The Marketors held a splendid ceremony at the Guildhall on Tuesday evening to celebrate the granting of the first charter to the Company. It is 32 years since the Marketors, who represent the marketing profession, became a livery company and they are clearly flourishing. For more details go to www.marketors.org/ and also go to the Master Marketor's blog http://www.worshipfulcompanyofmarketors.blogspot.com/ for further information.
Although a royal charter is now no longer essential for the operation of a livery company it is nevertheless sought as a recognition of pre-eminence, stability and permanence. It certainly marks an important step in the growth and development of a company.
I was delighted to be invited, as I can recall first hearing of the Company some twelve years ago when it was, slightly indignantly, brought to my attention that 151 (Greater London) Transport Regiment Royal Logistic Corps had created a link with the Marketors. At that time I was Head of the Corps and was reminded that our rule was that individual units were not allowed to establish links with livery companies and that these had to be on a corps-wide basis. At the time these included the Cooks, Carmen and Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers.
I was already a liveryman of both the Drapers and Carmen and felt that, despite our rules, a TA unit based on London should be allowed to establish this sort of affiliation. In any event it transpired that the link between company and regiment went back to the earliest days of the Marketors. It was just that we had not found out about it.
Over the years I am pleased to say the the relationship between ‘One Five One’ and Company has developed well. It was good to see an old colleague Brigadier Richard Rook, in this capacity as honorary colonel of the regiment, and the current commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Adrian Lee, were both present on the top table.
The Master of the Company, Venetia Howes, led the complex ceremonies, involving amongst others HRH Duke of Edinburgh, most elegantly. Overall it was a solemn yet friendly occasion marking yet another step in the development of the Marketors.
It was a privilege to be present.
Being Descriptions of and General Observations on the Master's Year by Major General Adrian Lyons, Master of the Worshipful Company of Drapers of London: July 2010 to July 2011
Thank you Master Draper for your kind comments. I have now put a link to your blog on my blog page too. Here's to it!
ReplyDeleteVenetia Howes, Master Marketor
Master Marketor
ReplyDeleteWho knows within a few more months we might have stimulated some other Masters to start similar enterprises.
I also know that Hugh Ogus, Master Lightmonger, writes a diary on the Lightmongers' website but it is not quite a blog.
One promise, I do not think I shall be tempted by Twitter!
Best Wishes
Adrian Lyons, Master Draper