19 September 2007
Inner city organic gardening project invited
to take part in the 2007 Lord Mayor’s Show
A community organic gardening group in Clapham Park is one of
six London groups to have received £10,500 in funding from the Lord
Mayor of the City of London to build their own float for inclusion
in the Lord Mayor’s Show.
Progress works with low-income, inner city families to help them
transform unused concrete spaces into working gardens, teaching
them how to cultivate organic fruit and veg from seed and tend
them. Regular gardening “workshops” are complemented by classes in
cookery and nutrition to encourage healthy eating and living.
Encouraging team-work across the generations, Progress aims to
raise self-esteem in its participants, some of whom have
behavioural issues or autism, through the hands-on gardening
experience.
Progress’s entry in the Lord Mayor’s Show on Saturday 10 th
November will be based on the theme “Fruits of our labour”. Their
float will feature images promoting the cultivation of organic
food, accompanied by open-backed truck, decorated in an organic
fashion, with flowing lines. A seven-piece Cuban band will provide
the musical accompaniment as around 50 participants of the scheme
follow the float in the three mile-long parade which leads the new
Lord Mayor from the Guildhall to the Royal Courts of Justice for
the annual inauguration ceremony.
Simon Ghartey, Director/Facilitator at Progress said: “We are
delighted to be able to take part in this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show,
which gives us a chance to show the nation how Clapham Park is
involved in food growth and aware of the good nutrition. It is also
displays the tremendous benefits our projects can provide to those
who take part.”
The Lord Mayor’s community float scheme extends links between
the Square Mile and neighbouring City fringe boroughs. Sponsorship
in terms of finance and through expert workshops allows group
participants’ to develop their talents – which are demonstrated on
the day to the Show’s audience across the world.
Ends
Notes to editors
Facts about the Lord Mayor’s Show:
- First Lord Mayor was elected in 1215; the Show is now in its
792nd year.
- It welcomes in the 680th Lord Mayor of the City of London
.
- The Show takes place annually on the second Saturday in
November.
- At 5.00pm , the Lord Mayor will light the touch paper to the
Lord Mayor’s Fireworks display on the River Thames between
Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridge . A team of eight
pyrotechnicians takes two days to set more more than half a tonne
of giant fireworks, some of which shoot more than 600ft into the
air. It is the largest firework display in London .
- The word “float”, used to describe components of a parade or
procession, is derived from the Lord Mayor’s Show when originally
the exhibits would do just that - “float” along the Thames in
barges.
- The Pageantmaster, Dominic Reid, is responsible for organising
the logistics of the Show – this includes arranging for the lifting
and checking of 3,500 manhole covers, installation of 4,000
grandstand seats and 6,300 galvanised crowd barriers and laying of
43 tonnes of sand. He also organises the 6,000 participants, 180
vehicles and 20 marching bands.
- Last year there were more than 6,000 participants, 1,550
military personnel, 249 vehicles from Morris Minors to open top
buses, 71 floats, 24 bands of all shapes and sizes and a giant
mechanical Bengali tiger.
- To enjoy the celebrations, get to the City for the morning of
Saturday 10th November and nab a place on the well-marked route.
The procession will weave its way from Guildhall in the heart of
the City, through the historic streets of the Square Mile, passing
the Mansion House and St. Paul ’s Cathedral before continuing to
the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand.
- For more details on the Lord Mayor’s Show, including route,
timings and road closures, go to
www.lordmayorshow.org
About the Role of the Lord Mayor:
The Lord Mayor of the City of London acts as an international
ambassador for the UK business and financial services industry. He
spends up to 80 days a year, traveling to around 20 countries to
promote this industry and the Square Mile as a place of excellence
in which to do business. As head of the City of London the Lord
Mayor is involved with local government and London-wide issues,
from the City of London's work in the
regeneration of
neighbouring boroughs to transport and environmental issues
which affect the City. On behalf of the Sovereign and the
Government, he also acts as host when the City of London provides
hospitality for visiting heads of state and foreign
dignitaries.
About the City of London Corporation:
The ancient City of London Corporation has a 21st-century role
supporting the business city as the world’s leading international
financial and business centre. The City of London Corporation
provides local government services for the City of London “Square
Mile” at the heart of London – but its responsibilities also extend
far beyond the City boundaries and include paying for and running
the Barbican Centre, Epping Forest, Hampstead Heath, and three
wholesale food markets, as well as acting as the London Port Health
Authority.
Press enquiries to:
Lesley Mair, City of London, T: 020 7332 1754. M: 07785 528 453,
lesley.mair@cityoflondon.gov.uk