Our news

Liveryman Peter Frederick Waters 26.02.1946-30.06.2026

We are sad to announce the death of Liveryman Peter Waters aged 80 years. Peter became a Liveryman in 2006. His daughter Vera informed the Livery that it was very sudden, and he passed away peacefully at East Surrey Hospital surrounded by family. She also said “My Father very much enjoyed his time with you (WCSIM) as a Liveryman of the City of London (a place he once worked in, knew well and loved), and the wonderful dinners He attended with my Mother Angelika. He was proud to be part of The Worshipful Company Of Scientific Instrument Makers. We are doing alright, my Mother and I, despite missing my Father terribly, but it is a comfort to know that he is at peace. Bumbling along, but slowly getting things all in order, and tackled one by one. ”

His funeral service, which took place on 14 August 2026, is still available to watch via ‘on Demand’ online until the end of Tuesday the 15th September 2026. Please apply to the Clerk for login details.

Liveryman Meng Wu becomes a Fellow of BCS

Meng is excited and humble to announce that he is now a Fellow of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT (FBCS). British Computer Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT is a professional Engineering Institution and the professional body for computing. Globally, BCS has around 70000 members but only around 4000 fellows. Fellow of BCS is considered the highest professional recognition in computing and data science in UK. He would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who have helped him or mentored him in my journey so far, without your support he will not be here. Meng will continue moving forward and giving back (motto of WCSIM) and committing to making IT and Data Science good for the society.

Visit to the Francis Crick Institute

On the 16th July, members of the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers enjoyed a fascinating visit to the Francis Crick Institute.

Our visit coincided with the opening of the Institute’s new exhibition centre, making the day particularly memorable. We were warmly welcomed by Oktay Asanov, who gave us an excellent tour of the Institute’s collaborative workspaces and laboratories, showcasing the cutting-edge research that is advancing our understanding of life itself.

Following the tour, members continued the conversation over lunch at the nearby Somers Town Coffee House.

The Worshipful Company would like to extend its thanks to Oktay and everyone at the Francis Crick Institute for providing such an engaging and informative visit.

Freeman Sam White

 

 

 

 

SIM visit to RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station Saturday 27 June 2026

Past Master, Martyn Wheatley, in association with his brother Stephen of the RNLI, organized an interesting and enjoyable visit, for twenty-one SIM members on Saturday 27 June, to the RNLI’s Tower Lifeboat Station.

This dynamic floating workplace is manned, by dedicated and well-trained individuals, who when the call comes in, can be up and away in seconds, aboard their 900bhp E-Class boats to save lives, at speeds of up to 50mph across the water.

The SIM group were welcomed aboard the floating station by Stephen and told all about the remarkable history of the RNLI, plus the amazing statistics regarding lives saved and rescues made along the Thames. We learnt that the station is coming up for 25 years on the Thames, in which time they have responded to over 12,000 ‘Shouts’ and saved nearly 400 lives.

Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition (30 June – 5 July 2026)

The Summer Science Exhibition is a free showcase of cutting-edge science. Registration is now open.

The Summer Science Exhibition is a free annual showcase of some of the cutting-edge science and technology in the UK, suitable for all ages. Meet the scientists, discover the exciting research and technology they work on and have fun with engaging interactive activities.

Book now using the link below for PRIORITY ENTRY.

Tickets 

Booking is free and allows priority entry during your chosen 30 minute entry time slot. We kindly ask that you book only the entry time slot you intend to visit, to allow fair access for all attendees. If you arrive after your time slot, you will need to claim a new ticket from the box office, subject to availability.

Please note – some entry slots are now fully booked. For entry slots where priority tickets are now fully booked, walk-up tickets will be available, subject to building capacity. Please be aware you may need to queue for entry.

All under 16’s need to be accompanied by an adult.

Due to limited capacity, booking is required for the following:

  • Quiet entry: Sunday 5 July, 9:30am -10:30am
  • BSL Interpreter (including exhibition entry): Sunday 5 July, 11am -1pm
  • Blue Badge parking: Tuesday 30 June – Sunday 5 July

School/college groups should book their visit through the dedicated page.

For opening times and to plan your visit, find more information at royalsociety.org/summer.

Please email exhibition@royalsociety.org with any questions.

#summerscience

Admiral of the Port Challenge Race 11 June 2026

The Admiral of the Port Challenge Race is a historic 2-nautical-mile traditional rowing event on the River Thames. Organized by the Thames Traditional Rowing Association, the competition features traditional four-oared Watermen’s cutters and skerries representing City Livery Companies and other river organizations.  The course of this race is from HQS Wellington to the Westminster Boating Base, Pimlico, a distance of two nautical miles (although somewhat questioned by those rowing). Boats then continue upstream and disembark at Chelsea Harbour Pier.

Those representing the Company took to the water in the Gordon Hall Cutter, with the Livery Flag billowing from the stern the team set off at a cracking pace.  As the race came to its closing moments Gordon Hall was tied neck and neck for second place with Vittoria from the London Port Health Authority.  Alas Vittoria gained a surprising lead, and Gordon Hall was narrowly pipped to the post coming in third which is a fantastic achievement! taking immense endurance, grit, and hours of hard work.

The Master wishes congratulations to those that took part on a great result!

Full results and pictures from the event can be viewed below.

Colonel’s Review of Trooping the Colour Saturday 6th June 2026

On Saturday 6th June a group of members and guests were delighted to attend the Colonel’s Review of Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade.  Although the weather was slightly wet (think downpour in places) it did nothing to dampen the spirt of those in attendance.  After the parade the group moved to the Royal Horse Guards hotel for a reception and a splendid lunch.

(Picture Credits: John Canning and Rebecca Tanderyd)

Consorts Visit to Temple Bar

Consorts visit to Temple Bar followed by lunch

On Tuesday 26 May 2026, the Master’s consort, PM Brian Fishwick, hosted a visit to the ceremonial opening of Temple Bar Gate next to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Guests were busy sheltering under the trees from the 30C heat ahead of the ceremony but a couple are visible in the distance!
After the ceremony we beat a hasty retreat to Côte Brasserie for a splendid lunch where we celebrated PM Brian’s birthday…’