Following the visit of members of the Zunft zur Letzi to London in September, another group visited to take part in this year's Lord Mayor's Show.   Some 250 Zunftern visited London of  which around 150 from many of the Zurich Guilds took part in the Parade.   Around 40 Zunftern were mounted, by kind permission of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, and rode with the mounted detachment of 68 (Inns of Court, City and Essex Yeomanry) Signal Squadron (Volunteers) ahead of the main body of Zurich Guildsmen.   Each of the Zurich Guilds was allowed one Zunfter marching with their Guild's banner, all of whom were grouped together, followed by up to four Zunftern in the main body of Zurich Guildsmen.   A number of representatives of the London Livery Companies with affiliations to the Zurich Guilds marched with them and I had the honour of representing the Basketmakers this year.

The whole experience of taking part in the Lord Mayor's Show, a concoction of tradition and modernity, formality and exuberance, was enhanced by the presence of the Zurich Guilds bringing their own distinct brand of colours and customs to the day.   The chocolates they brought to throw to the crowd were certainly appreciated, even after the "elf & safety brigade" told them they were no longer allowed to throw them, but had to pass them by hand to the front row of the crowd (I think a few may have still been thrown anyway, much to the crowd's delight).

The Parade gave us all a chance to see London from angles not normally available, as  travelling usually involves being underground on the Tube or in a car or taxi, so a new view of some spectacular (and often underappreciated) architecture was an added bonus for both the Swiss and the English contingents.   A few of the protesters from St Paul's had made their way to stand opposite Mansion House but they appeared good natured and were causing no trouble;  the bulk of them remained at St Paul's where they were utterly outnumbered by the appreciative crowd who had turned out for the Lord Mayor's Show.

The Swiss took the opportunity to ask about London and about the Lord Mayor's Show.   Some that I spoke to were astounded that the members of the military on parade that day were "genuine" soldiers who regularly saw active service and not just other Liverymen dressed up for the occasion.   I introduced a couple of the Zunftern to a Royal Artillery officer who was wearing the Operational Service Medal with Afghanistan bar and he gave some brief stories of action seen only a few weeks ago.

After the Parade, we all dispersed for the rest of the afternoon, but the day was not yet over.   A "Livery Style Dinner" had been organised for 262, both Swiss and English, at Plaisterers' Hall.   Cdr Robin House, Clerk to the Gold & Silver Wyre Drawers who have a link with Zunft zu den drei Konigen, had arranged for the Guildsmen to experience a dinner with a thoroughly English menu (roast sirloin of beef, of course!).   Music was played by Thames Fanfare Brass, including Rule Britannia, the Dam Busters Theme and The Policeman's Lot.   To even things up somewhat, the Sechselauten Marsch was played which caused a standing ovation from the Swiss.   Speeches were made by Herr Martin Vollenwyder, Deputy Mayor of Zurich;  Deputy Richard Regan, Chief Commoner and Herr Philippe Welti, a senior Swiss diplomat.   Other principal guests included His Excellency Herr Anton Thalmann, the Swiss Ambassador;  Sir Robert Finch, Lord Mayor in 2003 and Herr Elmar Ledergerber, President of the Zurich Tourist Authority.

The dinner was very well received by all, both Swiss and English, and firm freindships were made or renewed.   Amongst the Letzi contingent at the dinner and on the Parade were Stefan Forster, Alex Kaufmann, Lukas Walther, Martin Sidler and Kevin Eggimann.   I hope we will see them here again in a future year, and perhaps in Zurich as well should the Basketmakers pay another visit.