THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGISTS
WCIT History : The Reminiscences Series
7 . Past Master Peter Monson ( 1993 / 4 )
I joined the Company and was made a Freeman in 1988 . At that time I was Head of Education and Training at the Admiralty Research Establishments based in Portsmouth .
The Establishments were at the leading edge of technology and research projects on behalf of the Royal Navy and MoD ( N ). It was an exciting appointment for an engineer as Education and Training was at the hub of all research projects . One minute I would be authorising technical and medical training for divers in the compression chambers , the next sending a scientist to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT ) to present a research paper .
My own research was on the emerging technology of interactive video and the design of methodology in producing the programmes . This was carried out by two partners : the Royal Naval Education and Training School , and the Sound Services and Vision Corporation , an MoD satellite company .
Lancaster University was assigned to carry out the project with myself as Project Manager . The research paper was published twelve months later , well received by the IT companies involved in producing programmes . Taking cognisance of colour physiology was of particular interest .
Peter Monson : Master from 1993 - 1994
In September 1993 I retired from the Service and in October 1993 became Master of the Company . It was one of the proudest moments of my life , and as any Past Master will tell you , a daunting task . However , I was well supported by the Wardens , a great Court of Assistants , the Clerk , and encouraging Membership .
We were the new boys on the block , determined to become a formidable Livery Company . From day one we had to engage with the City , the IT industry , academia , and the military ; I was determined to carry on with the task . All invitations to attend City functions were accepted and reciprocated as well as those outside the City . The average for my year as Master , usually accompanied by the Clerk , was at least six a week – good for networking but not so good for the waistline . We achieved engagement in 1993 / 94 through innovative projects such as a float for the Lord Mayor ’ s Show depicting IT in the community both in the City and the country at large , the float being a full-size Tele Centre . At the Livery Companies ’ Exhibition in July 1994 Lord Mayor Sir Paul Newall was linked to Michel Carpentier , an Honorary Liveryman of the Company , in Brussels .
In order for the Membership to grow , we were constantly interviewing and then holding Clothing Ceremonies for Liverymen at the Tallow Chandlers ’ Hall . Business luncheons ( 94 as I write ) were an excellent means of having guest speakers and allowing Members to bring guests , many of whom went on to join the Company . Panels continued to be successful . Linking with the Military was also a key initiative , and in 1993 I established a major link with the Defence IT Management Training Centre at Shrivenham , the Centre later absorbed into the Defence Academy . Our other major link was with the Royal Corps of Signals which continues to this day . It was a very proud moment when together with the Master of the Signals I opened the Museum at Blandford Forum on 23 February 1995 : a must to visit .
Peter Monson with Peta Walmisley in 1994 , Peta had just become the first WCIT member to complete their two-year service as Court Liveryman . Peta went on to become Clerk of WCIT .
I believe that our major success has been the policy of the Company to include and encourage participation of all our Members , our greatest asset . Long may it continue .
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