Passing Mansion House and doffing hats to the new Lord Mayor

For the first time since our 400th anniversary 10 years’ ago the Feltmakers entered a float in the Lord Mayor’s Show. On 8th November it was, therefore, with eager anticipation that 33 Liverymen gathered at Haberdashers’ Hall to prepare to walk alongside 3 rare and beautiful vintage cars dating from the early 1900s, which formed the core of our float. After donning our neck stocks, capes and traditional tricorn hats dressed with white ostrich feathers, which had been specially commissioned for the occasion, we were closely inspected by Past Master John Bowler before leaving to join up with members of The Royal Ballet School (one of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal charities). The students were wearing bespoke period hats designed by millinery students at the Kensington and Chelsea College and costumes from one of their own ballets, La Destinée. Escorting us in the parade was a contingent of RN officers representing HMS Lancaster and cadets from HMS Collingwood.

As our float approached Mansion House, we were enthusiastically greeted by the new Lord Mayor, Alan Yarrow, who was wearing the traditional tricorn hat presented to him by the Feltmakers, and the Lady Mayoress, Gilly Yarrow, an Assistant in our Company. After ceremoniously doffing our hats we continued on our way, drinking in the warm, lively atmosphere of the crowds and cheered on by our friends and families in the grandstand. What a feeling of pride, honour and privilege we all experienced at being part of this long-standing tradition – and Feltmakers!

We salute the Master and his team of organisers, including Bill Horsman, Bill Gammell, Simon Wood and Simon Millar for a highly successful and memorable event.

Elaine Howard