How well do you know St Paul`s Cathedral? For those of us who have worked in the City it has always been that dominant landmark at the end of Cheapside that survived the Blitz and for all Liverymen, the venue for our annual United Guilds Service. However to see this wonderful building through the eyes of Patrick Wilkins, a Wandsman (usher) for over 25 years and a Past Master Baker, was to see a much more intimate and colourful side of it.
Once again by kind permission of our Renter Warden, Daphne Cave, Vanessa and I were invited to join a zoom evening with the Lime Street and Cornhill Ward Club on 11th January and again it was both a fascinating and enjoyable evening.
Patrick is an excellent speaker and had some most unusual photos to show us, including the cleaners mounted behind the statue of the Duke of Wellington, dusting his beloved horse Copenhagen! He gave a virtual tour of some parts of the Cathedral but emphasised that we should, when circumstances allow, take an actual tour with one of the professional guides, if we wanted to learn more about the architecture and history of the building.
Nevertheless what really appealed to me were his personal memories of specific events and the characters involved, which only one who had stewarded at many great occasions would have experienced. In the course of his talk we were able to learn some of the secrets of running Royal occasions to time, a little about his fellow Wandsmen and their voluntary dedication to their duties and something of the unexpected occurrences during Services and formal occasions.
The next time I have the privilege to visit this national landmark, I will recall with appreciation his anecdotes and remember his clear admiration and devotion to great Cathedral. I know that Peter Cave put a lot of research into presentation which I am sure assisted Patrick greatly. Peter has also supplied the photographs that you see so I am particularly grateful to both him and Daphne who work so hard for their Ward Club in addition to the time that they give to our own Company.
Richard Morris Master
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