Page 12 - 10052 WORSH Marketor Issue 79.indd
P. 12
The Shrieval Elections
-XQH Middle Warden
Lesley Wilson
At Common Hall this year, it was a hotly contested shrieval
Beating Retreat election. Liverymen were invited to play their part and vote
at Horse Guards IRU WKH FDQGLGDWHV WKH\ ZLVK WR VHH WDNH RIÀFH LQ
7KHUH DUH QRZ RIÀFLDOO\ WZR QHZ VKHULIIV LQ WRZQ ZLWK
Alderman Vincent Keaveny and Liz Green winning the City’s
Jo Crighton VKULHYDO HOHFWLRQV DW &RPPRQ +DOO RQ 0RQGD\ -XQH
Companion
The City’s liverymen turned out at strong candidates. Each presented
Guildhall in their droves, including a WKHLU VNLOOV DQG FDSDELOLWLHV IRU RIÀFH
On Wednesday May 30, we gathered strong contingent of Marketors Richard majored on his international
under cloudy skies to watch a exercising their ancient rights to vote. business and governmental
spectacular performance by the Farringdon Within Alderman Vincent experience. Liz Green emphasised
massed bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Keaveny stood unopposed for her marketing and PR credentials,
Marines. Fortunately, the rain held off Aldermanic Sheriff, which is and Gwen highlighted her promotion
at Horse Guards and we were customary for a role considered to of diversity and inclusivity. All
treated to a splendid display and EH WKH ¶/RUG 0D\RU LQ ZDLWLQJ· +H candidates have strong Livery
some excellent band music.
was selected for the Court of backgrounds, charitable and business
2QH RI WKH ÀUVW UHIHUHQFHV WR WKH Aldermen’s nomination back in May experience, and the audience were
custom of Retreat is in the “Rules and 2017 and will take over from current undoubtedly impressed by the range
Ordynaunces for the Warre” dated Aldermanic Sheriff Tim Hailes from and quality of capabilities
1544. Half an hour before the gates September. Liz Green attracted demonstrated on the day.
were to be shut, generally at the more votes than both Richard Fleck Following the voting, 15 Marketors
setting of the sun, the Drummers of DQG *ZHQ 5K\V IRU WKH QRQ and guests (including the Master
the Port Guard went to the ramparts Aldermanic Sheriff position, currently who had earlier processed into the
and drummed a warning (or occupied by Neil Redcliffe. Common Hall as the representative
retreat) to those outside, that the of our Company) lunched together
gates were to be shut. The original )RU WKH ÀUVW WLPH FRORXUHG FDUGV
were introduced (rather than the LQ WKH *XLOGKDOO VRPH FHOHEUDWLQJ
call of Retreat was beaten by drums and some commiserating on how
DORQH ODWHU DXJPHQWHG E\ ÀIHUV DQG customary show of hands) to ensure their preferred candidate fared.
an accurate count of votes in what
eventually buglers. I was in awe of Liveryman Trevor Brignall brought
WKH DELOLW\ RI ÀYH LQGLYLGXDO EDQGV WR was anticipated to be a closely run both new Sheriffs to the Marketor
come together as one mass, play election. table for a brief hello and thank you,
their musical instruments and not just The packed Guildhall listened to the and both were warmly applauded
march in step but form intricate ¶IRXU PLQXWH VSHHFKHV· IURP IRXU on their success by Marketors.
patterns including a Union Flag. It
was inspiring to witness the precision
marching. Is slow marching harder
than ordinary/fast marching?
We were able to see every detail,
especially of the incredible
drumming, thanks to the roving
cameramen whose efforts were
displayed on huge screens. The
ÀQDOH LQFOXGHG WKH (YHQLQJ +\PQ
and Sunset followed by Rule
Britannia with which the audience
were encouraged to join in so that
“our neighbours at the end of the
Mall” could hear (although I am not
sure if the sound carried that far the
Royal family would have enjoyed our
efforts). Afterwards most of us
HQMR\HG DQ RQ WUHQG ´ERZO IRRGµ
supper at the Farmers’ Club. My
thanks to Steven Rowe and all
involved in arranging such an l/r Master Chartered Architect, Master Tin Plate Maker, Master Chartered Secretary
enjoyable evening. & Master Marketor
12 marketors.org WORSHIPFUL COMPANY of MARKETORS
