Your last throw of the dice to be Lord Mayor: the City boardgame

Katharine Barney, City Hall Reporter
29.07.09

It takes a career at the top of the financial world, years of assiduous networking and the support of the members of London's ancient guilds to become Lord Mayor.

Or you can win at a board game which has become a surprise hit.

The City of London game - billed as the capital's answer to Trivial Pursuit - is flying off virtual internet shelves.

Based in the Square Mile, players answer questions and compete to become aldermen. They can then be promoted to sheriff at the Old Bailey, before reaching the ultimate position of power at Mansion House: Lord Mayor. It is being stocked, priced £30, at Harrods, John Lewis in Oxford Street, and Peter Jones in Sloane Square. The aim is to raise up to £20,000 for the Lord Mayor's Appeal and Lord Mayor's Show.

This year money will go to youth sports and disability charity The Lord's Taverners, and St John Ambulance. The game follows the route of the Lord Mayor's Show, and players move around the City's 25 wards.

They can be sent back if they select a card which gives them a puncture, or gain a throw if their card says they are late for a meeting. It was created by Jack Berkovi, a friend of Lord Mayor of London Ian Luder.

Mr Berkovi, who works for accountancy firm Grant Thornton, said: "I was inspired by all the work Ian does and his passion for the City. I wanted it to be fun but also educational - people can learn more about London."

He said he came up with the idea in 15 minutes, then spent three months refining the concept and consulting games designers.

Mr Luder said: "Being Lord Mayor during such a challenging time [in the recession] is a very serious job, especially promoting the City abroad, so it's good to have a bit of fun and help a good cause."

The board game is also available in the Guildhall Library and Art Gallery shops and St Paul's Cathedral shop.

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