On retiring from the Royal Navy as a Warrant Officer First Class after serving 34 years, I was initially looking for a role in Building Management, I came across an advert for the position of Under Beadle to the Skinners’ Company as the current Beadle was approaching retirement.

I was pleased to be offered the role of Under Beadle in January 2017 and then Beadle in 2018.

My role is extremely diverse; I am part of a team that looks after the material state of Skinners’ Hall and ensure that the Health and Safety Policies are adhered.

I ensure that Master Wardens and Court of the Company are fully supported at Company events whether that is visiting any of the nine schools that the Company governs or visiting the two Alms Houses, I also conduct the role of Toastmaster at Company Lunches and Dinners.

I arrange and conduct the Historic tours of Skinners Hall and act as the Company Archivist.

I have now been the Beadle for over six years and have found the role extremely enjoyable, meeting the members of the Skinners Company, the pupils of its schools and residents of its Alms Houses is extremely rewarding.