“A drop of rain was not enough to dampen the spirits of The Lord Mayor of The City of London Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli and Alderman & Sheriff Bronek Masojada who gallantly mounted up and rode around The City of London on Wednesday, 22 May, to raise awareness and funds for The Lord Mayor’s Appeal and the Sheriffs’ & Recorders’ Fund.” 

I had the opportunity of doing this as Sheriff in 2021 and, despite a lot of calendar juggling, was determined to do what I could again with the excellent HAC Light Cavalry, given Elisabeth’s permission (the HAC Light Cavalry defend the Lady Mayoress, while I have the privilege of being guarded by the HAC’s Company of Pikemen & Musketeers). I was also delighted to be reunited with my trusty steed, Leo.

Setting off from Warwick Square, Alderman and Sheriff Bronek Masojada was accompanied by the HAC Light Cavalry and City of London Police who ensured a safe journey through the City, stopping at various Liveries and businesses. I joined Bronek Masojada at SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity, at Dunstan’s Hill and, once mounted, the party continued on their journey giving the whole of The City a spectacle to admire.

The Lord Mayor of the City of London Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli said; 

“We had a fantastic – if slightly soggy – morning yesterday riding through the City of London to raise funds for the The Lord Mayor’s Appeal and Sheriffs’ & Recorder’s Fund. Along with Sheriff Masojada and the Honourable Artillery Company Light Cavalry, led by Alan Willis, we visited a number of iconic City businesses and livery companies to spread awareness and goodwill.” 

Toasting with Master Pewterer Her Honour Wendy Joseph KC

Special thanks to all the Liveries and businesses for their warm welcomes and support: Innholders, Dyers, Skinners, Tallow Chandlers, Staff at Mansion House, Gallaghers, Marsh, PPL, SSAFA, Bakers, Watermen & Lightermen, Lloyd’s of London, Grocers, Mercers, Wax Chandlers, Saddlers, Goldsmiths, and Cutlers. And to the team that made it all happen from the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, to Mansion House, to the aides-de-camps, and my dear friend Mark Duff for many of the photos, but especially to Alan Willis VR (in uniform on my left) and the entire Light Cavalry.

My never-that-good and out-of-date riding skills at least didn’t prevent me from the luck of having one last honour of inspecting the unit in October, again, with Elisabeth’s permission, and see Leo again.