Now in its 11th year, the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry
Lunch at the Guildhall is a major fund-raising event for the ABF, The Soldiers
Charity and is always well attended. The launch of this event took place in
November 2018 (see Blog No 56) and the objective this year was to smash the £2m
barrier. The Mistress and I were very privileged to receive tickets and so took
our places in the queue snaking across the Guildhall Yard (and just missed the heavy April showers!).
Our tickets gave us access to the Royal Reception in the Art
Gallery mezzanine and speculation was rife as to who the Royal might be. As it
turned out we were graced with the presence of HRH Prince Harry, Duke of
Sussex, KCVO, ADC who arrived amid the usual security measures. But once inside
he could relax and seemed to enjoy meeting the many representatives of the
armed services and Livery Masters who had been selected to meet him. Introduced
by the Lord Mayor, he made his way around the assembled guests and was charming
throughout.
We then all made our way into the Library where were greeted
by a number of stalls set up by various Livery Companies, namely the Barbers,
Turners, Bakers and Basketmakers. Raffle tickets were very much in evidence and
some of the prizes were most attractive. At the time of writing alas none of
our tickets have turned up trumps!
We spent time waiting for our lunch (14:00 sitting) by
chatting to members of the military who were in attendance, with distinguished guests
including General Sir Mike Jackson and Michael Hockney, both founding members
of the Organising Committee and with other Livery Masters who were very much in
evidence.
But soon it was time to go down into the Great Hall itself
following the enticing smell of curry that permeated the building. The Hall was
laid up with long trestle tables and one queued to collect a delicious curry from
the army cooks before finding a place to sit. All very convivial and the food
was fantastic. A real pleasure to be there.
Afterwards, more Livery Company stalls had to be visited and
purchases were made at the Gardeners and the Fruiterers displays (orchids and
olive oil respectively). And there was also an ABF ‘goody bag’ to carry home.
A wonderful day and a significant sum of money was raised
(details in due course). A huge number of people to thank and space does not
allow. But it was a real pleasure to be there.
Pictures show arriving dignitaries, the Royal guest and
diners enjoying their lunch.
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