Wardens

Upper Warden, John Cowper-Coles

I have worked in London for over 40 years as an Investment Manager specialising in private clients and charities. I became a Liveryman of our Company in 1993 and joined the Court in 2014. I am on the Company’s Investment Committee and I am also the Property Steward as well a Chair of our Strategic Plan.

My wife Liz and I both grew up in Kent and now live in Hampshire. We have both ridden since an early age and are the proud owners of two Irish Draughts. In addition to riding I enjoy boating in the Solent, Fly Fishing and long distance running.

Middle Warden, Lydia Brown MBE

I am a retired veterinary surgeon, having spent most of my life working in aquaculture (fish farming), mainly in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry. I have also lectured at a number of vet schools including being for a couple of years an assistant professor at a US vet school . I am a Past President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and have held leadership positions in several veterinary related charities as well as senior roles in veterinary pharmaceutical companies.

I became a Liveryman of our Company in 2014 and joined the Court in 2016 as the Coordinator of the Equine Veterinary Studies Award acting as the liaison between the Company and the UK vet schools. I have also been actively involved in producing the Company's Strategic Plan. My husband Stephen and I are proud Northerners - I am a member of the Brigantes Liverymen in the North but we now live in Wiltshire with a base in the North Pennines. There are three generations of farriers in my family and I grew up with a forge at the bottom of the garden.

I enjoy time in London and regularly attend the Lord Mayor's parade each year supporting the Livery Companies from the sidelines as well as the United Guilds Service and other City Livery events.

Renter Warden, Mr. Paul Watts

I am a newly retired chartered accountant and have been a Liveryman of the Company since 2014 and was elected as a Court Assistant and Treasurer of the Company in 2018. I also chair the Company’s Investment Committee.

I worked in the City for nearly 40 years and served on the audit review panel of the City of London Corporation for six years. I also act as a non-executive director and have travelled widely on business and for leisure. I live in South-East London and as well as travelling I enjoy attending race meetings, opera and theatre and spending time on the North Kent Coast at Whitstable.