The Guild of Freemen of the City of London

Mr Alderman and Sheriff Ian Luder with Warden Francis Bergin
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The Dean of St Paul's, the Rt Revd Graeme Knowles, with Past Master David Irving, Senior Past Master Harold Gould and Past Master Joseph Byllam-Barnes
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Annual Banquet at Guildhall

10 December 2007

After being received by the Master and his Lady, Guild members and guests enjoyed a sparkling, champagne reception in the recently refurbished Old Library.

Once everyone had been welcomed, a trumpet fanfare played by the trumpeters from the Band of the Royal Yeomanry announced the arrival of the two Sheriffs and their wives: Mr Alderman and Sheriff Ian Luder and his wife Lin, and Mr Alderman and Sheriff Michael Bear and his wife Barbara. The Dean of St Paul's, the Rt Revd Graeme Knowles, and his wife Susan were among the Guild's other guests.

At the appointed hour the Master, Wardens and senior guests processed into the Great Hall to the traditional music and hand claps, and then a sumptuous four-course dinner was served with excellent wines, coffee and liqueurs. Delightful music was provided throughout the evening by The Salon Orchestra of the Honourable Artillery Company.

After dinner and the Loving Cup Ceremony the Master read a message of greeting from Her Majesty the Queen before proposing the Loyal Toast and a toast to The Royal Family.

His Honour Judge Sir Gavyn Arthur, a member of the Court of Assistants, was the first speaker, and he concluded by proposing the toast to The Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and the City of London Corporation. The response was given by Mr Alderman and Sheriff Ian Luder He was followed by the Senior Warden, Mr Francis Bergin, who welcomed the guests before introducing Dr. Colin White, Director of the Royal Naval Museum, Portsmouth, who gave a very interesting and amusing speech.

Finally the Master replied, thanking Dr. Colin White. Grateful thanks were also given to Major Nick Gill, Officer Commanding 253 Provost Company RMP (V) and his soldiers who had provided the Honour Guard that evening. Finally the Master brought the evening to a happy end by thanking everyone for coming and wishing them a safe journey home.