otHER tHEMED EVENtS

Special luncheon to celebrate 10 years of same-sex marriage

Marriage is a hugely important institution which binds society together.

Same-sex marriage is now legal in 24 countries, with a further 13 having the option of a Civil Union. However, in 73 countries (69 of whom are in the United Nations) it is still illegal to be homosexual. In 11 countries – mostly in Africa and the Middle East – homosexuality is punishable by death.

the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act of 17 July 2013 legalised same sex marriage with the first marriages taking place.

10 years on, I held lunch to celebrate how far we have come and yet to recognise that there are continuing differences in the treatment of same-sex couples.

As of 2023, marriage between same-sex couples is legally performed and recognized in 34 countries that have a total population of about 1.35 billion people (17% of the world’s population).

It was a privilege to host Nancy Kelley, Chief Executive of Stonewall; Nigel Rendell who drafted the Act; Jayne ozanne, the Director of the Global Interfaith Commission on LGBtQ+ Lives, and member of the General Synod; the Reverend Canon Dr Alison Joyce whose Doctorate is in Moral theology; and the Reverend Dr Charlie Bell, a priest and medical Doctor who is an advocate for change in the Church of England. other distinguished guests included several Common Councillors. In wide-ranging discussions we covered marriage, blessings in religious settings, safeguarding, welcoming gay refugees, and the need to support LGBtQ+ organisations at home and abroad. Armed Forces Day to mark UK Armed Forces Day, I held a special luncheon, with guest of honour Normandy Veteran, the extraordinary 98 years young Ken Cook. Ken stormed Gold Beach on D-Day on the morning of 6th June 1944 in the first wave of landings when he was just 18-years old.

In attendance were General Sir Andrew Gregory of SSAFA, and five Colonels including Colonel Wendy Adams, the Commandant of the City of London Army Cadet Force.

Mansion House Scholarship Scheme

It was excellent to be able to host the first Mansion House Scholarship Scheme Reception in two years at the old Bailey. these talented individuals from all over the world receive support to study financial and professional subjects in our world leading UK educational establishments.

SUppoRtING tHE LIVERY AND tHE WARD CLUBS

there are 22 Ward Clubs, and now 111 Livery Companies who’s membership forms the electorate for the two Sheriffs and Lord Mayor. post Covid it is essential we renew afresh those traditional face-to-face meetings and support the Livery initiatives.

Livery Masters

As well as attending 66 Livery dinners, as Sheriffs we decided to ensure that the tradition of inviting Livery Masters - key business influencers in their own right - to dine with the judges was reinstated post Covid. to this end I entertained over 60 Masters in the year.

Clerks Briefings

over half the Livery Clerks are new to their role within the last 18 months. Corporate memory is thus at an all-time low. Sheriff King and I have therefore run two very well attended Clerks’ Briefings to explain the role of the Shrievalty, to introduce new Clerks to the old Bailey, and to acquaint them with the Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund which relies on Livery contributions. this will need to continue. We ran a similar session for new members of Common Council…these were less well attended.

Livery Food Initiative

I was pleased to hold a Reception and awards presentation at the old Bailey for this wonderful new Livery charity group which support the distribution of food to the needy of London. More than 50 Companies are involved.

Ward Clubs

As well as attending 16 individual Ward Club Lunches/ Dinners, speaking at many of them, I have hosted tours of the old Bailey for several Ward Clubs.

the Sheriffs’ Awards for Bravery

It was a privilege to present these annual awards to some extremely brave people organised annually by the Security professionals.

the Sheriffs’ Challenge

Having been involved from its inception by the Financial Services Group when I was Chair, it was wonderful to host this year’s finals in Court Room 1 at the old Bailey and to see so many young students work as teams to plan, prepare, present and debate the motion “post-Covid, the City will change beyond all recognition”.

FAMoUS FACES