Video. London’s Southwark Bridge turns into woolly parade at annual Sheep Drive charity occasion

The charity occasion pays tribute to the historic privileges of the Freemen of the City of London, who as soon as had the fitting to drive livestock throughout the Thames with out paying a toll. The trendy model was revived in 2013.

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For Gloria Hunniford, 86, it was a primary. The tv presenter, who obtained the Freedom of the City earlier this yr, led the flock with a shepherd’s criminal adorned with a pink ribbon in reminiscence of her daughter, Caron Keating, who died of breast most cancers in 2004.

Around 1,500 Freemen and company joined the festivities, alongside rare-breed sheep, stay shearing demonstrations and a wool truthful with about 40 stalls. Some members dressed as shepherds or Little Bo Peep.

The sheep got here from a family-run farm in Bedfordshire and have been chosen for his or her calm temperament round crowds.The occasion raised cash for The Woolmen Charity, which helps training, analysis, scholarships and innovation associated to wool, whereas serving to to protect the heritage of the British wool business and promote extra sustainable practices. It additionally supported The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, a City of London fundraising initiative that backs charities and tasks addressing social challenges, together with youth employment, training, inclusion, well being and poverty.