The Guild of Freemen of the City of London

The 1812 Overture
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The Jakes family
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Anyone care to join us for dinner?
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The Master thanks everyone for coming
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Beating Retreat followed by Dinner in the Reform Club

2 June 2005

In a period of very changeable weather the Guild was lucky that the evening chosen to attend the Beating Retreat was fine and dry, even if a little windy. The event had proved to be hugely popular and sadly many Guild members had had to be disappointed, despite the fact that the Guild's party numbered 140 for both the parade and the dinner afterwards.

As was to be expected, the parade was magical. The colour and precision of the British military at their best was complemented beautifully by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal who took the salute, and by the excitement and emotion conjured up by the Massed Bands of the Household Division playing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. The 1812 overture brought the display to a fitting and resounding finale.

After the parade everyone made their way to the Reform Club in Pall Mall for dinner. There the Guild's members and their guests settled to a dinner that did justice in style and service to the magnificent surroundings of the library, and it was a particular pleasure that the Master had recovered from his indisposition and was able to enjoy the evening to the full.