Master and Wardens' Tour 2021

The Master and Wardens conducted their annual tour to visit key sites and stakeholders on Monday 22 November.

The tour began on the Dame Alice Owen Foundation Estate in Islington, which generates much of the income of this charity. The Foundation supports both Dame Alice Owen’s School and educational programmes in Islington, and the proper management of the Estate is a vital part of enabling the charity to carry out its work. This year the Master and Wardens were able to see some of the residential properties on the Estate which were recently refurbished to a very high standard, as well as getting an overview of other residential and commercial properties from the Company’s property manager.

The Master and Wardens then went on to visit the three almshouses in South Mimms which are managed by the Brewers’ Company on behalf of the Charity of Alderman James Hickson. The almshouses provide accommodation to people in need who have lived in, or have a strong connection, to the local area, and the visiting party were very pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the current residents.

The next stop was a visit to Aldenham School and Aldenham Prep School, hosted by the Headmaster of the Aldenham Foundation, James Fowler. The Company supports the Aldenham Foundation through the Foundation of Richard Platt and is responsible for appointing 6 of the 18 governors of the Foundation. During the tour the Master and Wardens visited Aldenham School’s new science block, a very impressive new space which will undoubtedly be of great benefit to the students of the School.

The final stop of the day was at Dame Alice Owen’s School where, after being treated to an outstanding musical performance, the visitors had the opportunity to meet with the Student Senior Leadership Team. All those present, including the Head Girl and Head Boy, proved to be excellent ambassadors for the School during an interesting discussion about school life, the challenges of the last eighteen months and their plans for the future.

The Master and Wardens are ultimately responsible for the management of all of the Brewers’ Company’s work with its members, charities and schools, as the leaders of the Company’s Court (board). The annual tour serves an important role in enabling the Master and Wardens to carry out their responsibilities and we are very grateful to everyone who participated this year.