In May I was overjoyed to become a Freeman of the City. This comes with the ancient right to drive sheep into the City without having to pay tolls or taxes. So when I learnt the Worshipful Company of Woolmen organises an annual sheep drive, I thought, "What better way could there be to mark my first year as a citizen than to take part in this brilliantly eccentric tradition?!"

A core quality at the heart of the Liveries and Masonry is charity. So, I decided to take it a step further and dress up for the day - plus if I do it for charity, then Martin can't really object to a new outfit complete with a hat! With my background as a historical costumed interpreter it would have to be authentic (obviously) - but what period? 

You'd be forgiven for thinking Lewis Masonic, our publishing house, has nothing to do with sheep, but our founder was a descendant of the Scottish poet James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd (1770-1835).

So an 18th-century shepherdess seemed the natural choice. However, as I don't actually own any sheep and am only playing at it for the day, I'm going to take a leaf out of Marie-Antoinette’s book and use the Georgian genteel fashion for pastoral costume as my inspiration.

Why I chose the Stationers' Foundation:

Education has been important to the Stationers' Company for hundreds of years, from the early apprenticeship indentures of the 16th century to the work we do today. The Foundation provides primary-aged children with Saturday schools and provides financial and practical support to young people through bursaries, scholarships, and mentoring. It also supports public access to our archives and heritage. In today's economic climate there's a growing need for this support to help children and young people reach their potential and the Stationers' are committed to assisting where they can in their relevant industries.

From a personal point of view, I benefitted greatly from various initiatives during my five years at an inner London secondary school and am grateful for the extra-curricular opportunities I was given, which I would not have been able to access otherwise. I personally support the Stationers' Foundation through regular donations because I truly believe that everyone should be given the chance to thrive regardless of their economic background.

Thank you for stopping by!