Shortly before he took retirement (early I am assured) from his duties as Clerk, Liveryman Peter Wilkinson found time for a quick interview before he hung up his boots!
Ed: You are a familiar and welcome face to us all, but I am sure there are many of us who would like to know a bit more about the man behind the legend, so please kick off with a bit about your background, education, interests, career progress and you biggest achievements and epic moments…
PW: I was educated at the Royal Grammar School High Wycombe, then went to St David’s University College Lampeter on a Naval Scholarship (where I met Tracey) and passed out of the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth after graduating with a degree in Geography. I went into submarines as soon as I could and was an operational submariner for 20 years. Commanded three separate submarines and then finished in the submarine world as Captain of the Second Submarine Squadron based in Plymouth. Ten years of staff jobs followed, working for the Second Sea Lord in Portsmouth and the Chief of the Defence Staff in the MOD in London. They were three interesting jobs – Naval Secretary, responsible for the career management of 40,000 naval personnel; Defence Services Secretary, acting as liaison between the MOD and Buckingham Palace, working with HM Queen’s Private Secretary and, finally, as one of the Deputy Chiefs of Defence Staff, charged with providing the three Armed Services with sufficient, capable, motivated personnel.
(Ed: Modest as ever Peter!)
How did the role of Clerk happen?
I left the Navy and the Cooks needed a Clerk! I had a number of chums who were already Clerks and they said I might enjoy it (and I have).
What has it (role of Clerk) entailed?
Three key aspects to the role:
- Running the Company from day to day
- Organising the official functions and committees
- Escorting the Master as he or she represents the Company at various functions, dinners and events across the City
What’s the most significant thing you have learned as Clerk?
If you want to get something done or changed then warn people first – people generally don’t like surprises.
Favourite bits about the job…
Helping the Trustees of the Cooks Charity distribute about £200,000 a year to our beneficiary charities and organisations.
When a dinner goes well, with great food and wine, good speeches, and an excited chatter in the room.
Least favourite…
The number of emails (any Livery Clerk would say the same thing).
Epic moments in post?
The Mansion House dinner in 2021 and taking part as a Company in the Lord Mayor’s Show in the same year.
Most challenging moment?
Organising the Mansion House dinner.
Squeaky bum moment?
Whether anyone would get up and dance at the Company dinner in 2015. As it was, the band played Glenn Miller and the dance floor filled up instantly.
Embarrassing moment?
Getting the name of Bev Puxley’s guest completely wrong on a Menu card.
Leaving someone off a seating plan when they had clearly said they would attend.
Not recognising a member of the Company as they arrived for a dinner.
Funniest story as Clerk?
When the bus taking people from the Candlemas church service to Cutlers Hall for lunch got lost and took half an hour to cover the 400 yards (as the crow flies).
Most treasured memory as Clerk?
The Master’s outing to Stourhead, participating in a guided tour of the garden with the legendary Head Gardener, Alan Power and followed by a fabulous lunch cooked by the entire Puxley family.
Why are you retiring now?
After 11 years it’s time for someone else to take on the running of the Company.
What will you miss most?
The emails.
Advice for James?
If in doubt ask one of your fellow clerks – they will have done it before.
Plans for retirement – interests/hobbies/family/something else?
Play more golf, play the piano, teach myself to juggle, complete my family tree research (it’s been a 40 year project on and off). Spend time with our grandchildren. Take some stunning holidays. Sort out the garden.
(Ed: no rest there then – I understand James is looking for entertainment for next year’s company dinner and he had a juggler in mind…)
What’s your favourite sport/interest/book/food/ tv programme?
I love watching any sport, but especially football and rugby. I also have an old Porsche and enjoy watching classic car motor racing.
Books – lots of military history.
Food – I know nothing about food and have managed to avoid choosing menus and wines for the last 11 years.
TV Programmes – I loved ‘The marvellous Mrs Maisel’ series (cracking New York Jewish humour).
Something we don’t know about Peter Wilkinson please….
I love watching ballet
Tell me a joke…
As the female duck billed platypus not only lays eggs but also produces milk, it is the only creature on earth that can make its own custard!
8 desert island discs….
You made me so very happy – Blood, Sweat and Tears
LA Woman – The Doors
Muzetta’s solo from La Boheme
Scarpia’s solo from Tosca – Puccini
3rd Symphony – Gorecki
Farewell to Stromness – Peter Maxwell Davies
The Lark Ascending – Ralph Vaughan-Williams
The Black Bear – Massed Pipes and drums
Luxury Item?
A supply of Jaffa Cakes
Ed: I am sure the whole Company will want to join me is saying a huge thank you Peter for your incredible contribution as Clerk and for being a stalwart support and friend to many of us. We wish you well in your retirement and look forward to seeing you at Company events and activities as a Liveryman along with new Freeman Tracey – who also deserves massive thanks for her role as your able assistant!
