A message to the Prime Movers from our President
Dear Friends ,
Happy New Year! I do hope that you have had a wonderful break which hasn’t been too much like hard work, over the past couple of weeks.
Andrew and I have been reflecting upon the past 10 years and apart from wondering where they have gone, remember the overriding happiness and joy which naturally pervades our year group. Yes, of course, I remember fondly the dear friends whom we have sadly lost but I also think of how much they would have enjoyed our Prime Movers and Prime Masters’ events. Many thanks are due to the organising committees for it is their hard work which really pays off on our many eventful days out.
Believe it or not, it is 10 years since Andrew served as Aldermanic Sheriff, and I, his Consort or “Sheriffina” as our dear friend, the much-lamented Sir David Brewer coined making the position far more mysterious than it actually was, but we only realised this twelve months later! What the position comprises is jolly hard work, grit and determination to succeed, and yes, an almost overwhelming sense of honour that it is to represent the City in this way.
The future of the City is secure as the preeminent financial centre of the world and the Lord Mayor maintains the highest position of ambassadorial significance, on the world stage. The present Lord Mayor, Alderman Alastair King DL, is doing marvellous work on behalf of the City, London, the UK and emerging economies across the planet. The significance and the ‘soft power’ of the mayoralty cannot be underestimated and Andrew joins me in thanking you and all our livery friends for continuing to support the Office of the Lord Mayor and for attending Common Hall to exercise your right to vote.
May I end where I began? Andrew and I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025 and look forward to being with you as soon as possible.
All the very best Wendy
Lady Parmley President, Prime Movers.
The Launch of Prime Movers
The Foundling Museum 16 th Sept 2017
A Potted Panto at Wilton ’s Music Hall
Movers and Masters enjoyed a hilarious ‘Potted Panto’ at Wilton’s Music Hall. Seven classic pantomimes, suitably updated and performed by Dan Clarkson and Jeff Turner provided 80 minutes of great fund with audience participations. Sitting in the front two rows, we were very much involved, sprayed by water guns, miming galloping horses etc.
The best part had to be Prince Charming flirting with Princess Mike (alias, Mike Simpson, Past Master Lightmonger), (but aptly renamed by the charming prince) who asked him to show him his ‘moves’. The dance scene depicted in the photo taken by Jo Neill. Thanks to Simon Fradd for organising the tickets.
Some of the group then went on to have an early supper at ‘Keepers’ in the Novotel London Tower bridge. A great venue suggested by Peter Harrison, well wor knowing about if you are in the area.
Caminos, a Spanish restaurant near Kings Cross.
A convivial event enjoyed by all with bubbles, followed by a wonderful selection of tapas, excellent choice of mains and deserts with plentiful, excellent Spanish wine, and of course crackers.
Instead of the Christmas antlers, Richard and I decided on miniature ‘cuddly’ Christmas toys (elf or snowman) which could be either passed on to grandchildren or potential Christmas tree decorations!
Although 48 people had booked, personal circumstances on the day reduced us to 45. The staff were absolutely brilliant, food excellent and it was lovely to see some people we had not seen for some time.
The Prime s Christmas lunch
A very different type of Prime Masters/Movers Christmas festive lunch took place at
Nicola Brindley
After the Christmas lunch a group of Movers and Masters made their way to Charles Dickens House for more festive cheer.
Nicola Brindley
The Prime Movers v isit Charles Dickens House
The Prime Movers recently enjoyed a fascinating visit to the Charles Dickens Museum in London, delving into the life and legacy of one of England’s greatest literary figures.
The evening began with a warm introduction by the museum’s Director and Curator Dr Cindy Sughrue OBE, who provided an insightful overview of Dickens’s time at 48 Doughty Street and the significance of the house in his creative journey.
The group was then guided through the beautifully preserved Georgian townhouse by the Deputy Director, Frankie Kibicki, whose expertise and engaging storytelling brought Dickens’s world vividly to life.
Highlights of the tour included the study, where Dickens wrote some of his most
celebrated works, and the elegant drawing room, which once hosted Dickens's friends, family, and notable visitors.
