Opening of the Garden of Remembrance at St Paul's Cathedral Monday 4th November

First thing this morning all Masters arrived at the Crypt of St Paul's Cathedral, each collecting a Cross on which was written the name of their Company. Joining us for breakfast were the band of the Grenadier Guards, The Royal British Legion Standards, the ceremonial squad of the London Ambulance Service and the City of London Schools Choir. After a briefing, we then moved to the Garden of Remembrance at the side of the Cathedral and were quickly marshalled into position in order of precedence. The service commenced at 11am, led by the Very Reverend David Ison, the Dean. The Representative Lord Mayor, Alderman Ian Luder, accompanied by representatives of his Ward of Castle Baynard and the National President and National Chairman of the Royal British Legion. All took their places, accompanied by the two Sheriffs, Alderman Sir Paul Judge and Adrian Waddingham.  Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson, CB, CVO delivered the Exhortation.  After the Silence and the Reveille, our crosses were placed in the Garden, the Masters undertaking this in groups of three. The Kohima Prayer was delivered by Fiona Toye, President of the Royal British Legion City of London Poppy Appeal, a charity that the Marketors continues to help and support. It was, as always, a poignant service and we returned to the Crypt for warmth and to speak with many of the older members of the British Legion's men and women sections.  Fortunately the sun shone throughout and the Garden now remains open for the planting of crosses by members of the public. Always a service to remember.