Lloyd’s Motor Club in Leadenhall Market Sunday 29th September 2019

It was Sunday 29th September with at times monsoon type weather. Nevertheless, the draw of displaying cherished cars in Leadenhall Market saw a full expected turnout of fifteen Lloyd’s Motor Club (LMC) Members cars invited to support the Annual Sheep Drive across and the Livery Fair at the Monument. The Sheep Drive and Livery Fair Programme is included in this event review after the event pictures.

Mark Johnson, Master Woolman and LMC Member was delighted that Lloyd’s Motor Club supported the event.

“Thank you all for braving the rain to bring your fabulous classics to the city. The Worshipful Company of Woolmen Sheep Drive really appreciated your support. The cars were stunning”

Mark Johnson Master Woolman

The Sheep Drive across . Mark Johnson, Master Woolman and LMC Member 2nd from the right. Leadenhall Market provided a superb backdrop for the LMC cars. Credit to Ron Willis for turning out in his roofless C-Type Jaguar!

From 08:30 on the Sunday morning, cars arrived at the Passage entrance to Leadenhall Market and under red flags carried by the LMC members front and rear, the cars were guided to their parking positions in the market. In addition two LMC Member cars were on show at the Livery Fair at The Monument

Leadenhall Market was well populated with visitors keen to see the cars and talk with their owners.

Our thanks to The Brokers Wine Bar for providing breakfast and lunch and remaining open throughout the day as our base for the activities.

On a visit to the Sheep Drive on London Bridge I stumbled across Michael Portillo. I knew he was circulating the event with Mark Johnson, Master Woolman, I enquired, “Have you seen Johnson?” He replied, “Which one, there a few of them in the news at present”!!

London Bridge was a hive of activity with Livery gowns, cloaks and many dressed in tweed, all mixed in with sheep and sawdust.

I’ve often wondered what the neon sign in Leadenhall Market ,“I’m Staying”, meant but having seen the picture of George Antoniou’s Citroen CX and the great day we had, I now know. Relieved to know it’s nothing to do with Brexit!

Sincere thanks to Judith Pleasance, Deputy Chair of the Ward for inviting the Lloyd’s Motor Club to join in the Sheep Drive and Livery Fair in the .

A great event enjoyed by all; the LMC was pleased to support the event.

Martin Robinson Chairman Lloyd’s Motor Club

The LMC Car Show Leadenhall Market and at The Monument Livery Fair Sunday 29th September 2019

With thanks to Kathy Green, Clive Willis, George Antoniou and Zayd Sharif for their photos

LMC Cars at the Livery Fair at the Monument

The Worshipful Company of Woolmen is one of the oldest Livery Companies of the City of London, tracing its roots to 1180 AD.

It was originally the body that oversaw wool packers and wool merchants to ensure consistent standards throughout the wool industry.

It now combines its ancient history and traditions with an active role with the $80Bn Global Wool Pipeline Industries through its City Wool Project.

Freedom of the City of London was originally the grant of a right to trade in the capital. Freemen were exempt from the usual tolls when they drove their livestock across London Bridge to the markets – a valuable economic privilege in medieval times. Today the ancient and honourable tradition is not practical with London traffic and so normally is only exercised for charitable purposes.

‘Participants will each drive their sheep a quarter of the length of the bridge; there will be a specific sheep pen for photo opportunities and a prize for the best dressed participant. A personal certificate signed by the Lord Mayor and Master Woolman will be given to all participating Freemen of the City confirming that their rights have been exercised successfully and in accordance with current tradition’ https://sheepdrive.london

“I’m Staying”. George Antoniou and the Citroen CX, reluctant to leave Leadenhall Market