It was a cordially-contested election with a result of 70% in my favour. My acceptance remarks this evening went:
Continue readingWardmote 2024 – Electoral Statement
Alderman, Ladies & Gentlemen,

After one of his lengthy, repetitive speeches Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev confronted his speechwriter. “I asked for a 15 minute speech, but that lasted an hour!” The speechwriter replied: “Comrade, it was 15 minutes, but I gave you four copies…”. You’ll be glad to hear I have a single copy.
Club di Londra
What an honour – today I took over as President of the Club di Londra from Sir Rocco Forte, at Brown’s Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel, 33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP.
Club di Londra is a non-profit organization that acts as a cultural, entrepreneurial, and social hub to strengthen ties between Italy and the United Kingdom. It serves as a place for debate, business, and networking, hosting events like dinners and conferences with prominent figures in economics, politics, and culture. It was founded in 1986 by members of the Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry for the UK and the wider Italian community. The Club is grateful for enormous support from Ambasciata d’Italia a Londra.
Continue readingKnights Of Malta Medal
What an honour, and a delight, to be awarded a Silver Medal, Pro Merito Melitensi, from the most distinguished Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta for aiding their humanitarian goals.

“Pro Merito Melitensi” is an order of merit awarded by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta for distinguished service that has brought honour and prestige to the organization. It is distinct from the Knightly Order and is bestowed upon non-members, regardless of religion, who have contributed to the Order’s humanitarian goals or Christian values. Recipients do not become members of the Order of Malta or take religious vows upon receiving it.
Sham Or Glam Syndrome?
Remarks to: Graduation Ceremonies, Birkbeck College, University of London, on receiving a Fellowship, Winter 2024
Continue readingBroad Street Ward Aldermancy – Nomination Papers Submitted
Re-Elect Professor Michael Mainelli for Alderman of Broad Street Ward
Today I submitted my papers to stand for a third term as Alderman for Broad Street Ward.
Continue readingMayor’s Progress – End of Term Report Card
We concluded our bi-monthly series of Mayor’s Progress reports with our final report card. Though any Lord Mayor wishes she or he could claim credit for creating jobs (all those dinners, speeches, promotional activity, videos, overseas visits, etc.), in fact, during this year as Lord Mayor, from November 2023 to November 2024, jobs in the City of London increased from 615,000 to 678,000 – yes, in just one year, an increase of over 10%!
Continue readingLord Mayor’s Bulletin To The Livery – 7 November 2024
Grand Finale – What A Night!
Well, going out with a bang with some of our best friends, in particular The Committee!
Continue readingTilt Boats & Hatch Boats Of Gravesend & The London River 1555-1865
Wow! David Patient asked me to provide a foreword for his book on a pet topic of mine, commercial Thames boats, and I just received the finished product:
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