Page 7 - Salamander News Letter September 2023

Maxine’s Consort Event – Tower Bridge Tour
So how did I go about this? My main priority was to organize an event that was not too expensive, ideally in London, including either a light lunch or afternoon tea. I researched several tour options - The Royal Opera House backstage tour, Lloyds of London, Kensington Palace, The Globe Theatre, The Wallace Collection and Tower Bridge. All had a variety of attendance requirements and associated costs.
I decided on a 90-minute tour of Tower Bridge, as it has a lower maximum number of 16 to ensure I could achieve the required numbers and find a local restaurant to accommodate a two-course fixed price lunch, which was held at Haz, Mincing Lane. The combined cost at £40 (excluding drinks) was, in my view, a
reasonable overall cost to encourage support, and achieve the tour requirements.
people were able to come along. The tour of Tower Bridge covered both towers, the Walkway, and the engine
room, and we learned many facts about the construction between 1886 and 1894, the cost of £1m, the team of brave divers (more of that later) and the squads of Riveters who inserted over 13 million rivets into the steel frame behind the stone castle like structure.
I was delighted that 14
The tour ended at the Engine room which was fascinating. The bridge hydraulics system operated using steam power until 1976, and now uses electricity. When completed over 100 years ago, the bridge opened around 20 - 30 times a day, now it is only an average of 2 - 3 times a day. Sadly, we didn’t see it open during our visit. Given the following feedback I believe the day was a success:
“Thank you for organizing this event, you did a sterling job to make the event the huge success that it was.” “Just like to thank you for arranging such an enjoyable visit and lunch. We really enjoyed ourselves. It was lovely to meet everyone, and I look forward to seeing many of you again in the future.”
“Once again, many thanks Maxine, for a corking tour and a delightful outing. Never mind the hazard of the frogman and his wandering hands. It was touching.”
You had to be there to understand the joke! - Attached photo will hopefully explain the latter comment!
In hindsight I would recommend to anyone organizing a Company event to send out an early email with event ideas and costs to obtain expressions of interest which will assist in the planning and feasibility of various events/tours.
Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the members for their support to both Steve and I during the year. I had a wonderful time as Consort and wish Caroline every success in her role as Consort throughout her year.
Photo: Liveryman Anne Isaacs
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Photos: Liveryman, Lee Harvey