The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Dr Andrew Parmley, hosted the annual Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch at the Guildhall on April 6.

The Middle Warden, Martin Riley, Graham Franklin and his wife Sandra, were present and represented the Livery. Now in its tenth year, the lunch was held to support soldiers and veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many members of the armed-forces past and present were in attendance including several Chelsea pensioners.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York was also in attendance and a message of support was sent by Her Majesty The Queen, which made reference to the centenary years of the First World War and the dedication of the armed forces in all conflicts.

The Worshipful Company of Gardeners created a commemorative garden to commemorate the battle of Passchendaele 100 years ago and guests were greeted by this fine display of poppies and wild flowers as they entered the Great Hall.
A cocktail bar in the Old Library offered a duo of cocktails selected by the Lord Mayor. One a mix of Armagnac a l’orange liqueur and sparkling wine and the other dark rum, topped up with lime sugar and ginger beer.

Members of City and Livery companies made up the majority of guests and in excess of £1.5 million has been raised over the last 10 years for The Soldiers Charity by this event.