WCA
Company of Pikemen and Musketeers
The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) is the British Army’s oldest unit, tracing its origins to a Royal Charter granted by Henry VIII in 1537. Its name dates from a time when ‘artillery’ signified any projectile, including arrows and musket balls; it wasn’t until about 250 years after its foundation that it began to use large-wheeled guns.
Since the early 19th century, the HAC has fulfilled both infantry and artillery roles in the modern sense, and became part of the army reserve in the early 20th century. It has provided soldiers or formed units for all the army’s significant military campaigns since the 19th century.
On 15 February, a group of Worshipful Company of Actuaries members, including the Master, both wardens and family members, were entertained by the Company of Pikemen and Musketeers (P&M), a ceremonial element of the HAC that forms the Lord Mayor of the City of London’s official bodyguard.
There was no need for directions when we arrived at the HAC’s headquarters, Armoury House – fully attired pikemen were clearly visible to show us the way.
After an introductory talk about the history of the HAC and the P&M, we split into groups for a guided tour of Armoury House, where the extensive medal room and museum display the P&M’s history to great effect.
The evening finished with a buffet in what can only be called the P&M’s ‘locker room’. Given that the Pikemen’s breastplates and armour are made to measure, it’s perhaps not surprising that only some of our attempts to try on a rigid breastplate were successful…
An ode to the Code
As part of their final-year assessment in the Communications module, actuarial students at Queen’s University Belfast were asked to come up with creative ways to impart the message of the Actuaries’ Code. Ruby O’Donnell and Shiuan Yi Lai wrote the following poem:
Hardworking, intelligent and ambitious are we, We decided to become actuaries.
These skills help us day to day, But there are rules we must obey.
Integrity is first – a key to success, Honesty and respect allow us to progress.
Competence and care is about quality and skill, Ensuring our reputation doesn’t go downhill.
Impartiality helps us avoid any bias, Resulting in actions that aren’t impious.
Compliance will keep us away from the courtroom, All of this so that our business can boom.
Speaking up against what is morally wrong, Will allow us to keep our honour strong.
Communication must be evident and clear, So all can understand if they are far or near.
Student, Associate or Fellow you must abide, The Actuaries’ Code isn’t just a guide.
OBITUARY
Robin Michaelson
Robin Michaelson was born in London in August 1940. He won a scholarship to Highgate School and then another, to read maths at Corpus Christi, Oxford, in 1959. After graduating in 1962, he followed in his father’s footsteps to become an actuary, qualifying in Australia while working for the Colonial Mutual.
Trips during his long Oxford vacations, an experience driving a bus across the US, and journeys to and from Australia inspired a lifelong love of travel.
On his return to the UK in 1973, Robin worked for various life assurance and reinsurance companies, including the NRG. His last full-time actuarial job was running a life syndicate at Lloyd’s, before retiring around 2000.
With his career coming to an end, Robin trained to become an accredited City of London guide; he led parties of walkers around the area for more than 20 years during his retirement.
However, he did not completely forsake actuarial work and was appointed a lecturer in actuarial studies at City University, where he enjoyed introducing students to the City of London and its financial and cultural institutions. Robin is deeply mourned by his wife Carol and many friends.
Deaths
It is with great regret that we announce the death of the following members. We offer our condolences to their families, friends and colleagues.
Richard Lee, a Fellow who joined in 1996
Derek Fellows, a Fellow who joined in 1956
Mrs Lesley Mackenzie, based in Switzerland, gained Fellowship in 2007, died aged 43
Correction
In the March issue of The Actuary, we included Mr Paul Bunzl in our obituaries. This was entirely in error; he has not passed away. We apologise for any embarassment or distress caused.
