It was a great privilege for the Court, at its 14th February 2024 meeting, to install one new Liveryman and to welcome into the Company five new Freemen.
The Court congratulated Freeman Darren Horobin, Lighting Manager at the London Borough of Camden, on progressing to full membership by becoming Liverymen of the Company. Liverymen are able to take up various City of London benefits, such as the right to vote for the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs, and to be more involved in the operation of the Company, including up to becoming Master if they are so interested.
At the same meeting the Court were also delighted to welcome into the Company five new Freemen:
Colin Ball, Lighting Director at BDP (Building Design Partnership)
David Barnwell, Managing Director Holophane Europe Limited
Matt Finn, Major Projects at City Electrical Factors
Mark Grabbitas, Head of Lighting Design at Signify UK (formerly Philips Lighting)
Steven Kirby, Managing Director, JCC Lighting
L-R: David Barnwell; Colin Ball; Liveryman Darren Horobin; Mark Grabbitas; Matt Finn and Steven Kirby with the Officers of the Company
From L-R Deputy Master Jamie Berry, Master Peter McVeigh, Senior Warden Tony Ginman and Junior Warden Graham Smith
At the Court dinner that evening the Master, Peter McVeigh, warmly welcomed the new Liveryman and Freemen and particularly encouraged the new Freemen to progress to full membership of the Company by becoming Liverymen (the first step to that being to obtain the Freedom of the City of London). He emphasised the importance of their involvement, along with all members, in the Company’s networking events and activities and to support our charitable and education work through their financial donations and their support to our charity events.
The Master, Peter McVeigh giving his speech of welcome.
Honorary Liveryman Air Marshal Sir Ian Macfadyen responded on behalf of the guests, sharing some insights into contemporary military challenges and relating some amusing anecdotes. He concluded by proposing the toast to the Lightmongers Company, “may it flourish root and branch forever”, in which everyone at the dinner joined enthusiastically.
Honourary Liveryman, Air Marshall Sir Ian Macfadyen giving his speech at the dinner.
The Master concluded the formalities of the evening by thanking everyone for attending the dinner and inviting them to join him in a stirrup cup before enjoying a safe journey home.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a member of the Lightmongers, or how to progress to becoming a Liveryman of the Company please email our Clerk, Mark Houghton at clerk@lightmongers.co.uk