Voices of the City

Andrew Marsden, prospective candidate for election to the office of Sheriff in the City of London

Andrew Marsden is a prospective candidate for the office of Sheriff in the City of London. Andrew was educated at Bradford University before entering a career in strategy and marketing. He worked for Unilever, Danone and Britvic. He is a Past Master of the Marketors' Company and Chair of the Financial Services Group of Livery Companies. Today he divides his time between various Non-Executive Director roles, Strategy Consulting and involvement with several Livery Companies. www.andrewmarsden.london 

Archdeacon Emeritus - The Venerable Peter Delaney MBE

Archdeacon Peter Delaney MBE began life by studying Fine Art and then working in Hollywood in the film industry. Whilst in Hollywood Peter became a Quaker and this was to lead him back to the UK to read theology and become an Anglican priest.

In 1999 he was appointed Archdeacon of London. He has been Priest in Charge of St Stephen Walbrook, and is an Associate Priest of St Bartholomew the Great Smithfield.

He is a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, The Company of World Traders and a Freeman of the Watermen & Lightermen's Company. He is now Chaplain to the Gardners' Company.

James Hasler - Beadle to four of the City's Livery Companies

After attending the auspiciously named 'Dragon School' a career in the City of London seemed to be James' destiny, but not before a 22 year stint in the motor industry. A serendipitous meeting with one of the founders of the Company of Entrepreneurs set James off on a journey that has resulted in him being appointed as Beadle to four of the City's Livery Companies. James offers his insights into this most fascinating of City roles including the time he broke the gavel in Mansion House! https://www.toastmasterjameshasler.co.uk

Michele McCarthy - Master of the Honourable Company of Freemen of the City of London of North America

Michele was born and raised in Montreal, Canada and trained as a lawyer at York University (Toronto). She joined the Honourable Company of Freemen of the City of London of North America after meeting other members, and subsequently joined the Worshipful Company of Scriveners. Michelle is now Master of the Honourable Company at a time when it is growing its membership both in Canada and the United States of America. For an association of Freemen with such a vast geographic catchment area, the pandemic has bought challenge and opportunity to the Company as embarks on its 5th decade.

Richard Martin - Past Swordbearer of the City of London

Richard Martin was commissioned into the Sherwood Foresters, an infantry regiment that recruited in the East Midlands. After a long military career in which we served in Germany, Northern Ireland and Belize he applied for and was appointed to the job of Common Cryer and Serjeant at Arms, one of the three Esquires of the Mansion House. He subsequently moved into the senior position among the three Esquires when he became the City Swordbearer. Today Richard is Clerk and advisor to several City charities and Chairman of the 1st City of London Scout Group - The Lord Mayor's Own.

Louise Starling - Master of the Guild of Young Freemen (2020-21)

Louise Starling grew up in Hertfordshire, studied history at the University of Kent, and spent her early working years with the Duke of Edinburgh Award during which time she had her first contact with the City of London Corporation and its schools. Louise now works for a City Law firm in a Corporate Social Responsibility Role. Louise's first contact with the City's civic and livery aspects was through the Lord Mayor's Show. Louise became a Freeman of the City of London and is now the Master of the Guild of Young Freemen.

Peter French MBE - City Livery Club Root & Branch Award Winner 2019

Peter French MBE was the first Master after the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals attained Livery Company status. He was born and raised in London, left school early and entered the retail trade. He later invested in a security business and has gone on to become a successful businessman in the security industry. He received an MBE in 2010 and in 2019 he received the City Livery Club's Root & Branch Award for his work helping to establish the Chartered Security Professional (CSyP) standard, a register of professional competence.

Linzi James - Clerk to the City of London Solicitors' Company

Linzi James was born and raised in Scotland, pursued a career in academic research and then in the heritage sector before being appointed as Clerk to the City of London Solicitors' Company. Linzi is also Secretary to the City of London Law Society, which is interwoven with the Solicitors' Company at both personal and organisational levels such that lawyers whose employers are corporate members of the Law Society and practice in the City or Canary Wharf may also become Freeman of the Company.

Dhruv Patel CC - Chairman of the City Bridge Trust

Dhruv Patel OBE is a Common Councilman for the Ward of Aldgate. He studied Computing at Imperial College London before joining Barclays Capital and later becoming a property investor and developer. He founded the City Hindus Network and was elected to the Court of Common Council in 2013. He is current the Chairman of the City Bridge Trust, the grant giving arm of the City Bridge Estates.

Ann Buxton - Chairman of the Lady Masters' Association

Ann Buxton was educated at St Mary's School in Wantage before going on to Somerville College, Oxford, to read Modern Languages. She enjoyed a varied career initially in banking, then in manufacturing and latterly the music industry. Ann joined the Worshipful Company of Pewterers in 1973 and became Master in 2017. Ann is now Chairman of the Lady Masters' Association which brings together female Masters and Past Masters from all the City's Livery Companies, Companies without Livery, Guild and the City Livery Club.