All the fun of the Livery Fair

As the previous edition of Coachlines went to press, on Sunday 30th September the Master Stephen Fitz-Gerald attended the annual Sheep Drive and Livery Fair organised by the Woolmen’s Company and supported by the Guild of Young Freemen.

Lord Mayor Alderman Prof. Michael Mainelli with Sheriff David Chalk

Accompanied by Liveryman Anthony King and Liveryman David Barrett, they drove a flock of well-behaved North of England Mule Sheep across a portion of Southwark Bridge, observed by families, friends, liverymen and members of the public.

This annual spectacle celebrates a Freeman’s ancient ‘right’ to bring sheep to market over the Thames, toll free; and the event is all in aid of raising funds for The Woolmen’s Charity and The Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

Master Stephen Fitz-Gerald

Whilst being an integral part of the day for supporters of the Sheep Drive, the Livery Fair also enables a number of the City of London liveries – ancient and modern, to showcase to the public what they do and the charitable work they support, with skilled tradespeople conducting interactive demonstrations of their fascinating and ever-evolving trades. The Livery Fair also brings together a number of specialist stall holders, displaying and selling their wool-based products, textiles, arts and crafts, quality gifts and food & drink.

The Master certainly recommends that every Freeman and Liverymen should undertake this experience and he is hoping to encourage annual participation in greater numbers.

The Lord Mayor, both the new Sheriffs and numerous other City dignitaries were in attendance. This year the celebrity guest appearance was actor and musician Damian Lewis, famed for his role as Henry VIII in the BBC TV drama Wolf Hall, among many others.

Some of the participants who seemed to really enjoy the event