174. The Worshipful Company of Nurses, Anniversary Dinner, Apothecaries’ Hall, 2 May 2024


I was honoured to be invited to attend the first anniversary dinner of the Nurses.  The atmospheric and historic hall was packed. The evening started with the formal Installation ceremony and handover from immediate past Master Liz.

After a super meal we all participated in the passing of the Lamp.  In the spirit of unity and friendship of the Living Cup, the Company of Nurses have replaced the Loving Cup with the Nurse's Lamp, a symbol of the care given by members of the nursing profession to those they tend.  The lamp used is a replica of the type used by Florence Nightingale and working nurses in Scutari during the Crimean War.  During the passing of the lamp you are encouraged to reflect on your duty and service to your profession.

The Nurses are a new company; they have 450 Freemen and 100 Liverymen.  They are attracting members from across the profession especially from the armed services with whom they have strong contact.  After the Master had given us an update on the Company, the response by the guests was given by the Pageant Master Dominic Reid OBE.

He explained that the Lord Mayor’s Show had started in 1215 during the reign of King John.  For years London had been trying to become a commune or city state, declare its borders, make treaties and defend itself.  In 1215 the King issued a Royal Charter that established the commune and allowed the City to choose its own Mayor every year, instead of having a sheriff appointed by the King.  At the end of the Charter is a condition: every year the newly elected Mayor must leave the safety of the City, travel upriver to Westminster and swear loyalty to the King.

The Lord Mayor’s Journey was along the river (hence floats) and developed into a celebrity spectacle.  The clash of oars between the Skinners and Merchant Taylors’ Companies as they jostled for position in 1483 gave rise to the phrase “at sixes and sevens”, their alternating order of precedence.  As it has grown it has become known as the Lord Mayor’s Show.  This, the largest unrehearsed event in the world, was the first outside event ever to be broadcast live on television and is now the world’s longest running outdoor televised event.  It still attracts a TV audience of millions.

It costs £3million to stage (£60k per minute) and uses 2829 crowd barriers.  The procession is three miles long.

It has been cancelled only twice: once because of the death of the Duke of Wellington and once for Covid.

I had the pleasure of being on the top table between the Renter Warden and a Past Master.  It was very interesting to hear how the Company had evolved with the Wardens taking significant responsibility in the day to day operation of the Company.  Most of the work of the Company is undertaken by Committees: Communications, Education and Professional Development, Finance & General Purposes, Membership, Social, Nomination and the Company of Nurses Charitable Trust - Board of Trustees.  There is definitely less pressure on the Master!

It was a most enjoyable evening and my grateful thanks to the Master for the opportunity to share the experience.

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