Page 26 - Microsoft Word - The Constructor 2016 A5V28

The Company

the ceremonial entrance on Old Bailey; the only occasions each year when this entrance is used. Led
by Officers of the City of London Police he processes with the Sheriffs, The Recorder, and Secondary
through Grand Hall to Court no.1. The Lord Mayor sits in the central chair at the bench, the only
occasions on which this seat is used, and exercises his right as Chief Magistrate in the City.
The first six weeks of my Shrievalty were spent with the Late Lord Mayor, Alderman Sir Alan Yarrow,
prior to the installation of the new Lord Mayor, Alderman Lord Mountevans. The installation, at the
Silent Ceremony in Guildhall, was followed by the Presentation of Addresses to the Lord Mayor and
Sheriffs. I was privileged to receive presentations from the Constructors, Masons, Tylers &
Bricklayers, and The Royal Society of St George (City of London Branch). The Lord Mayor’s Show
was a spectacular, though damp, day, starting with the River Pageant involving many Livery
Company cutters. The rain didn’t dampen spirits, which were much improved by the early morning
tot of rum aboard HMS President. The Civic Party viewed the outward procession from the balcony
at Mansion House before joining our carriages for the Royal Courts of Justice and the formal
swearing in of the new Lord Mayor. Returning with the procession to Mansion House we enjoyed
lunch with family, friends and supporters. It was certainly a day to remember.
Church services are frequent special occasions throughout the year, and some are particularly
memorable. The Agincourt service at Westminster Abbey was spectacular, with the Master Cutler
holding aloft King V’s sword, and a Shakespearean actor presenting the Bard’s famous lines whilst
striding through the Quire and Nave. The 23 December was also memorable on a more personal
rd
note as I had the pleasure of reading a lesson at the carol service at St Paul’s Cathedral to a
congregation of over two thousand souls – quite an experience!
State visits are renowned for their pageantry. Just three weeks into my year of office, when all was
still very new to me, there was a State Visit from the President of China, Xi Yinping. I found myself at
Horse Guards Parade as part of the welcoming party. The seniority of the Mayoralty in London
ensured that I was fifth in the receiving line to be introduced to Her Majesty who in turn carried out
the introductions to the President of China and his lady. It was quite a surreal experience gazing out
across ranks of gleaming guardsmen on a beautiful sunny October morning, thinking “how did I end
up here?” The following day the City hosted a State Banquet in the President’s honour. Guildhall
looked stunning and was filled to capacity. A truly splendid occasion.
Events involving the Armed Forces are always special, especially for those of us without a military
th
background. The 75 anniversary of bomb disposal was marked by a service at St Paul’s Cathedral
followed by a reception at Guildhall honouring the contribution of bomb disposal experts in the City
of London from the Second War to the present day. 101 City of London Engineer Regiment
(Explosive Ordnance Disposal) is the most recent regiment to be granted privileged status by the City
of London, which confers the right to proceed through the City with “drums beating, colours flying
and bayonets fixed”.
Although having been conferred with the same honour a few years ago,
the Household Cavalry exercised their privilege for the first time in May.
Guildhall Yard was witness to a march past of mounted and
dismounted contingents of the Household Cavalry, complete with their
bands. Colonel of the Blues & Royals, HRH the Princess Royal, and
Colonel of the Lifeguards, Field Marshall The Lord Guthrie, took the
salute. Truly specular on a bright sunny day.
The Sheriffs also attend a whole host of Charity fundraisers and other events supporting good
causes across the City. City Giving Day took place two days after my Admission to office. Whilst the
Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress covered the City, the two Sheriffs headed east to Canary Wharf to
visit companies enrolled in the scheme, helping to showcase the extensive activities of City business

26 | Autumn 2016 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors