the booklet of the Financial Services Group of modern Livery Companies. Ian is taking over from me as the Company’s representative on the FSG. The Lord Mayor talked about Values in the City, which the day after was the subject of an FT article about her. Of course PM McHugh and others in this Company were the spark of the City Values Forum! Warm feeling!
And finally…….. and most importantly……
The New Year always brings a sense of new opportunities, the chance of new beginnings, like pressing one’s personal Refresh button! I wish all our members all the best for us all in the New Year!
A very Happy Christmas to you and yours!
E J Sankey
23/12/13