The visit offered a unique window into Dickens's personal and professional life, sparking admiration for his boundless creativity and his commitment to social reform. The Prime Movers left with a deeper appreciation for Dickens’s enduring influence and a memorable experience to treasure.
It was an inspiring day and a perfect reminder of the richness of our literary heritage!
Thanks go to Hannah for facilitating our visit which was a great end or rather beginning to the Christmas festivities.
Valerie Wilkins
Prime Masters Autumn dinner
The Prime Masters’ Autumn dinner was held at Cutlers’ Hall on Wednesday 25th September.
There was a great atmosphere, and it was lovely to catch up with Masters and consorts some people, we had not seen for some time. Fifty-four people enjoyed the excellent 4 course dinner with wine.
Thanks go to Steve Turner who organised this very reasonably priced event.
Nicola Brindley
Fiddler on the Roof Regents Park Open Air Theatre 13th September 2024
Nicola Brindley really scored here with taking 13 brave souls to see Fiddler on The Roof in Regents Park. All were well equipped to handle the predicted dire weather of rain and wind. It was surprisingly sunny on arrival and the Brindley’s secured two great picnic tables for our party.
The variety of fare and its source was wide, though one attempted to eat a dressed salad with their fingers. Chatter was non-stop as the group caught up with one another.
The performance opened with a dramatic clap of thunder under ominous clouds. However, the afternoon remained dry and at times sunny. These conditions were a perfect reflection of the story. Beginning with a happy Jewish, though poverty-stricken community in Ukraine in 1905, with the opening number ‘Tradition’. The first sign of cloudier times to come is the choice of the eldest daughter, Tzeitel, to marry a local penniless boy rather than her father’s chosen groom, a middleaged, well-off butcher. The father, Tevye, concedes, but does not know how to break the news to his wife, the formidable Golde. A wonderful fake dream sequence is staged to convince her.
At the wedding ceremony the Russians attack the village and the villagers are warned they will be expelled. But soon order is restored and Tzeitel’s husband even secures a sewing machine. One is left to wonder how or from whom?
Worse is to come. The middle daughter does not even ask her father’s permission to marry, simply his blessing. Her betrothed, Perchik is a young man with revolutionary social ideas
such as men and women dancing together! Again, Tevye gives way.
The third daughter, Chava, chooses to marry an itinerant Christian tutor, Fyedka. Tevye stands firm and declares his daughter dead to the family. The couple elope.
Perchik is arrested and deported to Siberia. His wife follows to be near him. This is shortly followed by the Russians declaring a pogrom and giving the villagers three days to sell up and get out. They are all scattered to the four winds, but one has the feeling they have hope of a better future.
This is reinforced by Tevye asking Golde to give Chava and Fyedka his blessing.
The stage set as usual for the Regents Park Theatre was simple but perfect. A building set in the midst of a cornfield, on the roof the fiddler (symbolising survival in a life of uncertainty) plays. The cast were superb. Some like Lara Pulver, of Sherlock Holmes fame, had unexpectedly good singing voices. They all showed the extremes of emotion the play demanded. The orchestra were equally up to the job of supporting the cast and the whole audience rose to their feet at the end of this truly 5 star performance.
I last saw Fiddler on the Roof on stage in London in 1967. I remember it deeply impressed me as a teenager. Enjoyment of the music has stayed with me ever since. However, I had forgotten the horror of the ending. Unfortunately, it seems so in tune with our times.
A beautiful midsummer day at Kew gardens
Twenty Movers, Masters, Glovers and friends were so fortunate to have the most perfect weather for our visit to Kew Gardens on 21st June, lots of sun but not too hot.
After coffee and biscuits in the Jodrell laboratory, we headed to the lecture theatre to hear from Prof Monique Simmonds (Director
of Commercial Innovation Unit & Deputy Director of Science). Kew holds the largest botanical and mycological collections in the world with 8.5 million items. Monique described some of the work conducted by over 400 scientists at Kew and some of its commercial phytochemistry initiatives.
Kew works internationally with various industries, research institutes and regulators and has been commissioned by various companies to authenticate the science behind some of the product claims made, for example cosmetic products (Hair products -Herbal Essences Aloe moisturising, Argan oil repair, Coconut scent hydrate shampoos all have the authentic Kew badging and stamp).
