The Lord Mayor's Show

 For the first time in many years, the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers participated in the Lord Mayor’s show by marching in the Senior Livery Companies’ float. Our walking party comprised The Master, Upper Warden Chris Causer, Renter Warden Jenny Rolls and standard bearer Liveryman Martin Reading. We were waved off by The Clerk, Heather Smith, who with her husband, Robert, had assembled and transported our large white and red placard bearing the legend “We Built London”.

We started with a light breakfast at Ironmongers’ Hall, and emerged to see the procession starting to line up. Luckily we ended up marching at the front of the Senior Livery Companies’ float, striding out along the processional route, past the Bank of England, where staff were waving from the rooftop, past Mansion House where we waved to the Lord Mayor and the Mayoral party in their grandstand. We were cheered along the way by members of the Company who had turned up in support.

 We eventually arrived at Carmens’ Hall on Fleet Steet, right next to the Royal Courts of Justice and opposite our bankers, Hoares and Company. The Carmen kindly hosted us for lunch in their upstairs hall which contains a great collection of transport-related memorabilia.

After a leisurely lunch, we regrouped on the Embankment for the walk back to London Wall, to be joined by Past Master Ian Mitchell Grimshaw who had been lunching nearby on HQS Wellington. We set off on our way back with the sun beating down on us. The combination of heavy ceremonial robes, a cracking pace and unseasonally warm weather meant we didn’t get cold at any stage!

 On the return leg, there were still plenty of spectators cheering our float, and was a real pleasure to be able to support the Lord Mayor’s show as well as represent the Company. We were blessed with perfect weather, which always helps! Hopefully there will be a similar opportunity next year, and I would encourage everyone to come to a really enjoyable day out.