On the evening of Monday 18th November I attended the Red Cross Christmas Fair preview in the Guildhall.

The evening started with a parade of the HAC Company of pikemen and musketeers in the Guildhall courtyard, who were inspected by Alderman John Garbutt and Solangela Tangarife; then inside the Guildhall there were masses of things to buy as Christmas presents – jewellery, scarves, gloves, hats, candles, fragrances, books, smoked salmon and other smoked fish and meats from the Black Mountains smokery (made me feel quite at home!), furs, sheepskins, table mats, cordials, Italian produce, porcelain, knitwear, chocolate, wooden bowls, crackers, accessories, you name it, they had it.

The evening was opened by Nicholas Woolf, the Lord Mayor’s consort, and HRH Princess Alexandra and Angela Rippon OBE were guests of honour.  There was a band of brave waiters and waitresses serving champagne and sausages on sticks, salmon-filled bagels and other delicacies, and incidental music to listen to as well.

Bill Clark – Master, Woolmen’s Company