Being a part of the Lord Mayor’s Show is not only an honour, but also great fun. This year, our involvement was especially significant as our Past Master, Alderman Alison Gowman is one of the two Aldermanic Sheriffs of London.
This meant that in addition to our Glovers’ Float in the Show, the Company was represented by the Master, Renter Warden, First Under Warden and the Clerk in Alison’s Shrieval “Mother Company” carriage.
Separately, our banner was carried in the Sheriffs’ own carriage. Additionally, some Glovers had the privilege of watching the parade from the private seating area at Mansion House. Many thanks to Alison for enabling all of this.
The Glovers’ float was led by the Beadle, followed by the IPM Richard Morris, accompanied by Vanessa, Wardens and Liverymen (some gowned) and guests, all of whom were wearing matching sweatshirts, which had our Queen’s Coronation glove on the front and ‘The Worshipful Company of Glovers of London’ written on the back. They were flanked by smartly uniformed RAF Cadets, most of whom carried placards of either gloves or the Glovers coat of arms.
They were followed by a splendid vintage Routemaster open top bus (the one that PM Roger de Courcey arranged for the 2018 Show). The bus was adorned with “True Hearts and Warm Hands” banners together with a picture of the 693rd Lord Mayor, Vincent Keaveny and a picture of “our own” Sheriff Alderman Alison Gowman. It carried yet more Glovers and guests, one special guest being Nookie Bear!
Amongst the guests, we were delighted to welcome representatives from some of our charitable activities.
With thanks to the generosity of the Master, Daphne Cave, additional refreshments at the lunch break were made available for float participants to supplement that included in the entry fee. It was during this time that the Lord Mayor and officials, including the Master, Renter Warden, First Under Warden and Clerk, stopped at the Royal Courts of Justice, to observe the Lord Mayor to swear his oath before the Lord Chief Justice and his bench.
Our float proved to be very popular with the cheering crowds. Many thanks to all of those who participated, and who waved their gloved hands constantly during the procession.
As with so many of the Glovers’ activities, considerable thanks go to all of those who helped me, contributing to the preparation before the Show and the many Glovers who helped with the organisation on the day. Particular thanks go to the nominated Person in Charge of the Float on the day, Assistant David Roots, who was ably assisted by his appointed Deputy, Liveryman Hilary Miller.
Good coverage of the event can be found on the YouTube video entitled “City of London’s Lord Mayor’s Show 2021, one of London’s oldest traditions dating back to 1215”. During this video the undoubted highlights for Glovers are timed at 40 minutes 24 seconds and at 1 hour, 2 minutes and 50 seconds. The video can be found at https://youtu.be/hg6D5W8dcWo
It is intended to produce a slideshow showing a variety of the many photographs taken, but this may take a little while to produce.
Clive Grimley
First Under Warden
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