Armistice Day 2018

After almost two years in the making, the Master Fruiterer’s vision for the Livery Companies of the City of London to commemorate the Centenary of the Armistice in a special way, came to fruition.

Following a Service of Remembrance with The Commemoration of the Fallen at St Paul’s Cathedral, the Fruiterers’ Beadle Mr Ted Prior led one hundred gowned Liverymen and Clerks along Cheapside with the Innholders’ Beadle bringing up the rear.

On reaching London War Memorial at the foot of the steps of the Royal Exchange they formed up behind the ranks of the Old Comrades Association.

With the Sheriffs in attendance, wreaths were laid first by the Lord Mayor Peter Estlin, then by senior representatives of the Armed Forces, the Emergency Services, the Old Comrades and the Chief Commoner Mr John Scott. The final wreath was laid by the Master Fruiterer, John Warner. The first time that a wreath has been laid on behalf of the Livery Companies of the City of London.

Albeit a sombre occasion the colourful robes of more than fifty Livery Companies caught the eye and interest of the public and the many tourists who were visiting the City of London.

With the formalities of the day complete many Liverymen accompanied by their Consorts and guests adjourned to the Guildhall where the Master Cook, Mr Mark Grove, and his team from the Cook and the Butler had prepared an excellent Sunday lunch.

Throughout the lunch there was much praise and recognition of the Master Fruiterer’s planning and arrangements for this very special occasion which prompted the thought that commemorating Armistice Day in the City might become an annual event in the diaries of the Livery Companies of the City of London.