(Story courtesy of The Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers of the City of London)

The rain fell steadily as Joiners, friends and family retired to bed on Friday night. After all of the planning and scheming, what would the morning bring.

7:30 am and Geoff, our trusty Beadle, together with two drivers were at the bus and ready to go. With some drivers still not with their vehicles, police and organisers started to move the assorted lorries, vintage and military vehicles out to their starting positions on London Wall.

Through out the morning, Joiners, partners, parents, children and friends started to arrive. With the addition of a contingent from the African Child Trust, the Master's charity for this year, we numbered just over our allotted 50. Dressed in aprons and bowlers, we presented a smart appearance. Many carried the sample joints kindly provided by Kilby and Gayford.

As the procession pulled out of London Wall, the sun shone clear and the air was crisp and dry.

The bus was bedecked with banners. At the front, our Joiners banner. In that weave of connections that characterises the recent and ancient history of a livery company, in small words at the bottom of the banner is to be read "restored by E W Perrott Master 1978 - 1979". EP, as he was known in his company, Ernest as he was known amongst the Joiners, was the current Master's sponsor. Also showing on our lorry, a banner from Lathams, our principle sponsor for the entry, and one from the charity.

The crowds were particularly large this year and Joiners gave out sweets as we went. Any dilly-dallying with the crowd meant you were quickly left behind as the first leg of the march clipped a fair pace. Past master John Snelling kept fit and warm alternately running ahead and falling behind as he photographed our and other entries in the show. Jonathan Shiels roused the crowd with hurrahs, and the children with our float quickly picked up on the ploy.

Just after noon, we paused whilst the Lord Mayor pledged his allegiance to the crown. Lunch provided by the pageant organisers was supplemented with cakes and wine to supply energy and warmth for the second leg. It was soon time to drive off, with more cheers from the crowd, but no sweets from the Joiners. The eight large buckets supplied by Immediate Past Master Alastair MacQueen were by now exhausted.

At Mansion House the Master and his lady departed the float, as the Joiners had the honour of forming part of the guard of honour to welcome the Lord Mayor back to his new home. And whilst the Joiners worked to clear the bus and make their way home, our Master and his lady sat in the Egyptian room with a further glass of wine and contemplated a highly successful day.

The major thanks must to our Beadle, Geoff Ellis. He led throughout the day, staff in hand striding at the front of our procession. It was a reflection of his role in this year's entry: the planning for which he has lead from start to finish. Well done Geoff, the company is most grateful to you.

And lastly, congratulations to The Lord Mayor Alderman John Stuttard: you have sworn allegiance to the crown and shown yourself to the crowds in time-honoured fashion. The Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers wishes you and your lady well in your year in office.