Agenda item

Note from the Crown Equerry re: Lord Mayor’s Show Day

The Remembrancer reported that he had received a note from the Crown Equerry stating that they would be grateful to him if he could convey to the Lord Mayor, Alderman and High Officers of the City of London for their generous acknowledgement of the contribution made by the Royal Mews staff on Lord Mayor’s Show day following the gratuity payment made.

Herald’s Proclamation Fee

The Remembrancer reported that there was an order from 1 March 1630 that stated that the Herald should be paid £5 collectively by the City following the Accession. Despite questioning whether the sum had increased with inflation, the Remembrancer clarified that he had been informed that it remained at £5. The Chairman suggested that this be negotiated such that a more generous payment of, say, £100 might be made.

Retirement of the Town Clerk and Chief Executive

Whilst it was recognised that a formal Vote of Thanks was to be moved at this afternoon’s meeting of the Court of Aldermen, the Chairman wished o place on public record his great thanks to John Barradell at this, his last meeting of the General Purposes Committee of Aldermen.

The Chairman thanked Mr Barradell for his ten years of service stating that the City Corporation was a unique, organisation; apart from the extent of its activities and the challenges they can produce, the absence of party politics and the existence of both the Court of Aldermen and of Common Council add to the complexity of how it runs. He commented that Mr Barradell’s experience and ability enabled him very quickly to get a sense of the way in which the organisation works and that he had always shown a very quick grasp of issues key to the solving of problems.  This had manifested itself in countless ways for this Court.

The Chairman concluded by stating that members of this Committee were therefore as one in expressing their warmest thanks to Mr Barradell and in wishing him, and his wife, a long and happy retirement, with many happy memories of Guildhall and of a job very well done.