The momentum we helped develop has continued as the Lord Mayor Peter Estlin’s target of 400 was comfortably achieved with 424 organisations taking part, a further increase of 35%. But it is not just quantity but also quality as organisations gain confidence in how best to motivate their staff to participate. A group of five Phoenix Masters and one Firebird attended the kick-off event in Guildhall and then split up in two groups to accompany the Sheriffs on their tours, visiting banks and schools, travelling by shanks’ pony or in the Sheriffs’ new hybrid taxis. These efforts are appreciated as it means the delegation has greater presence when the Sheriff finds him or herself welcomed by a dozen senior executives.

Then we repaired to St Stephen’s Walbrook for canapés by Hispania and Champagne Taittinger Brut and we were joined by two more Phoenix Masters. After this reception we moved to St Swithin’s Lane for the Long Long Lunch presided over by the Lady Mayoress, Lindy Estlin, accompanied by the Sheriffs’ consorts, Amanda Keaveny and Peter Green.

• 1 Lombard Street served Red Mullet Boudin
• Trinity Hill offered their Sauvignon Blanc.
• The Don served Roast Breast of Corn-Fed Chicken, Creamy potatoes, Autumn vegetables and truffle supreme sauce.
• Davy’s Wine Merchants provided Langhe ‘Corte Enrichetta’ 2016, Pelassa
• Coq D’Argent gave us their famous Pomme Rouge, Red Apple Parfait (pictured)
• Herbert Berger from Innholders’ Hall added Assorted Macaroons
• Sandeman Port, a newcomer to the Lunch , provided a coda of their 20-year-old chilled port

The Long Long Lunch has raised £16,000 for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal since it was introduced just a few years ago. All the Phoenixes present thoroughly enjoyed the occasion and the company and will do it again next year. More are welcome.