Probably the high point of every Master’s year is the Lord Mayor’s Banquet at Mansion House, and this year was no exception.

Janet and I were delighted and privileged to be invited to this splendid evening: the Egyptian room was full, and there was a glittering array of tiaras and jewellery and some of the women wore long gloves.

Janet and I were seated by Sheriff Adrian Waddingham and Angela and during the dinner Janet spotted that the Sheriff’s chair was about to collapse seconds beforehand and warned him – Adrian moved creditably quickly to avoid injury, and the Mansion House staff quickly found a spare chair.  Janet’s background as a Guide and a Guide Guider comes to the fore at all sorts of improbable times and places!

It was a most enjoyable evening, which included a fanfare by the State Trumpeters, who then handed over to the Orchestra of the Honourable Artillery Company for the incidental music during the rest of the evening.

Bill Clark – Master, Woolmen’s Company