Today marks the 30th anniversary of our much-loved colleague Michael. You’re just as likely to see him with a glass of champagne at the City’s most elegant halls as you are helping out at a community kitchen in Stockport. We are indebted to ‘MO’ for his time, generosity, and good humour. Publishing here his Friday reflections from a couple of weeks ago to share just a tiny bit of life as the inimitable Michael Osbaldeston. Here’s to the next 30!
What a week! If there is a certain beer that refreshes the parts other beers can’t, City & Guilds is the organisation that reaches parts of society in a week than most others don’t! From the Armoury in the Tower of London hosting Heritage day to a West End show in HMP Bronzefield in Surrey; the Cinema Museum at Elephant & Castle, once the workhouse home of the destitute mother of Charlie Chaplin to the Terrace of the House of Commons only a mile or so away; from the splendours and pomp of the Lord Mayor, The Mansion House and the Livery to celebrating Wales in London Week at The Ivy! And that’s just up to Thursday…
And reflections on what’s been a wonderfully full on week? Our amazing heritage plasterer, Daahir Mohamed speaking of heritage having no borders at Heritage Day, and encouraging an appreciation and celebration of the diversity of our cultural heritage; learning that 65% of the women in HMP Bronzefield suffer abuse that leads them into the criminal justice system and then seeing them perform with passion and professionalism the West End show, ‘Made in Dagenham’, put together in less than 7 weeks releasing their latent potential and their look of amazement as they received a tumultuous standing ovation lead by Joanna Lumley; the buzz of bringing skills to life for MPs and Peers on the Terrace at Westminster with members of the YLAT and our apprentices – personifying how skills really do change lives. Hearing skilful voices sing to perfection in a celebration of Welsh culture and listen to Colin Jackson speak of how he had to commit to raising his skills to the highest level to earn his medals at The Ivy. And at the Cinema Museum participate in an Art School event that challenged accepted cultural history and question what monuments actually reflect whilst recognising the artist’s duty to tell the whole story, however uncomfortable.
Quite a week, but being able to announce to the unsuspecting Malachi Bakas that he had been chosen for the City & Guilds President’s Award by HRH really was the icing on the cake. Recognising excellence, transforming lives through skills and celebrating those who work tirelessly to breakdown barriers. And next week? Who knows but I bet it’s not dull either!
