THE LORD MAYOR’S SHOW 2024
By Robert Wilde-Evans
Alongside my work here at Spink, some of our clients and friends may know that I also volunteer to undertake various military duties and training exercises in my spare time. After joining the Honourable Artillery Company in 2019, in 2020 I transferred to the Inns of Court & City Yeomanry (based at Lincoln’s Inn, very close to the Spink London office) before being commissioned in early 2024 into the Cadet Forces, as a Second Lieutenant with Eton College Combined Cadet Force.
It was in this latter capacity that I had the significant honour and privilege to be appointed a Parade Marshal for this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show: the office of Lord Mayor of London (entirely different from the Mayor of London) is now in its 696th year, and the LMS (as it is known) dates back to the 13th century. This makes it one of the oldest events of its kind anywhere in the world, and it is completely unrehearsed – which is why a Parade Marshal has such a necessary role to play.
The marshals are all serving commissioned officers (or senior non-commissioned officers) in the British Armed Forces, whether regular, reserve, or cadets, and their role is to ensure the entire procession runs according to plan– right down to the very last second! There are approximately 130 marshals (generally one for every participating group) and they can find themselves marshalling everything from military bands to vintage traction engines, camels, and huge floats on the back of articulated lorries!
Though I had previously participated in this amazing spectacle – once with my Livery Company and once mounted on a Household Cavalry horse (that’s another story!) – I had never been involved in a planning and organisational capacity, and it was truly fascinating to see the level of detail required for the smooth and seamless running of the event from start to finish.
“I had never been involved in a planning and organisational capacity, and it was truly fascinating to see the level of detail required for the smooth and seamless running of the day from start to finish”
The ‘big day’ involves a very early start (up at 0400hrs and a breakfast briefing in The City for 0630hrs); uniform of one’s respective service is worn, with perhaps an extra layer underneath to ward off the worst of the chilly November temperatures! My responsibility for this year’s LMS were two McLaren Automotive supercars; I usually prefer much older vehicles, but these were extremely interesting to see up close and even sit in after it was all over – perhaps the only time I will ever sit in a car worth £500,000!
The day is also televised ‘live’ by the BBC, so if you look closely on i-Player you might just catch a glimpse of me and my valuable charges.
Working in the Medal Department at Spink is always interesting, challenging and different – but I also really enjoy
doing that little bit more in my spare time and giving something back to society. I am also fairly confident in asserting that I am likely the first Spink employee to volunteer in this capacity for such a unique element of British (and London-specific) tradition – no mean feat considering our own heritage dating back to the 17th century. Do keep an eye out for me next year!
By Robert Wilde-Evans