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Oxford URNU Officer Cadets attend the Lord Majors Show

11 November 2017
The Lord Mayor’s Show is an ancient and annual tradition in the City of London, marking the accession of a new Alderman to the office of Lord Mayor.

It is a day of celebration and parade, with participants from the Armed Forces, civil society, youth groups and voluntary organisations.

This year, 2 Officer Cadets from the Oxford URNU, Officer Cadet Ben Fernando and Officer Cadet Thomas Davis, took part as representatives of the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers, a livery company of which both are also members. 

The parade began with 2 minutes' silence at 11am to mark the armistice, before setting off from the Museum of London in full academic Navy dress - 1s with gowns.

The route skirted many of the most significant sites in the City of London, including the Guildhall, Mansion House, St Paul’s and Bank of England. The mid-point of the precession was at the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand, where during the swearing-in ceremony there was an opportunity to embark HQS Wellington, a WW2 Sloop, for lunch prior to marching back to the Guildhall though huge crowds whose enthusiasm really made the event. 

The show was a great opportunity for Officer Cadets to ably represent the Unit at such a high profile event

Lieutenant Will Jones

Officer Cadet Ben Fernando, Oxford URNU said: "The day finished with a stunning firework celebration on the River which was a great end to a spectacular civic event."

Lieutenant Will Jones RN, Commanding Officer of the Oxford URNU, said: "The show was a great opportunity for Officer Cadets to ably represent the Unit at such a high profile event.”

Oxford is one of 15 URNUs located across the UK offering opportunities to 750 undergraduates from the country’s leading universities.

The URNU's mission is: "To develop an understanding of the Naval Service in undergraduates, so that those who go into civilian employment are positive advocates thereof and to facilitate a Naval Career for those who choose one."

The URNU is a chance to experience military life without commitment and gain new skills applicable to all walks of life.

Words by: OCdt Ben Fernando, Oxford URNU

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