In 1943, during the darkest days of the Second World War, the Great Twelve Livery Companies decided to hold a service in St Paul’s Cathedral to help lift the spirits of the City of London. This Service, known as the United Guilds Service has been held in March every year since then. It is one of the few occasions where the Livery Companies and Guilds of the City gather together as a whole.The Service is a colourful one with the Lord Mayor forming a procession with his Sheriffs and the Clergy, and all the Masters and Prime Wardens wear their full regalia. Each Livery Company has its own allocated row in the Cathedral and this year ours was full with Company members and their guests.
It has become a custom for livery companies to arrange a luncheon after the Service and this year we combined with the Worshipful Company of Insurers to dine together in the Members Private Dining Room at the Guildhall.
It was a very convivial occasion and many new friends were made.Photographs show the Cathedral, the Order of Service, the Members Private Dining Room and the Master with the Master Insurer
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