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.

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Knights 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. 

Loopy 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 Dead Head, 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:

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