On 11 September 2023, the Spitfires Past Masters Association 2018 (my livery group from my time as Master World Trader 2017-2018) got together with me at The Walbrook Club. Here is Mark Grove handing me a thoughtful gift.
Continue readingArticle: Dressing up the past year – “I’ve had an incredible year as Lord Mayor – here’s to the next 695”
40 Remarkable Individuals Awarded Freedom Of The City Of London In Group Ceremony – Number 3
Leading figures from the business, finance, law, education, medicine, literature, and diversity and inclusion sectors have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London during a group ceremony, hosted by Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli.
Continue readingThermochromic Paint At Mansion House
As part of this year’s experiments, here’s one we did at Mansion Home.
A long-term concern of mine has been the old building infrastructure of northern Europe. Our buildings are not made for cooling in summer. I’ve had a few ideas over the years, but had a chance this year to try one out, thermochromic paint. We could paint rooftops white, but that then leads to loss of heat when needed in winter. Why not have paint with a high albedo when hot and a low albedo when cool?
Continue readingLoopy About Ties
As is well-known, official City roles such as Lord Mayor and Sheriff involve a lot of dressing up, and down. Over the years, friends have realised about the only dressing up I don’t mind is putting on a Jerry Garcia tie. Yes, I am a fan of the Grateful Dead, but also feel if I’m going to wear a tie I might as well like it so I have a small collection of eighteen or so. Requisite attire embraces a variety of official functions, largely in the following order of increasing formality:
Continue readingAll The World’s A Trade – With A Goodbye To Gaye Duffy
Remarks to: World Traders Installation Dinner, Egyptian Hall, Mansion House, Wednesday, 23 October 2024 by The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli
Master, Wardens, Aldermen, Your Excellency, Sheriff, Fellow World Traders, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Continue readingCommendatore, Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana
Well, tonight’s event was an honour. We say that a lot, but this evening it truly was as I was given the rank of Commendatore in the Italian Republic’s Order of Merit.
Continue readingVietnam International Awards – Lifetime Achievement Award
I could start to get a bit cranky about achievement awards, but not about this one from Vietnam International Awards. While I related this true story in my speech to the judges this week:

Piping Along To The Lord Mayor’s Show – A New March By Malcolm McCaig
Ah, how childhood musical infatuations return again and again. I was so excited to receive via email earlier this year a new march for the bagpipe composed by Malcolm McCaig:
Continue readingCity Dinner – Open Regulation
[Sam Woods, CEO, Prudential Regulation Authority (remarks); Lord Mayor (remarks below); Nikhil Rathi, CEO, Financial Conduct Authority (remarks)]
City Dinner, Egyptian Hall, Mansion House, Thursday, 17 October 2024
The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of London Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli
Your Excellencies, My Lords, Fellow Aldermen, Mr Recorder, Sheriffs, Chief Commoner, Ladies and Gentlemen,
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