The Inter-Livery Cask Race, 8 June 2024

Before…

‘I’m pleased to say we had a fantastic day yesterday!’   So reported Liveryman Hugh Roberts after our first participation in the Inter-Livery Cask Race.  The number of Inter-Livery games inexorably increases.  We already sport Skiing, Clay Shooting, Rifle Shooting, Pétanque, Golf, Bridge and in 2022 The Worshipful Company of Coopers came up with yes, barrel racing in the courtyard of the Guildhall. 

Teams of four compete in heats against the clock to roll their barrel from one end of the courtyard to the other around a cone and back.  Then the next member of the relay repeats the action as do the others until all the team has successfully completed the course when #4 in the team heaves the cask on-end into the ‘standing position’ and stops the clock.  These barrels, as you can see, are substantial yet sadly empty, but still present a serious challenge to move let alone control. 

…during …

This year there were teams from the Royal Navy, The Household Cavalry, British Army, Cadets, Livery Companies, Young Freemen, local schools, with children and teachers participating, and all separated into age groups.  City officials were on hand as well as the Lord Mayor and St John’s Ambulance.  This was a huge event with some real drama in the rolling.

Also in attendance was a real-life cooper to explain and show how barrels are made – which wood is used and where and how the barrel is put together.

Our team of Liverymen Hugh Roberts, Francis Pearce, James Davies and aspirant Owen Todd paraded at 9am and finished the day mid-afternoon. Obviously successfully cheered on by Liveryman Stuart Barber because with this crucial support we didn’t lose any heat but in fact achieved 2 second places and a win giving us an overall position in our pool of 3 rd place. 

…and after.

Well done the team.  Here’s to ’25.  I will advertise the date in due course when the notice, or is it draught, comes out to recruit our next team(s).  We must put this in our calendar and enter more Gunmaker teams next year.  James suggested that to make it more obvious that we are Gunmakers , ‘We should wear breeks/plus twos, given the clobber of the opposing teams!’

As Hugh said, ‘A fantastic day.’

The London Proof House looking ready for the Christmas celebration.

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