Mayoral election "bears" fruit

Taking part in the election of the Lord Mayor is something every Liveryman should do at least once in their life. It combines City pageantry with exercising your civic duty and is just good fun.



The day started for me with breakfast as a guest of the Cook and the Butler (who were our caterers for the Installation Dinner and Spring Lunch this year) and included a squirrel casserole - tasty in its own way but slightly bitter so not my choice for future breakfasts.



Thence to the crypt in Guildhall to robe up and join the other Masters processing in colourful array across the yard to St Lawrence Jewry church (see also next post) for divine service. Back to Guildhall before processing into the Great Hall for the election.



The three eligible candidates' names were called out, to which the hall replied with a shouted "All" for the preferred one, "Next" for the one to follow next year, and "Later" for the third.



It's a solemn occasion but humour is not far below the surface, as when the Common Cryer and Serjeant-at-Arms (the same person) bellows "Silence!" into a hall where you could hear a pin drop. And when the Aldermen retire to determine their choice between the two candidates put forward by the Livery, the Assistant Town Clerk (Chief Executive in Corporation of London-ese) does what can only be described as a "turn", entertaining the troops while we await the results.

Alderman Michael Bear emerged as the Lord Mayor-elect and made a speech in which he promised plenty of ursine humour in the year ahead. He takes office on Friday 12th November, the day before his Lord Mayor's Show.

The vote of thanks to Lord Mayor, Nick Anstee, who is now approaching the end of his year, was given by HRH The Princess Royal, this year's Master Butcher (NA is a Butcher). She is a great supporter of the Livery in general and gives a good speech.

Lunch followed at the always-hospitable Farmers' and Fletchers' Hall and the day ended with the Worshipful Company of Musicians' Choral Evensong at St Paul's, followed by the third meal out of the day.