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The Lady Mayoress’ Sleep Out  took place on Wednesday 30th March 2022 and our Master braved the cold and drizzle.

An enormous thank you to all those who sponsored Tony Alston (left in picture), Peter Bennett (right), and me.

We raised well over £5,000 between us and had just a glimpse of what life is like for over 12,000 homeless people on the streets of London.

Outside Guildhall

I arrived in good time on the Wednesday, Tony had briefed me on the prime spot to get and it was ours. I had my sleeping bag just under the statue of Dick Whittington who had been Lord Mayor of London three times. Although rain was forecast for several hours during the night, luck was with us and we only had some light drizzle, though the temperature dropped to just above freezing. We came with yoga mats, sleeping bags and tarpaulin sheets. I had layers of clothes on and finished with bed socks, a warm woolly hat and a thick coat.

The Lord and Lady Mayoress arrived at the Guildhall just after 11pm. We had a speech from the Lord Mayor and one of the beneficiaries of our fundraising, the Spitalfields Crypt Trust, who are an East London charity helping the local community to recover from homelessness, addictions, and other complex needs.

It was time to settle down for the night, I huddled right down into my sleeping bag and tried to sleep, not easy as there was chattering into the early hours and then the most phenomenal snorer! Tony could only take it for so long before he was up and finding the culprit. They were soon silenced. Though, Tony did tell me that he had to give me the odd nudge, what me, I really don’t think so!

Tony under his tarpaulin

The Guildhall at night

We eventually dropped off, but at 4.30am the Guildhall was coming to life again, and breakfast was served at 5.00am.

Never would I have thought that the first thing I would see in the morning, would be Tony next to me. Mary he was the perfect gent.

Thank you for all your generous support for an evening that I will remember for a long time to come.

Now more than ever, I will always remember and show my support to those less fortunate than us, who have nowhere to call home.

Thank you, best wishes and sleep well tonight.

Karen

The Master Farmer