roles is the Chaplain to the City of London Corporation and Honourary Chaplain to many Livery companies. Also, in attendance were Aldermen from The City. I also had the opportunity to meet the former Lord Mayor of London and his team here in Toronto. Just prior to our meeting he had been to Hong Kong & China. He mentioned that he spent most of his time travelling around the world promoting The City as a leading world Finance centre. He and his team were delighted to hear that I wanted our organization to become "The Voice of The City in North America" and he offered the support of his office and we have started weekly communications. The current Lord Mayor has also just been to HK and toured 3 cities in China (Shenzhen, Shanghai & Beijing) promoting Fintech & Green Finance. The City is also supportive of the Belt & Road Initiative. In addition, The Lord Mayor's appeal had raised funds for a "poverty alleviation project" to start this summer. Subsequently, the Honourable Company joined with the BCCTC on a Belt & Road Initiative Conference in conjunction with the HK Government to show opportunities available to UK & Canadian companies. We are lead to believe that the current Lord Mayor Peter Estlin will be coming to Toronto this year and I'm hopeful he will meet with the Honourable Company.
Other highlights have included our annual "meet the Court" held on a lovely sunny evening at the Old Mill, our Whisky Tasting at the Caledonian on a cold night and our Court Christmas/New Year Pub Lunch.
One of the changes mentioned above is the decision to move our Annual Dinner to the RCMI this year. Whilst the National Club has been a marvelous host over many years, it was decided to try something new. Special thanks to Past Master Ishrani Jaikaran & Hans Bathija for conducting smooth negotiations.
As always, the Court and various committees have worked incredibly hard to move things forward, so special thanks to;
Dean Smith the Honourary Treasurer and incoming Master for keeping us in credit;
Michele McCarthy who as Clerk for keeping us up to date with events in London and sending out Minutes & Agendas so efficiently;
Peter Reed for keeping our records updated and for a smooth handover to our incoming Membership Committee Chair – enjoy your days in the sun (delighted to be able to say that we have been adding new members and attracting volunteers for the Court);
Gerard Ezinwoke for producing a very readable Company Comment and for looking into the opportunities of updating our communications;
And never forgetting Past Master John Welch, Chair Company Trust &
Ken Foxcroft Trust Treasurer, who have not only kept the funds coming in, but also worked on many ideas to expand our relationship with George Brown College. I would like to point out at this time that our Charitable Trust plays an important role in the ethos of The Company and we do greatly appreciate your donations.
Lastly, thank you to Ashley Prime for continuing to represent us in London and being our Liaison with The City.
After all the positive news, I am very sad to finish up by saying that just before Christmas we lost Past Master John Smith. A true gentleman, member and friend to so many, myself included. His cheerful smile enhanced all the events that he made every effort to attend. In appreciation of all he has done, the Court decided to change the name of The Masters' Meritorious Award to the John Smith Meritorious Award henceforth in honour of his long contribution
Thank you very much to all of you for a wonderful 12 months. I look forward to supporting the incoming Master & Court!
Respectfully submitted,
Norman P J Morris
Master
Company Comment - Fall 2019
The Unique City
The City Livery Companies
Freedom of The City
The Constitution of Company