The day
started early with breakfast courtesy of Cook and Butler at the Guildhall Club
where I was joined by the Master Musician and the Master Fletcher. I learnt that it takes craftsmen from three
Livery Companies to make an arrow. The
Musicians have over 800 members and run a support scheme to encourage aspiring
musicians. We also discussed their
forthcoming programmes and the challenges of transport stoppages, especially
when you have just signed catering contracts.
Some Masters had risen earlier to see off the cavalcade of taxis in the
Magical Taxi Tour taking children to Paris for the weekend.
We then
assembled in the crypt of the Guildhall in reverse numerical order of
precedence, which was a challenge to the staff as the Masters kept moving
about. Eventually we moved off to St
Lawrence Jewry next to the Guildhall.
This magnificent church has just emerged from its chrysalis where it had
been undergoing major refurbishment for several years.
The service
included traditional hymns accompanied with gusto by the assembled masters and organ. It was an impressive spectacle. The Lord Mayor’s and our Company’s Chaplain
the Rev’d Katherine Hedderly, Vicar of All Hallows by the Tower, preached the
sermon.
We returned
to the Guildhall yard where we all lined up in reverse order of precedence to go
into the Great Hall. The Officers,
Sheriffs, Aldermen and Lord Mayor proceeded to the Great Hall with all the
others taking part in proceedings. It was
accomplished in almost silence. The
Common Cryer and Serjeant-at-Arms proclaimed silence and directed “all persons
to be uncovered in the Hall” and “all those who are not liverymen to depart the
Hall on pain of imprisonment”. The Lord
Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs then retired for the election. We applauded all the candidates and the
clever people from the City decided who had won. After the election they returned and the
result was announced. The Lord Mayor
Elect Michael Mainelli then declared his assent to take up the office and
addressed Common Hall.
There then
followed a resolution of thanks to the Lord Mayor to which he replied, then
thanks to the late Sheriffs to which they replied. Eventually Common Hall was dissolved and we
all said God Save the King. We all then
departed the Great Hall looking forward to a late lunch.
Meanwhile
the Lord Mayor Elect and entourage posed for pictures outside the Guildhall. It was a bit like a wedding reception with
the various combinations for pictures.
The comparison is appropriate as during the period of the Sheriffs’
residence in the Old Bailey (they have apartments there, they were not in the
dock) one sheriff became engaged and one was married in the Old Bailey.
Past Master
Peter Hall, Eileen, my Consort and I then headed to the Wax Chandlers’ Hall
where we joined the Wax Chandlers and guests in a very welcome drink (having
abstained for the preceding many hours since breakfast). Cook and Butler again provided a superb
spread although I was disappointed when I seemed to have been missed out on the
dessert. The Beadle noticed that my dessert
was missing and addressed the catering manager in a loud voice expressing
concern at the service for the guest, much to my embarrassment! The catering manager then returned with a
cake complete with sparkling firework.
This was accompanied by a rendition of Happy Birthday from the assembled
diners. I was even more embarrassed and
very grateful for the memorable birthday.
Memo to self, be careful what you say to the Clerk.
After lunch
the Master gave a most entertaining speech including her experiences as Lord
Mayor. I then responded on behalf of the
guests thanking our hosts and complementing them on their commitment to the
environment and sustainability, especially Pollinating London.
It was a
very memorable and enjoyable day.
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