I was recently in London, walking down Picadilly, when a clock struck 5 o’clock in the afternoon. It was dark but none the less I suddenly realised what was about to happen. The clock in question is above the world-famous store of Fortnum & Mason, the long established ‘grocery store’ where there are Warrants for the supply of goods to Royalty.

Above the main entrance is a clock commissioned by the then owner W Garfield Weston, as a tribute to William Fortnum and Hugh Mason. Officially unveiled on 4 November 1964. It is a substantial clock made from bronze, weighting over 4 tonnes.

Whilst the history of the shop is, in itself, fascinating, and a part of the history of London, I was more fascinated by the clock.

I have seen what happens on the hour many times, yet I always stop and look. Two figures appear from behind doors and move to greet each other while the clock chimes. The two figures are the founders Fortnum and Mason – each 1.2 metres high. It may not be too clear in the picture, but they are visible. After their greeting they return and the doors shut, until the next hour.

The clock has 18 bells from the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, where may important bells have been cast, including that of Big Ben. Such a delightful chime which goes unnoticed by some. Even fewer will stand across the road to look.

A few thoughts have surfaced since I saw this little piece of London unfold. I wondered how often are we that reliable in showing up – not necessarily every hour, but at the appointed time.

I was at a workshop a few days ago when nearly 40 people met after a yearlong experiment. People who had travelled from near, and from many countries, with the primary reason to meet each other…just for the day. Now that requires commitment, punctuality, determination and a valued reason to ‘turn up’.

I have missed a few appointments over the years – I do hope that I have been polite enough to proffer my apologies each time. But, and it is a big but, I have heard many people I know who have waited for someone who has never turned up, or made contact afterwards. I know I have shared my thoughts, hospitality and ideas, with people who have promised to get back within the next week…and in spite of a polite reminder, have never been in touch again.

At the workshop there was great politeness and greeting of each other, much valued as the day unfolded. One of the key observations was how the world has become less connected at a human level. There may be much happening with ‘friends’ on social media, but a key reason why people turned up in person to this event was the value of human connection, where there is an opportunity to cocreate and share ideas. To travel from America, Canada and other non-UK countries takes real commitment, especially as the prime reason for the travel was to be physically present for this one day. For this determination I say thank you. A reminder of a commitment that is becoming less frequent.

The polite greeting between Fortnum & Mason in the clock is a valued reminder of human connection in our ever-distracted world…and all it takes is a short time.

Who knows what may follow!

My best wishes,

Peter