As Master of a Livery Company, I was delighted to receive an invitation to the  Lord Mayor’s Children’s Party at Mansion House on 3 May.  This event was traditionally held early in January as part of the Christmas festivities in the City but timing has moved later in more recent years due to Covid.  The condition of accepting has not changed – you have to be a carer, parent or grandparent of a child between the ages of 6 and 9. 

 

Well, I am lucky enough to have two grandsons who fitted the criteria perfectly. I accepted, and there was great excitement in the wider Rolls family as outfits were chosen as it was a fancy dress party. Luckily only for the children, I’m pleased to say. My two decided to go as explorers, because as they said, they like nature and animals. Obvious, then.

 

 

We arrived at the Mansion House to find 150 other children in various party outfits, and a wonderful sense of fun and expectation. The children all met the Lord Mayor the Rt Hon Alistair King, Lady Mayoress Florence King, the Sheriffs and of course, Florence the dog, which might have been the greatest attraction. The children were entertained with great expertise with a conjurer, wildlife experts, a science demonstration and general fun and games. Of course there was a magnificent tea party and ice creams later, just in case anyone felt a little peckish. They all did.

 

 

The afternoon ended with the Lord Mayor thanking everyone, then leading a Conga through the Mansion House which was quite a sight. After the National Anthem, throughout which the all the children stood, the great balloon nets were dropped, and many hundreds of balloons were released on some very excited children. It was a fantastic finale to a party I think many children, and adults will never forget.  A really great day!

 

Jenny Rolls - Master