The City Livery Club hold occasional lectures for members about relevant Livery and London issues. On Friday Bill Clark from the Worshipful Company of Woolmen came to talk to us about the organisation and arrangements necessary to mount the annual Sheep Drive over London Bridge. As the Mistress and I attended have twice participated in the Sheep Drive (see Blog No 30) we went along to the Little Ship Club under Southwark Bridge to find out more.
Bill was instrumental in setting up the inaugural Sheep Drive in 2013 and such has been its success, he has been organising every year since then. Whilst there had been a few sheep drives in previous years (two drives used goats rather than sheep!) there had never been a properly organised event despite the ‘urban myth’ about Freemen driving their sheep across the Bridge. But Bill saw an opportunity and so bravely set about trying to do something.
In his lecture Bill described the many many agencies, organisations and officials that had to be consulted and their agreement given, ranging from the City of London Corporation, the Highways Agency (who own the Bridge and the A3 that runs over it) and the Health and Safety Executive. He soon found that everyone was very enthusiastic and all tried to find a way to make it happen. But it was a long slog.
With some 600 tickets to sell across the day he was delighted when in mid-June they had sold enough to make it viable. From then on he knew he had a winner! And each year it has grown and grown. Celebrities who have opened the drive include Barbara Windsor, Mary Berry and this year, Alan Titchmarsh. It is a real fun family day out and much enjoyed by all concerned. Bill has much to be proud of and all his efforts benefit the Woolmen’s Charity and the Lord Mayors Appeal – both worthy causes.
The lecture was followed by a light lunch overlooking the Thames. A very pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
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