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| Master Geoffrey Purves prepares for the Show |
The long range weather forecast had said heavy showers between 11.00 and 2.00 - just the time that the Lord Mayor’s Show takes to wend its way from Mansion House to the Law Courts in the Strand and back again. The WCCA’s stalwart representatives - Master Geoffrey Purves, Student Dominic Edwards and yours truly - were prepared for the worst, but in the event the rain held off and we returned to base dry and elated after a most enjoyable day's outing. The streets were lined with crowds: scout troops demanding high fives from passing liverymen, friends shouting recognition as the party passed by and tourists agog at the fascinating rituals of this ancient place.
The modern companies walk rather than ride in a float. Architects, Engineers, Constructors, Information Technologists, et al gathered in London Wall ready to set off at 11.00am. We marched past the new Lord Mayor on his dais outside Mansion House - he didn’t see us because he was being interviewed by a Japanese television station - past a busy St Paul’s - devoid of anti-bank protestors in spite of warnings that Russell Brand had been tweeting to stir people up - and up Fleet Street.
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| We walk past St Paul's |
The Lord Mayor's party at Mansion House
While the Lord Mayor attended a grand lunch in the Law Courts in the Strand, the Companies enjoyed a sandwich and a glass or two of champagne on HMS Wellington courtesy of the Master Mariners. The jolly representatives of the Pipemakers enjoyed a leisurely puff.
We were blown back along the Embankment; Dominic struggling to hang on to the Company’s sign - next year, we decided, we should have a flag. We returned to The Master’s very convenient apartment on Upper Thames Street, and soon after the heavens opened.
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| Wardens of the Pipemakers enjoy their lunch break |
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| Victoria Russell, Master of the Constructors' Company |
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