Officers installed at Common Hall
Written by David Worsfold on 14th October 2021
David Sales was installed as Master for a second term at Common Hall last night.
The recommendation of the Court that David’s term should be renewed because of the severe disruption caused to livery life by the Covid-19 pandemic was unanimously accepted by members at the meeting which took place at the National Liberal Club. He is only the second person to serve two terms since Founder Master Bill Harris in 1979 and 1980.
Nick Dunlop was similarly installed to serve an additional year as Senior Warden.
Claire Burrell (pictured with the Master), who has led the Livery Committee for the last few years, was installed as Junior Warden. She will be succeeded as chair of the Livery Committee by Sara Fardon.
“I want to thank you all for allowing me the incredible honour of extending my tenure as your Master”, David Sales told members.
“It remains such a privilege being Master and I look forward to continuing to work with you all over the coming year.
“As you may be aware, I will not be alone in doing a second term. As a result of the havoc wreaked on Livery life over the past 18 months, the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs and several Livery Masters have themselves undertaken a second year.
“Clearly me continuing on has implications for others, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our Senior Warden, Nick Dunlop, for his support and for agreeing to defer his accession to Master for another year”.
He reported on a remarkably successful year for the Company given the extraordinary circumstances, with a wide range of virtual educational and social events replacing the normal programmes.
“I am grateful to all our members who have stuck with us during the Covid restrictions and hope that you all feel that throughout we have done our best to keep an effective engagement.
“Our engagement has been at all levels. iNED at the one end and iENGAGE at the other end and the Livery committee filling the gaps in between with educational and entertaining events for all.”
He outlined the priorities for the forthcoming year, highlighting that the Company will be “striving to improve transparency in the making of appointments to our various committees and demystify some of the Livery processes”.
He concluded by reflecting on a comment in one of his school reports that his participation in musical activities was marked with “gusto”, if not talent.
“I like the term ‘Gusto’, to me it conjures up an image of enthusiasm, passion and joy.
“And I hope that you will join with me in embracing the new Livery year positively, confidently and with Gusto.”
• Common Hall also approved the election of two new Court Assistants, Kirsty Gray and Claire McDonald, who also takes over as chair of iWIN (Insurance Women’s Inclusivity Network).
• Watch the Master's address on our You Tube channel
• The Installation Dinner for Master David Sales will take place on Wednesday 3 November at Saddlers’ Hall
