LIVERY LITERATURE LUNCH WITH ANDREW MARSDEN

He said “We started two years ago with a literary lunch series launched by Liveryman Simon Heffer. Thanks to Covid there then followed a series of 16 literary online cocktail evenings. And now we're back in person with a livery lunch that is not, as it happens, literary, but is certainly about the livery”

Mike welcomed Liveryman Andrew Marsden, who was interviewed by Liveryman Peter Day, about why he wanted to become the Non-Aldermanic Sheriff of The City and about the role in general.

The role of a Sheriff is a bit of a mystery to many. As was explained, there are both Aldermanic and Non-Aldermanic Sheriffs in the City of London. Andrew Marsden is intending to run for the latter position. Both Sheriffs are elected by members of the Livery at Common Hall on Midsummer Day each year.

The Shrievalty is older than the Mayoralty. Henry I gave the citizens of London the right to elect their own Sheriffs. This was followed in 1215 by the right to elect a Mayor each year.

Today, the Livery only freely elects one Sheriff - now described as the Non-Aldermanic Sheriff, with the other recommended by the Court of Alderman

Peter asked Andrew why he would want this unpaid, nearly full-time job; living away from home for most of the time (some of that in The Old Bailey)and about having to spend a year in tights! The answer he says is straightforward.

‘My Freedom Certificate simply declares ‘Citizen and Marketor of London’. It has had pride of place over my desk for 25 years. Being part of The City, and especially the Livery, has been an important and hugely rewarding part of my life. So, now that I can, I want to deliver afresh on that promise I made 25 years ago.

Andrew went on to explain that there are big tasks to tackle three of which are:

• marketing and promoting The City.
• marketing and promoting The Livery.
• marketing and promoting our Charities.

Peter finished the interview by wishing Andrew the best of luck in the forthcoming election.

Mike then closed the formal proceedings by thanking both Peter and Andrew plus the staff for an excellent lunch which from the feedback seemed to be enjoyed by all attendees and we look forward to the next lunches with all details on www.stationers.org.

Please look out for fuller coverage in the next issue of Stationers’ News.