Widnes man plays part in historic London cart marking ceremony
THE chief executive of a Widnes logistics firm has played a leading role in the City Of London’s second largest annual civic event.
John Sutton, from Suttons Group, attended the cart marking ceremony at Guildhall.
It brings together all vehicles being re-licensed with their livery insignia.
It symbolises many centuries of the licensing of vehicles which was pioneered by the Worshipful Company Of Carmen, which was formed in 1517 and is marking its 500th anniversary this year.
Mr Sutton provided the 1929 Morris Commercial T Type for a parade which included an all-time record number of 56 carts, cars, trucks and even horse-drawn rigs.
The lorry refused to start but Mr Sutton arranged for it to be proudly paraded through Guildhall Yard on the back of a recovery vehicle so as not to disappoint the hundreds of guests and onlookers who had gathered from around the world waiting to see it.
He said: “It’s a privilege to be part of this extraordinary and unique event.
“I’m proud to have had the opportunity to showcase this wonderful vehicle, even though it didn’t want to parade under its own steam!
“I’m equally proud to be a member of this prestigious livery company which has served the City, the country and the world for 500 years.
“It’s a pioneering organisation which has changed the face of transport over those centuries.” ●