WCIT MONITOR Issue 67 Feb 2016

Issue 67: Feb 2016 MONITOR the newsletter of The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists MASTER’S LETTER T hree months since my first letter and much happening in this most vibrant and active of livery companies. I have stressed our wish to give our members, particularly our newer ones, an early chance to shine. The New Freemen's Dinner introduces those who became Freemen in the last twelve months to the traditions you will encounter at City functions. This is a busy evening for the Master, who definitely has to speak for his supper and I was very grateful to Past Master David Morriss, whose fine demonstration of the Sung Grace meant that I did not also have to sing for my supper! My fellow Alderman Vincent Keaveny was struck by the fun and enjoyable way we introduce this side of the City and I was most impressed by Michelle Gurney's speech, in which she gave a clear view of the benefits of being an active member of the Company. At the Stirrup Cup it was humbling to speak to so many of you about the work of the Company - much of which is reported in these pages, but there is always more going on. ©Sharp Photography We continue to look at sensible new projects. Before Christmas I went with several other members to meet The Society of Merchant Venturers of Bristol to discuss possible collaborations; they run a number of schools in the area. If you have links there, please speak to the Clerk, who can tell you more. The Master, Alderman Sir David Wootton Inside this issue: Master’s Letter 1 News Feature: Online Safety 2 A Journeyman’s Story 4 2016 New Freemen’s Dinner 6-7 WCIT Charity & Panels News 8-9 WCIT History: Reminiscences Series - No. 3 10 Clerk’s Letter 12 We continue recent innovations and recently I joined Alderman and Sheriff Charles Bowman; the Master Educator, our own Past Master John Leighfield; Past Master Jo Connell OBE and Junior Warden Dr Stefan Fafinski in judging the 2016 WCIT Information Technology University Awards – entries were of a very high standard and it was a difficult decision to pick the winner that will be announced at the February Business Lunch. We have held many of our own events over the past quarter; the November Business Lunch, with new Liveryman Jane Moran, CIO of Unilever, who spoke very eloquently of the challenges businesses face now in engaging their employees and providing the working environment they want, much to think about during and after lunch, thankyou Jane. I hosted an evening at Bangers, our informal and friendly get-togethers of longstanding members, new members and those we hope will join us. Bangers is held every first Thursday of every month, do come along. Our Carol Service in December featured my son reading a lesson and my grandson meeting Father Christmas, the church service is an excellent way of getting in the Christmas mood and I strongly suggest you put the date in your diary for this year! I also very much enjoyed the Government Panel Dinner, which showed that our Panels have real strength in depth in their sectors. I have been doing my stuff representing the Company out and about: the Plaisterers' Masters' and Clerks' Dinner, the Insurers' Company Lunch, the (Haberdashers') Aske's Lecture, our own Masters' and Clerks' Dinner - plus many more! And helping to run the Company- one Court meeting and three Finance and General Purposes Committees (F&GP) meetings so far… The Master's life illustrates the diversity and vibrancy of what and who we are and what we do: it's an honour and a pleasure.