82. Ironbridge Gorge Livery Weekend. 8/9th June

Started by the late Sir Peter Gadsden who was Lord Mayor in 1979/80, this was the 35th such event. It was attended by Masters and Consorts of 102 Livery Companies. The weekend was organised by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.

After a rather frustrating journey with several diversions because of traffic accidents, we arrived at the Holiday Inn in Telford where all participants were accommodated. Early that evening the bar was filled with many familiar faces before we moved on to the first organised function which was a black tie dinner at Coalbrookdale, the home of cast iron. Excellent company, food and wine and a jolly group each way on the coach made this a splendid evening.

On the Saturday we were split into four groups and taken to various museums, coming together for lunch and then continuing the tour. Ironbridge was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution and the tour included the old furnace where pig iron was smelted, museums of caste iron, sagger makers, Coalport china, tiles and a replica Victorian Village with shops all beautifully displayed and very interesting. 

Unfortunately the Ironbridge itself was clad in plastic and undergoing renovation. There was however a model!

In the evening we were treated to The President’s Summer Ball. An evening where at the end of the meal there was an opportunity to dance and let your hair down – which many of us did!

This was a superb weekend among many friends and acquaintances from the Livery. 

81. Buckingham Palace Garden Party, 5 June

A delightful afternoon spent in the gardens of Buckingham Palace along with several thousand other people. What started as a very overcast and chilly day changed to a bright, sunny and warm afternoon at about the time Sandra and I joined the long queue to enter the Palace grounds.

The event was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. From the Livery the two Sheriffs and their Consorts were also in attendance as were several other Masters and Clerks, most of whom we knew. It was also an occasion where one could chat with a wide range of other guests. We were treated to a delicious tea with a superb choice of savouries and cakes! The large number of people made it almost impossible to meet the Royal couple, although we did manage to get a glimpse of them.

It was nice to stroll around the gardens and lake and listen to the two Military Bands that played alternately throughout the afternoon. A splendid occasion and a pleasure to have been invited.

80. Beating Retreat, Horseguards Parade, 30 & 31 May.

Taking advantage of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity offer to Livery Companies of VIP priority seating, 38 Members, Consorts, family and friends came to view this event which is performed on two days every two years.  The largest group of 33 attended on 31 May. Having endured long queues to pass through tight security our group were seated in a block on a stand just off centre with an excellent view of the proceedings. 

Beating Retreat had its origins in early warfare when the drum was used for all signals on the battlefield. It was a signal for troops to disengage from combat at the end of the day as darkness fell. We were treated to a full hour and a half programme of music and spectacle which included the ceremony of Beating Retreat.

First, 30 members of the Corps of Drums marched onto the parade playing drum solos. Following Bugle calls the Massed Bands then marched on in quick time. They heralded the arrival of His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge, who was taking the salute on behalf of his brother Prince Harry (who was on his honeymoon). 

There followed a ceremonial precision marching display, the actual Ceremony of Beating Retreat, further marching displays and the finale of “Rule Britannia” and the National Anthem. This was a fantastic evening of precision marching. The Massed Bands utilised the whole display area, splitting into 2 and 4 groups, counter marching, wheeling and reforming continuously. Not a single one out of step at any time! A perfect evening weather wise and thoroughly recommended if tickets can be obtained again in 2020.