The evening of one of the hottest days of the year started in the cooler environment of the Livery Hall in the Guildhall with the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant marking 10 years of the Reflections of the Lord Mayor. There was then a presentation to the winning young people and artists who designed the six stained glass roundels reflecting civic stewardship and connection.
After the call to dinner we were escorted to the Old Library by the historic Pikemen and Musketeers who, with thir tradtional uniform, must have been even hotter than the guests. There was a dramatic touch to the evening when we were captivated by the vibrant and cultural spectacle of a Chinese Lion performance. This included the ability to make bottles of wine disappear from tables.
During the meal we heard the 695th Lord Mayor share his reflections on his mayoralty and explore the theme of Connect to Prosper, celebrating the many knowledge miles which emanate from the Square Mile and connect it to the rest of the world. The year had been one of convening minds and reimagining futures from sustainability and science to finance and global dialogue. He reminded us of everyone who contributes to the working of ‘the world’s oldest democratic workers’ and residents’ co-operative’.
In response to a question on moving forward on water and the environment, Michael was clear about the need for greater awareness of the value of water and commitment to funding of the water infrastructure. To further questions he responded that the greatest day of his life was the Lord Mayor’s Show, after which he hastened to add, together with his marriage and arrival of children. He spent half his time travelling and on one day had eight changes of clothes.
The beneficiary of the evening, championed by Michael, was the Sea Change Sailing Trust. Working aboard traditional Thames sailing barges they support young people and vulnerable adults develop confidence and resilience, and a deep respect for heritage and the environment.
It was a most enjoyable evening and a fitting credit to a hard working Lord Mayor.
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