Dear Middle Templar,
In his foreword, the Under Treasurer perfectly captures the mood of the Inn and the events of the latter part of 2023, and the first seven months of 2024. The year started with the thanksgiving service for the life of our former Treasurer, Master Igor Judge, at Temple Church in January and was followed by many very enjoyable and stimulating lectures and dinners, in parallel with a great deal of hard work by the Inn departments and committees. His description is a happy and timely reminder of Master Darling’s time as Treasurer.
Paul’s sudden death shocked us all. In the few weeks since then, the Inn has received condolences from across the legal world where Paul was a towering figure. Tributes have appeared in the media from the many other organisations to which he brought so much energy, intellect and talent. To use a phrase of which Paul was particularly fond, his range of activities was nothing short of breathtaking. To the Inn he was devoted from the moment he joined. Like many of us, I rather took for granted Paul’s presence and contribution. He had always been there; enthusiastic, opinionated, with a kind and generous heart. As I have said to many of you, the last Executive Committee of last term took place the day before Paul died. He was on sparkling form as he described the events that had taken place in the preceding weeks and days: four Call ceremonies at which the achievements of our students were recognised and celebrated, a Bench Call with a glittering array of Callees and the last of the Treasurer’s Lectures, which had an interview format featuring four of the Inn’s greats, and a theatre event to boot. Paul was rightly proud of it all.
The description larger than life is often used and is rarely apt. It is when applied to Paul.
I commend to you the obituary written for the Middle Templar by Master Richard Wilmot-Smith who knew Paul professionally and personally for over 40 years.
The Memorial service on Wednesday 23 October 2024 takes place on what would have been Paul’s Grand Day. We know it will be a fitting tribute to our very dear friend and colleague.
Paul rightly took great satisfaction from the increased participation in Inn events by so many people as, at last, we stepped out from the shadow of the pandemic. I am in no doubt that the increase in numbers was the result of his hard work in renewing the system of chambers representatives, his encouragement to all of us to join in, and of his personal warmth and welcome at every event. I believe that we will continue where Paul led, participating enthusiastically in the many and varied activities of the Inn. The programme of events is here. Have a look and book in. You will see that in late September the Inn will welcome new students. The Middle Temple Students’ Association (MTSA) are hosting a reception on Friday 27 September for the new cohort of students, and on Saturday 28 September, there will be a dinner to which we can all bring guests. Please do book in. It is always such a pleasure to introduce people to our wonderful Hall and to meet up with friends and colleagues. I look forward to seeing you there.
This latest edition of the Middle Templar is the result of great efforts by members and Benchers of the Inn and of the staff. Thanks to all who have contributed to and produced it. I know you will enjoy it.
With all good wishes,
Kate Thirlwall
