Yes, I can’t resist an obscure reference to a 1993 parody B, but fun, film, Hot Shots! Part Deux. Pepys Day! Part Deux was also enormous fun with a bit of parody thrown in too.
Continue reading “Pepys Day! Part Deux”Pepys Day! Part Deux
Pepys Day 2025: London’s Most Delightfully Diary-Obsessed Celebration Returns
[An edited version of this article appeared as “Pepys Day: Raise A Toast To London’s Best Diarist” in City AM on 2 September 2025]
Friday, 5 September 2025, marks the second annual Pepys Day in London. If you missed last year’s inaugural celebration, you’ll want to grab your quill and parchment (or smartphone) to register immediately. Samuel Pepys and his diaries of the Great Fire are to London as James Joyce and Bloomsday are to Dublin.
Continue reading “Pepys Day 2025: London’s Most Delightfully Diary-Obsessed Celebration Returns”On The Road Again
Since the beginning of the year I’ve already spent five weeks abroad, three visiting family in the US and two in Asia, leading me to wonder if being Lord Mayor isn’t such a tough roadshow. Lots of fun, and just sharing a few links to Korea and China if you want to skim a bit of what I was up to:
Seoul – https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10451919, https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-
Incheon – https://www.incheon.go.kr/en/EN020401/3005067
Guangzhou – https://www.gduf.edu.cn/info/1037/13401.htm
Shenzhen – https://en.cdi.org.cn/
Former Lord Mayor Michael Mainelli Appointed President of the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Saying Goodbye To A Most Full 2024 & Hello To An Intriguing 2025
So there we were, finally getting a private holiday in after a busy year, when you realise you have a lot of reading time ahead learning about the central position of Tyrol and Maximilian I in European history. Lots to look forward to in 2025. With all best wishes for the New Year to family, friends, colleagues, and anyone else reading this!
Continue reading “Saying Goodbye To A Most Full 2024 & Hello To An Intriguing 2025”
Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli Re-elected For Third Term
It was a cordially-contested election with a result of 70% in my favour. My acceptance remarks this evening went:
Continue reading “Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli Re-elected For Third Term”Wardmote 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 reading “Club di Londra”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.