Liverymen and friends from the Water Conservators joined with other Companies and the City of London in one of the largest City Livery events of the year.
The annual United Guilds Service was attended by the Lord Mayor and the Court of Alderman, and this year the sermon was given by The Very Reverend Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark (an expert on Mud Larking!). The Service, held in St Paul’s Cathedral, was packed. The Livery Companies were seated in order of Precedence which meant that we were in row 52 but had a great view of the colour and splendour of the Cathedral and Livery in front of us.
First established in 1943, following the Blitz of 1940-41, the idea of the Service was to help uplift spirits following the Blitz during the Second World War. Reflecting the religious origins of the Guilds the Service is held on Lady Day being the first day of the year according to the Julian Calendar.
It was a great opportunity to catch up with friends from across the Livery Companies and beyond.
After the Service the Companies dispersed to different Halls for lunch and we joined the Masons, Blacksmiths, Woolmen, Glaziers. Scientific Instrument Makers, Engineers, Constructors, Information Technologists, and Educators at the impressive home of the Worshipful Company of Painer-Stainers. I am pleased to report that we responded with the loudest cheer during the introductions!
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