The Livery Newsletter and Gazette Issue 28 Winter 2017 | Page 21

The lunch was deliciously catered by Mark Grove
and his team at Cook & Butler and we cracked
along at a goodly pace. Our guests were admirably
introduced by Liveryman Fran Morrison and our
Principal Guest, Tim Wonnacott gave a generous and
very humorous reply to which I responded initially
by drenching poor Tim in a glass of water - he was
very kind about it (sorry Tim!). I was very pleased
to show off the newly found Livery Grant of Arms
and Letters Patent which have been missing for many
years - our Clerk tenaciously sought them out, and
the new Immediate Past Master, Chris Allen, and his
IPM, Mark Gower-Smith have funded a beautiful re-
presentation and they are now resplendent in frames
carved with tobacco leaves (or close to); Sandra also
located a huge banner not seen since 1985 and Angus
Menzies, Clerk to the Master Mariners and never shy
of a challenge saw to it that it was displayed on the
Quarterdeck.
Sheep Drive 2017
Whilst all this was going on, apparently biblical-
style downpours were being had all over London
- oblivious to all that drama we ended our lunch
trooped back to the quarterdeck where Coffee,
600 Freeman basked in glorious sunshine on Sunday 24th and
September
Cigars,
while participating in The Worshipful Company of Woolmen’s and Cognac awaited us (I did mention that
Livery enjoyed dining on the High C’s..) and
annual sheep drive. Exercising their ancient civic right to our
drive
which
seemed to hit the mark – Liveryman Jemma
sheep across London Bridge without paying taxes, the livery
Freeman
raised £26,000 for charity, including the Lord Mayor’s Appeal
and had kindly provided the torpedo cigars
Woolmen’s Charitable Funds. Rooted in a tradition spanning
and had had them placed in souvenir tubes with our
more than 800 years when London Bridge was the only crossing
Crest emblazoned on it. Several of us also sported
of the Thames and the sole route into the City for trade, thousands
a limited edition Livery Smoking hat - originally
gathered to watch the procession and attend the London Wool
Fair, as a sort of shooting hat, it serves its
conceived
which began in 2016, adding a modern touch to the activities
on
and so well as a “team” hat, that of the twenty
purpose
around London Bridge.
ordered, but one remained by the close of the day!
National treasure, Mary Berry CBE opened the 2017 sheep Thank
drive. you to the Master Mariners for allowing us the
The well-known cook, food writer and television presenter use
is a of the venue, to Tim for being a perfect Principal
Guest,
Freeman of the City of London. The Learned Clerk, Immediate and for everyone attending and giving my
such a special start.
Past Master Charles Miller, Assistant Elise Rasmussen and year
Freeman
Courtney Rasmussen followed our esteemed Master Ralph
Edmondson as he boldly herded the sheep across the bridge. Ralph’s
son, James ensured that there was photographic evidence! All went
The Master
well according to the Master until someone mentioned mint sauce....
Assistant Elise Rasmussen
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