Week pushes the boat out
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AS I ARRIVED at the Watermen's Hall in the City of London to be let into Ivaco UK's plans, I was greeted by an usher in Doggett's scarlet coat and plate-sized metal arm badge, matching breeches, white stockings and Norman Wisdomstyle cap. When he grabbed a highly polished oar I expected him to tell me to push off but this was merely his wand of office and he led me courteously to the reception desk.
He was one of two Prentice brothers, Robert and Paul, both of whom have won Doggett's Coat and Badge in the famous Thames rowing event. Robert is also barge master to the Watermen's Company.
It was through the everyouthful, ever-smiling Victor Paige that lveco pushed the boat out at the Watermen's Hall. He is chairman of the Port of London Authority as well as of Iveco (and deputy chairman of the National Freight Consortium), so he has one foot in the Thames and the other on land.
I narrowly avoided a fearful act of lose majeste by almost sitting in Victor's inscribed chair. When I confessed he graciously brushed the matter aside with a sweep of the hand and a buck's fizz.