The Assembly on the Old Staircase.


and insurrections. The modern Lord Mayor's procession is a direct descendant of that first journey to Westminster. And so it is that I find myself


viewing the Parade from my vantage point in front of St. Paul’s Cathedral. There is a good turn out and everyone is in a cheerful mood. Compared to last year when it rained throughout the parade, the weather is dry with a chance of rain mid- afternoon, although, as a precaution, all participating Freemasons were provided with plastic ponchos that fitted nicely into their apron pockets. I caught up with our group at the


halfway point, where light refreshments were served, where I met Bro. Scott Dunn, MM, of Cator Lodge No 2266, who explained that they had met at St. Bart’s at 08:30 in the morning for tea, with a briefing held at 09:30. This was Scott’s fourth year participating, and he was, as always, glad to be back, explaining that he always found the response from the crowd enormously encouraging. Also back for more, despite last year's deluge, was W. Bro Edoardo El-Attrache, LGR, of Royal Standard Lodge No. 1298. He found this year’s dry experience highly enjoyable. Last year Edoardo mused about needing plastic gloves in


12


addition to the plastic poncho provided, so I asked if he came prepared this year, whereupon he duly presented a pair of white latex gloves. “You never know”…. as he said. As I walked amidst the Brethren I


sensed a very uplifted and joyous atmosphere; everybody seemed to enjoy themselves. One bone of contention voiced was the BBC coverage, as a few brethren had gotten word through that the pictures from the Parade were cut just as the Masons appeared in view - again. Next I met John Parry, MetSGW, who is the Metropolitan Grand Lodge’s person in charge of our entry. John told me that he was overwhelmed by the support London Masons had again shown for the event. He told me that it was first proposed that we participate in the Lord Mayor’s Parade seven years ago and we’ve done so every year since. John explained that Metropolitan


Grand Lodge & Grand Chapter were the first entrants to sign up to this year's Parade and that there were 60 banner bearers, up from 54 last year, and again 80 brethren in total. As the call came through for the


parade to gather for the march back, I asked John about the Lunch for Participants, family & friends at the


ISSUE 19


Great Hall, St. Bart’s Hospital, after the Parade: “It’s wonderful, we were actually oversubscribed,” he said: “I had originally set the limit at 120, but we are now seating 170 and still turning people away. I may have to ask the Metropolitan Grand Master if he will give up his seat,” he joked! “It all goes to show how popular this whole event is with London Masons.” He hoped I would be joining him for the magnificent Firework display after the lunch which I duly did and was again amazed, as I had been all day!


Brethren wishing for their Lodge or Chapter to take part in next year's parade should keep an eye out on


Porchway in March by which time the booking form should be there!


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