Issue 61: Feb 2014
MONITOR
the newsletter of The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists
MASTER’S LETTER
B
y the time of publication of this edition of Monitor, I will have completed one third of
my journey as Master. Our motto “Cito” can just as aptly apply to the speed of passing
of the Master’s year as it does, with its alternative meaning as a verb, to the initiating
achievements of our Panels and Committees.
The blog I wrote in early December entitled: “Embarking on my year as Master” and my
videocast in late December with New Year’s greetings, are both shown on the website under the
“Company”/ “News Articles” headings, so I will not repeat here anything reflected there.
Since those updates were published the Company has had a splendid carol service at
St.Bartholomew the Great, memorably conducted by the current vicar of Chelsea Old Church, a
member of the Fanmakers Livery Company. The visit by Father Christmas on that occasion was
a tour de force as he had to deliver up presents to some 23 children out of a total congregation of
140-150. The service’s close proximity to Christmas- 20th December- proved to be no deterrent
to those attending. In the early New Year we had the perennially successful New
Freemen’s Dinner; this year at the Stationers’ Hall. Here the formidable agenda was completed
on time despite a few glitches which only the most discerning would identify along the way. We
had some 34 new Freemen there out of a total of 187 diners.
Michael Webster
(Photo: Gerald Sharp)
Inside this issue:
Master’s Letter
1
The Eyes Have IT
3
Employment Panel
4
Upcoming Spring
Events
5
Membership News
6-7
New Freemen’s
Dinner
8
A Lord Mayor’s ADC 9
Manchester Makes 10
Computing History
Clerk’s Letter
12
The Hall staff organise these events with great and seamless professionalism- a real example of
the teamwork which to me has always been a hallmark characterising our industry. If you have
ever tried to do a table plan for as many as 150 people, some with individual allergies and
dietary requirements, and others who inevitably have to drop out at short notice, you will better
appreciate the consummate skill the Hall staff bring to these and similar events.
To follow up my November visit to the Hammersmith Academy with my January visit to Lilian
Baylis Technology School in Lambeth, was a fitting recognition of the latter’s 2013 award of Outstanding status
from OFSTED. Both schools incidentally have a need for additional mentors. For those interested please contact
Eleanor MacGregor at the Hall ([email protected]).
As we are all aware, the engine room of our active and thriving Livery Company is reflected in the activities of its
Panels and externally-focused Committees. Members who are not as “engaged” as they would want to be, might
want to attend the meetings of some of the Panels about which they know little. The names of all Panels and
relevant Committees and their officers appear in every edition of Monitor. By contacting the Chairman or
Secretary, and attending the odd meeting to see if it chimes with your aspirations, you are not of course committing
yourself to joining that Panel or Committee.
It is invidious to single out any particular Panel, but I would
commend the programme of the Ethical & Spiritual Panel
founded in 1992, which is non-denominational and open to all
who espouse an ethical standpoint. The range of topics it
addresses and the quality of speakers it engenders is a credit to
their team. Many of these are likely to be worthy forerunners of
the Thought Leadership debates being organised this year.
Another relatively unsung grouping comprises our Cito Thames
Cutter team. The Court would like to commend with thanks the
range and multiplicity of initiatives organised by all Panels
which contribute to the Company’s continuing high profile
within the Livery community.