Sheep Drive
29th September 2024Southwark Bridge
Following an enjoyable but slow lunch for 15 of us near St Paul's, which included many of my family members, some Butchers and Founders and also our IPM Elise, we made our way to Southwark Bridge for our slot to drive the sheep over the bridge (or at least part of the bridge!).
Given that our session was late in the afternoon, I decided to dress full country casual, as I assumed (correctly) that I would be walking through a significant amount of sheep droppings and therefore it was not an occasion to be wearing ones best patent leather shoes!
The Pipe Makers shooting cap was much commented on and has clearly become a significant trademark for those in the Livery who know us. I therefore take every opportunity to wear it if I can!
After checking in with the Woolmen organisers, we joined our group, ably marshalled by the Guild of Young Freemen in their bright red gowns, preventing us straying into the wrong place.
At the appointed time, we then followed our group of sheep over the bridge, who in turn followed a group of helpers who walked backwards in front of the sheep to prevent them running away from us, I am sure the sheep knew what they were doing by the time our group went across, which is probably more than we did!
After collecting our certificates from the Woolmen, having a quick look at the stalls, (selling anything sheep related, including woollen jackets, felt hats and lamb burgers), we retired to the Little Ships Club for a cup of tea.
It is a lovely event which generates a large some of money for the Woolmen's charities, so I heartily recommend all Liverymen taking part in the event at least once!