Lord Mayor's Banquet
27th March 2025Mansion House
There is in effect a three line whip regarding attendance at the Lord Mayor's Banquet at the Mansion House - everybody from the Livery movement and the City Corporation is there. The advantage is that by this stage of the Mastership I have been in post longer than most other Masters and therefore it is a pleasure for Carolyn and I to meet a lot of old friends!
Having changed into White Tie in our room in a hotel around the corner from the Mansion House, we joined all the other guests to be formally introduced to the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, before sitting at table in the Egyptian Room. Along the way, we spoke to old family friend friend Paul Galpin, who not only is the IPM of the Cooks, but is also a Pikeman of the HAC, who provide the ceremonial guard for the Lord Mayor at the Mansion House. He did look warm underneath all his armour!
After a pleasant meal, with musical accompaniment from the Salon Orchestra of the HAC Band, we were treated to speeches by the Lord Mayor and the Masters of the Number 1 and 2 Livery Companies (The Mercers and the Grocers), extolling the projects and achievements of the Lord Mayor's year. There was a lot of talk about the forthcoming Livery Weekend in Aberdeen in June, which is the Lord Mayor's home town, but unfortunately we will not be going as it is the weekend after our term of office finishes!
Following further chats with old friends on the way out of the Mansion House, we retired for the night, to prepare for the United Guilds' Service in the morning, for once staying up in town. It made a pleasant change to not have to rush for a late train!