Regular readers know that I try to avoid having more than one post a day, but this was special, the very first Lord Mayor of London ringing the 5 minute bell at Lords Cricket Ground to reopen England versus Sri Lanka. Chris Hayward in shot, but masterminded so kindly by Mark Berman.
A highlight of the mayoral year arrived at Mansion House today, the 695th Lord Mayor’s Whisky (or whiskey to us Irish). With the immense help and support of the magnificent Braeburn Whisky (Scottish) team, we have a very very limited edition for charity fundraising purposes.
For only the second time since 1899, dozens of people have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London today. The ceremony saw 40 recipients from a broad spectrum of sectors honoured at the Mansion House for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields, rom the science, medicine, business, academia, education, and arts sectors.
More smiles than stains, we held a wonderful recreation of a very old tradition. It was something long in the planning, and only possible with enormous help from a huge variety of people, not least my Water Bailiff (Chris Livett) and Under Water Bailiff (Frank Moxon – affectionately known as ‘Scuba Bailiff), DL Nicholas Wood-Dow, Sheriff Langley, Sheriff Masojada, LM’s Sea Cadets ADC, Doggetts Coat & Badge Watermen, four Livery Masters, Sea Cadets, Sea Cadets Pipers, RNLI Crew, the Mayor and people of Staines and Spelthorne, and a lot of boat owners. Particular mention must go to Stephen Barnard, friend, fellow Waterman & Lighterman, and owner of M B Leonie.
Lord Mayors get to choose a charity for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. The chosen charity is supported on a ‘transformational project’ for three years; thus three are being supported at any one time. The Lord Mayor’s Appeal helps deserving causes across the capital and is generously supported by the City of London’s livery companies. The generosity of freemen and the livery companies, along with support from City A.M. and businesses for events like City Giving Day, provide the funding.
My choice for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal was the charity MQ Mental Health Research as one of our three chosen partner organisations. MQ’s founding supporter, the Wellcome Trust – based in London – is one of the world’s largest global health science foundations. Together, we approached mental health by putting science at its heart.
“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.
Remarks to: XRchiving, Bush House, King’s College London, Saturday, 20 April 2024, by The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of London Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli
“History Refined By Technology: Connecting To Prosper In The World’s Coffee House.”
For the first time since 1899, dozens of people have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London today. The ceremony saw 40 recipients from a broad spectrum of sectors honoured at the Mansion House for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.
