62. Great Fire preparations

There will be an exciting commemoration of the Great Fire of London which started on 2-3 September 1666 (as every schoolchild used to know). The Company selected for the task is Artichoke, a world leader in outdoor spectaculars. Invited to the Skinners Hall on 8 February, we were given an update on progress. Despite the long lead-time, the design/ implementation was held up, awaiting the agreement of national funding (between £2-3million). The possibilities were discussed, ranging from a commemorative conflagration (unpopular) to street pageants. All would have a strong people involvement. Artichoke asked for Livery support. This would be forthcoming but time was running out.