The Lightmongers Livery dinner this year was held on Wednesday 20th March, with its focus on industry networking for Lightmongers and their Guests.

The Master and Officers greeted members and guests as they arrived at the unique and prestigious Painters  Hall, one of the wonderful Livery Halls in the City, where we were made very welcome. Over 130 members and guests from across the wide spectrum of the lighting related industry attended and enjoyed a unique dining experience, with plenty of opportunity for socialising and networking before and after the dinner.

Dining in the prestigious Painters Hall

In his after-dinner speech the Master warmly welcomed the Company guests from our Military Affiliations with the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force and emphasised how important their role was to all of us. He also welcomed Masters and Clerks from some of the other Livery Companies and guests from across the industry.

The Master highlighted how important support to our charitable activities, through the Lightmongers Charitable Trust, was to our Company and encouraged all members to participate in and support our charity fund-raising activities.

He confirmed that the next fund-raising event was our Charity Golf Day on May 28th where there were still places available to book, either as teams of four or as individuals. All funds raised by this event are donated to our two affiliated schools, New Worcester College for Blind students, and Mary Hare School for Deaf students.

The Master, Peter McVeigh, making his after-dinner speech.

The Lightmongers Assistant Clerk, Abbie Jones, is moving on to new challenges and the Master wished her much success in her new role and thanked her, on behalf of all Lightmongers, for her significant contribution to the Lightmongers over the past 12 years. He presented her with a gift on behalf of the Company.

The Master making the presentation to Abbie.

Each year at this dinner we present Merit Awards for Outstanding Achievement to individuals nominated by each of our three Military Affiliations. The citations for the Royal Navy, the Army and the RAF awards were given by the Senior Officer of each of the Units and illustrated impressively the capabilities and commitment of those who serve in our Armed Forces. Individual Lightmonger members generously sponsor each Award, and together with the Master, made the presentations.

L-R: Master Peter McVeigh, Lt Jack McNicholas (Award winner), Past Master Jamie Berry (Sponsor), Cdr Richard Bowen RN, HMS Queen Elizabeth.

 

L-R: Major Duncan Wood, OC 579 Squadron, Court Assistant Bob Francis (Sponsor), Cpl Chris Margett (Award winner), the Master Peter McVeigh.

 

L-R: WO Dave Bennett 606 Sqn, MAcr James Harwood (Award Winner) and the Master, Peter McVeigh. The Sponsor, Past Master Rod Bennion, was not able to attend the Dinner so the Master presented the Award on his behalf.

The Master concluded his speech by inviting all Lightmongers to join him in a toast to all the guests at the dinner.

Honorary Liveryman, Admiral Sir Trevor Soar responded on behalf of the guests, thanking the Master and the Lightmongers for a wonderful evening of dining and socialising. He gave an interesting summary of some of the issues for the Royal Navy, and the other military branches, and shared some amusing anecdotes. He concluded by proposing the Toast to the Lightmongers, “may it flourish root and branch forever”.

Honorary Liveryman Admiral Sir Trevor Soar responded on behalf of the guests and proposed the toast to the Lightmongers Company.

Following the speeches, the evening continued with a wonderful musical entertainment provided by Dominic Bevan, Olivier Lallement and our Assistant Clerk Abbie Jones – very enjoyable.

The evening concluded with more networking/socialising time over a stirrup cup.  A most enjoyable evening and a good opportunity, as always, to meet people from across the spectrum of our great industry.

Our thanks to Status International (UK) for their sponsorship of the event.