09/07/12
Businessman Tom Sheldon on a highlight after becoming master of a livery company
Businessman Tom Sheldon became master of a livery company
just less than a year ago, little realising he would be hosting a
lunch for the Queen.
The chartered surveyor and former estate manager of Turkey Mill
Business Park, Maidstone, was on royal duty at the event in
Westminster Hall on the final day of the Diamond Jubilee
celebrations.
As Master of the Mercers’ Company, he represented all 108 livery
companies of the City of London and sat next to the Queen and gave
a widely reported speech of welcome to Her Majesty.
He said: “Today we mark and we give thanks for your 60 years of
unstinting, unwavering commitment and service to the nation, to the
wider world, and also to each and every one of your subjects here
in the United Kingdom, and each and every man and woman of the
nations of the Commonwealth.
“When you came to the Throne there was talk of a new Elizabethan
Age. Much has changed in the last six decades, but it has been the
age of Elizabeth.
“You embody the very best of our national values, and represent
all of which we are most proud.
"You are a constant in a changing world, and a constant good,
with a reign characterised by a very personal connection and
affinity with everyone you meet, whether they be head of state or
the youngest child.”
Mr Sheldon, who continues to be a non-executive director of
Turkey Mill Investments, said: “It was a great honour for. I was
delighted to represent all the City livery companies on such a
special occasion.
It has been a great privilege to be Master Mercer and I have
thoroughly enjoyed my year, but the Jubilee lunch was the absolute
highlight.”