Lightmongers gathered at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall on Friday 7th November 2025 for their AGM and Installation Ceremony and were delighted to confirm the new officers for the year ahead.

  • Master: Graham Smith
  • Deputy Master: Tony Ginman
  • Senior Warden: Mark Giardelli
  • Junior Warden: Bruce Kirk

L-R: Deputy Master Tony Ginman, Master Graham Smith, Senior Warden Mark Giardelli and Junior Warden Bruce Kirk

 

The evening began with a lively reception where members and guests took the opportunity to network and converse – always a much-valued part of every Lightmonger event.

The Annual Meeting followed, during which Master Tony Ginman presented the Annual Report and reflected on the many highlights of his busy and rewarding year, marked by memorable experiences and new friendships formed across the City of London and the Company.

The newly appointed Master and Officers then took their oaths, received their gowns and badges of office and processed into the Hall with due ceremony, led by the Company’s sword-bearer, Past Master Mike Simpson.

Dinner brought together over 90 people: members, newly installed Freemen and Liverymen, and guests for an evening of excellent food, wine and tradition. The Loving Cup ceremony was warmly received, after which Master Graham Smith delivered his after-dinner speech, outlining his priorities for the year: strengthening fellowship across the Company, championing the Lightmongers’ charitable work and promoting excellence within the lighting and electrical industries through education, mentoring and the celebration of achievement.

The Master, Grahm Smith giving his after-dinner speech.

A particularly poignant moment came with the presentation of a Baroness Betty Boothroyd Challenge Coin to Past Master Patricia Brain, recognising her close friendship with Baroness Boothroyd – a cherished supporter of both the Lightmongers and youth organisations such as the Cadet Units. Past Master Brain offered a warm and entertaining tribute, honouring Baroness Boothroyd’s remarkable legacy.

Past Master Patricia Brain

 

Guests were then treated to an outstanding musical performance by students from the Guildhall School of Music. They entertained us with a classical interpretation of Beatles melodies selected by Senior Warden Mark Giardelli. Guests thoroughly enjoyed humming along to some of the of the much-loved songs.

Musicians from the Guildhall School of Music.

 

To conclude the formal proceedings, Deputy Master, Tony Ginman, proposed the traditional toast to the Lightmongers Company, “may it flourish root and branch forever”. A final stirrup cup in the Parlour gave guests more time to enjoy conversation and camaraderie

It was a memorable and enjoyable evening to launch our newly appointed Officers into their new year in office and to welcome our new Freemen to the Company.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a member of the Lightmongers, or about our Journeyman Scheme, please contact our Clerk, Mark Houghton at clerk@lightmongers.co.uk