11.11.2008

Port on Parade

PLA staff pose in front of the float

Port authority staff have been on parade to support the 681st Lord Mayor of London and kick start the celebrations of their centenary next year.

The Port of London Authority, which celebrates its first hundred years in 2009, was among 6,000 military and civilian marchers in Saturday's historic procession.  They were all escorting new Lord Mayor Ian Luder to mark his appointment to the ancient post.

Waving to the spectators who line the route

The PLA's float, one of 200 vehicles which took part, featured the authority's low emission patrol boat Easthaven. Staff who walked beside it wore a range of uniforms and outfits, representing the diverse tasks and duties they perform on the Thames.

Marine Engineer Alan Cartwright, who led the port authority team, said: "The Lord Mayor is also Admiral of the Port of London, so it was only right that we support him on such an important day.

"We celebrate our centenary next year, so this was an ideal opportunity to start our own commemorative celebrations."

The Lord Mayor's Show wound through a three-mile circuit of the City, pausing at St Paul's where Mr Luder was blessed, and then at the Royal Courts of Justice where he swore allegiance to the Queen.

More information from: Port of London Authority, Tel: 01474 562366.

Notes to Editors:

• The Port of London Authority (PLA) is responsible for navigational safety and related matters on 150km (95 miles) of the tidal Thames from the sea to Teddington
• London is one of the top three ports in the UK and handles over 50 million tonnes of cargo each year.
• The Port comprises over 70 independently owned and operated terminals and port facilities at different locations on the Thames. These handle a wide range of cargoes.
• London also has a busy passenger boat trade for tourists and commuters and is a popular destination for international passenger cruise ships.
• The tidal Thames is also used widely by those with small recreational craft of many types.