Plumbers Sport a Leak at the Lords Mayor’s Show
On 9th November, Master Charles Brooks, accompanied by Mistress Penny, led the Plumbers’ contingent in the Parade at the Lord Mayor’s Show 2024.
The team consisting of Liveryman Jason Clarke, Renter Warden Janet Rivers, Upper Warden Sandra Raine, and Clerk Elect Debbie Abergil, were distinctive in their Plumbers’ blue boiler suits and caps.
This year, they carried suitable props: wrenches, a plunger, and of course … a leek (!) courtesy of Jason. The latter was the cause of much amusement amongst the crowd as they saw the joke.
A vast, good-natured, crowd lined the streets to cheer us on. There was much laughter, as well as ‘high fiving’ with children along the route as we paraded with the Senior Livery Companies.
Whilst the rest of the team walked on to welcome refreshments hosted by the Worshipful Company of Carmen and watched the rest of the Parade, the Master was fortunate enough to be invited to form the Guard of Honour at Mansion House for the return of the Lord Mayor, so he and the Mistress left the Parade at St Paul’s.
Being is the Guard of Honour is a prestigious honour, given that it numbers 22 and consists of Aldermen and Alderwomen, the Masters of the Great Twelve, and only a few other Masters.
Being a rifleman, the Master expressed some alarm when muskets were pointed at the Guard – just a standard form of greeting to the new Lord Mayor by the Company of Pikemen and Musketeers, who had been escorting the Lord Mayor’s coach throughout the Show.
We were delighted to be encouraged on our way by several members of the Company, whom we spotted in the crowd. Why not support the Company and bring the family for an entertaining, free day out, next year?
Master Charles Brooks