Press Release from RIBI

ROTARY CLUBS IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND TO DISPLAY SPECTACULAR FLOAT AT THE LORD MAYOR’S PARADE
- SATURDAY 10TH NOVEMBER, 2001

2 November 2001

Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland clubs have joined forces to deliver a truly spectacular and captivating sight at the 2001 Lord Mayor’s Show - the colourful procession, traditionally held on the second Saturday in November, in celebration of the appointment of the new Lord Mayor.

On Saturday 10th November, the procession, which first took place in 1378, comprising of colourfully clothed Aldermen riding with the Mayor to Westminster, and later (1422) became colourful barges coursing the Thames, giving rise to the present day term ‘float’, will proceed from the The London Wall at 10.30am, traversing a 1.75 mile route lined by thousands of onlookers, to Temple Place, followed by return journey, to arrive back for 2.30pm. Traditionally, the procession led to the Royal Courts of Justice, where the Mayor and his colourful procession were met by the judiciary before swearing allegiance to the crown.

Rotary’s float will be led by Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland President, David Liddiatt, and London District Governor Donald Merritt bedecked in full regalia. Enormous effort has gone into the design and decoration of a huge lorry and trailer, which will include a giant Rotary wheel decorated with various Rotary projects and the words “Rotary International working in Britain”.

The focal point of the Rotary display, a spectacular and colourful wheel, decorated by a world map, will clearly demonstrate Rotary’s International presence. The glittering ‘world map’ wheel will carry smaller wheels, each conveying by words and pictures, concise messages of Rotary Service. And all wheels, large and small, will revolve, driven by the pedal power of cyclists. The glittering Rotary International display will also feature some 50 individuals on foot, bearing Roman-style standards topped by a Rotary Wheel, and clearly labelled with its particular District Club, and representing all 81 London cubs.

The show is organised and hosted by the Pageantmaster, and televised, and viewed by over 3 million nationally, to be beamed around the world for the public eye, and promising to deliver a truly sensational sight for all.

For more information and a local Rotary Club President contact please contact:

Ian Addleson on 020 8346 2321 or David Henderson on 0207 7381734 or Judith Diment, HBL Media on 01628 418133 or Robin Freeman on 01789 765411

Notes to Editors:

The projects represented on the small wheels include: Youth Makes Music; Young Inventor; Parcels at Christmas; WaterAid; PolioPlus; EyeBank; KidsOut; Ambassadorial Scholars; Computers for Scouts and representatives relating to these will be present on the float.

Photo opportunities can be arranged in London on request prior to the day where Rotarians will be putting the finishing touches to their float, or a photograph can be supplied taken on the day.

Rotary is an organisation of business and professional persons united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help to build goodwill and peace in the world