The meeting started off with Nick Page, Club Chairman welcoming the assembled guests from many local businesses, running through the many benefits of rugby - teamwork, discipline, fitness, training, practice, good health etc - and thanking all the generous sponsors for making such a difference to so many different people through our truly amateur rugby club. He then introduced our guest speaker, Alderman Peter Estlin (pictured), who - subject to the democratic vote - will be the next Lord Mayor of London.

Alderman Estlin then explained the history of the Lord Mayor's role, including being able to shepherd your flock of sheep over the City bridges into the City of London and that Dick Whittington had been Lord Mayor four times. He then explained the current day role as an ambassador for the City of London throughout the world, promoting its benefits, outlining how the City can help Lewes' business develop.

Finally, by explaining his great hope for his year as Lord Mayor in developing a greater degree of corporate social responsibility, he spoke about the charity he is partnering with - OnSide Youth Charity.

In answer ot questions from the floor Estlin confirmed that the Lord Mayor's role is not paid employment, but the City holds great riches and provides over £150 million a year towards education costs alone. He has not shepherded his sheep across a bridge into the City, but with Maria Caulfield (our local MP and urban shepherd) and Mike Shorer (Freeman of the City of London) in attendance, he offered to join them should they wish to do so! And his greatest hope is to create a better balance between those with wealth and those without, making a fairer society.

All in all, another great day for Lewes RFC and one which we hope to recreate on a regular basis. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 17 January at Lewes RFC clubhouse, followed by a March meeting at Plumpton Racecourse. All attendees were pleased to have been there, some maybe more for the fantastic breakfast than the wise words of our future Lord Mayor of London!