Drinks such as Taylor’s tea, and Bottlegreen elderflower cordial (with an antiinflammatory action supporting immunity). Kew has its own range of soaps and cosmetics. Currently they are following new leads on the antibacterial activity, anti-cancer fragrances, functional and novel foods, dyes, drinks and pest control. Kew has it work cut out dealing with forensic enquiries and identifying herb drug interactions, poisonings and adulterated food.
Our behind-the-scenes tour took us to the Fungarium founded in 1879. The presentation on fungi and its importance to health and
Simon Fradd September 2024
wellbeing and sustainability of plants was astounding. Fungi are essential to our ecosystem and are providers of drugs, food etc. Of the over 2 million known species of fungi, Kew has over 1.25 million dried specimens.
A Transylvania, Romanian Amadou hat, made from Fomes fomentarius, a fungi which grows on the bark of trees was quite a talking point, particularly amongst the Glovers amongst us who wondered about its glove potential given its suede like quality. It apparently has medicinal qualities and has potential as an antimicrobial!! Fungi have contributed to many modern drug developments such as penicillin, cyclosporin, lovastatin etc. Fungi also hide in common foods such as blue cheese, bread, marmite, chocolate and defend our plants, providing water and nutrients. They are real ‘secret players’ in our everyday life.
The Economic Botany collection was equally fascinating with its vast collection of traditional Chinese medicines and historic collections of bark, basketry and artefacts dating back to Ancient Egypt and the East India company. The presentation on fungi and its importance to health and wellbeing and sustainability of plants was astounding. We also visited the herbarium and saw the office Darwin would have used and some of the original specimens he collected.
Kew’s expert knowledge and collections are world class. The work is underpinned by ensuring sustainability, the protection of endangered plants and encouraging biodiversity.
The day was complete with a sumptuous tea in the Botanical restaurant and the chance afterwards for self-directed meandering through the beautiful gardens and experiencing the Marc Quinn sculpture
exhibition discreetly positioned amongst the foliage. Too much to see and hear about but everyone really enjoyed the experience and perhaps it will encourage further visits.
Nicola Brindley
Jane Blanford (Past Mistress Cordwainer)
We were very sad to hear that one of our Prime Movers, Jane Blanford (Past Mistress Cordwainer) who passed away peacefully at home on Friday 10th May 2024. She will be missed by her husband Jeremy and family.
The memorial service was held on Monday 17th June at Sedlescombe Parish Church, East Sussex. Debbie Rynda who knew Jane socially, attended the service and said that the church bells were rung before and after the service in honour of Jane, who was for many years Tower Captain at St John’s Church (Sedlescombe, East Sussex).
Helen Davies (Past Mistress Currier)
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of another of our esteemed Prime Movers, Helen Davies (Past Mistress Curriers). Helen passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, 9th November 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Helen's unwavering spirit and kindness will be remembered fondly. Her loss is deeply felt, not only by her family but by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Her husband, John, and their three sons, along with their families, are leaning on the
support of close friends during this difficult time. Helen's absence will leave a void in their lives and in ours, as she was cherished by all who knew her.
Helen, may you rest in peace.
Events for your diaries 2025
• 11th February
Prime Movers AGM 6pm online.
• 14th February - Valentine’s day
Visit to Postal museum and pub lunch (Prime Movers- Simon Fradd organiser).
• 25th March
Prime Masters dinner at Armourers Hall (Richard Brindley, organiser).
• 29th May-1st June Yorkshire weekend (Bradford/Ilkley) (Noorsamen Rashid, organiser).
• 23rd September (tbc)
Prime Masters Autumn dinner.
Email secretaryprimemovers@gmail.com
Prime Movers
contacts
Co - chairs
Nicola Brindley Miriam Smith
Secretary Valerie Wilkins secretaryprimemovers@gmail.com
Treasurer Jo Neill
C ommittee members : Hannah Constantinidi Simon Fradd
Please let us know if you are interested in being involved in running social events
Newsletter Editor (this edition)
Felicity Chadwick-Histed SoLong,andThanksforAlltheFish
