Lord Mayor’s Show 2009

As I came out of the underground this morning workers were busy unloading metal barriers from a collection of lorries and they’d obviously been at it for a while as the streets were already lined with them. Yes, the Lord Mayor’s Show is upon us again and apparently if you hurry there are still a few grandstand seats left at St Pauls! As the official website explains:

“In a tradition dating back to 1215 and enshrined in the charter of King John, each new Lord Mayor is required to swear a pledge of allegiance to the Sovereign in front of the Lord Chief Justice and Judges of the Queen’s Bench Division. An established highlight of London’s social calendar, the Lord Mayor’s Show attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.”

“Behind the new Lord Mayor, in a procession extending more than three miles, around 6,000 people from all across London will come together to celebrate their city’s proud cultural heritage and to revel in its diverse modernity. With more than 60 participating organisations ranging from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to the British Red Cross Society, this year’s Show demonstrates exactly why London is widely regarded the most cosmopolitan city in the world and why the Square Mile continues to enjoy its reputation as the pre-eminent centre for global finance.”

The parade starts at 11am, though an early arrival is recommended because of the inevitable crowds, but if you can’t make that then I’d really recommend the fireworks down on the river at 5pm. It’s always a spectacular show.

For a plan of the route and more details of the timings go to the official website:
http://www.lordmayorsshow.org

Law and order, City style.

There’s a new sherriff in town. Well, two actually and neither have anything to do with John Wayne (pictured) or carry guns. On Wednesday the traditional election of the Sherriffs took place at the Guildhall with the liverymen of the City’s Livery Companies casting their votes. The results were:

• COOK, Peter Joseph   Votes cast:  1199
• OLIVER, Timothy Patrick Camroux  Votes cast: 689
• WOOTTON, Alderman David Hugh  Votes cast: 1711

Congratulations to the two winning applicants, David and Peter, and they’ll officially take up their posts on Friday 25 September in time to preside at the Election of the Lord Mayor on Tuesday 29 September.

The term Sherriff apparently comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “reeve”, meaning “official” and the “Shire Reeve” was the most important official in his shire (area). By the time of the Norman conquest in 1066 “Shire Reeve” was contracted down to “Sherriff” gave us the title we know today and gave Hollywood the leading character for a thousand Westerns. Originally selected by the King the power to choose them was devolved in the 12th century and they have been elected positions ever since. It is commonly understood that the office of Sheriff of is a pre-requisite to becoming Lord Mayor.

I doubt they’ll take kindly to anyone saying “Get off your horse and drink your milk” so I won’t advise that you try it.

Time to stock up on air freshener.

Tomorrow, Thursday 14th May, sees the Lord Mayor’s “Big Curry” in support of the Army Benevolent Fund between 12 noon and 3pm at the Guildhall. Wisely they’ve organised the sittings to suit City lunch times and with each sitting being forty minutes long there’ll be time to get to and from the office in the mandatory hour.

Controller of the Army Benevolent Fund Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter KCVO OBE says: “With the ongoing losses in Afghanistan, we are constantly reminded of the rising casualty rates and the increasing demands on the ABF and our resources in the future. Now more than ever is when we need support from the public to help us look after those soldiers and their families in times of need. Taking part in the Big Curry is something really simple that people can do to show their support.”

If you can get down there then please do and support the men, women and families of the British Army and if you want to book tickets then do visit the website for the event or call The Army Benevolent Fund on 0845 241 4831 and ask about the ways in which you or your company can help.

The Big Curry
www.bigcurry.org

Lord Mayor’s Chauffeur Receives Driving Ban

The Lord Mayor’s chauffeur, Michael Dore, has been banned from driving for one year. The sentance was handed down after the driver was found guilty of drink driving. He was stopped by police officers in Cheapside in March after they spotted a fault break line on the Rolls Royce he was driving.

Whilst talking to him, officers began to suspect he had been drinking and took him to Bishopsgate Police Station after he failed a roadside breath test.

Mr Dore has been dismissed from his job and was also given a £585 fine by City of Westminster Magistrates Court.

See also: Lord Mayor’s Chauffeur Banned from Driving

Learn How To Use A Defibrillator and Save A Life

St John’s Ambulance Team, No.4 Broadgate Circle on 29 January

A defibrillator could save your own life or that of a colleague if you had a heart attack, and thanks to this year’s Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal, the St John’s Ambulance (Prince of Wales) is placing over 1000 defibrillators in locations across the City.

But you’ll need to know how to use them so go along to No 4 Broadgate Circle on January 29th (that’s today, by the way) to find out more about this worthy project and get the training from the St John’s Ambulance team.

More info

UPDATE: Our man at the scene went along at lunch time only to find out the session hadn’t lasted beyond the morning. A tad lame me thinks not to mention that important fact on their website.