A Message from our President

24^th April 2026

Dear Member

Last night I was privileged to be elected as your President for the next 12 months. Whilst it is, in common with many other offices in the City of London, a fixed 12 month term, we know we have not had a 132 Presidents in our 132 year history!  But I think I may be the 107^th President, so unless there is anything to contradict that will settle for it and we build on it going forward! Seems odd that my great grandfather, a London docker who I knew, would have been 32 when we were formed!

That in itself sums up much of London’s success over 2000 years since the Romans first built a settlement in 43 AD: build on what you have and move forward. Accept the reality of what is around you, however uncomfortable, and get on with life. London first came under physical attack from Boudica around 60 AD since when much has changed!! The threats to London and what the City of London represents today are just as real but less obvious.  

My family have been in this City since the 17^th century, and they would be as proud as I am for having been entrusted by you to protect our cherished heritage and to carry the torch of hope into the future.

Modernisation, essential for survival, often risks throwing the baby out with the bath water, which like our election cycle comes from a Spring tradition! But stagnation leads to demise. I quoted the Carpenters at the AGM, “We have only just begun” and indeed we have and am grateful to the team last year led by Allan Graveson for the foundations of our revival which they laid and to the new younger team that will build on that this year and going forward. Succession planning is essential and we have begun, begun positively.

Our programme is ambitious; it retains tradition while introducing change, unafraid to mimic the Starship Enterprise, while remaining loyal to our true values. We are looking to recruit corporate members, to work more closely with the Livery Companies, to recruit more residents, to play a greater role in the Farringdon community and the theme of my year is to give hope to some of the kids who don’t fit the mould but have much to offer. I am hoping to introduce a 4-day programme in the Autumn to help 16 – 18 year-old NEETs have the confidence to be ambitious, to believe in themselves for what it is that they can do, not suffocated for what they can’t do………... What can you do to help? Every one of you will be able to do something…. or maybe know someone who can … or maybe recruit 4 new members who can!

As Bumble used the say when commenting at the end of a Test Match, “Start the motor”! But, are you on the bus?

David Selves

President

Farringdon Ward Club

Farringdon Within

Farringdon Within is one of the 25 wards of the City of London, the historic and financial centre of London, England. It was formed in the 14th century from the sub-division of the pre-existing Farringdon Ward into Farringdon Within (inside the line of the Former London Wall), and Farringdon Without, beyond the Wall.