On 28th November, the Guild of Young Freemen held its sold-out Christmas Banquet at Innholders’ Hall. It was a privilege to welcome our keynote speaker, Alderman Vincent Keaveny CBE KStJ, 693rd Lord Mayor of the City of London, whose remarks left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
Vincent spoke candidly about the Guild’s remarkable growth in recent years and increasing diversity. With such momentum, he reminded us, there will always be detractors and not to be fazed by the challenges that may appear. His message was clear: the Guild of Young Freemen must continue to lead by example, upholding the highest moral standards, strengthening our role as representatives of young professional in the Civic City, and ensuring that our contribution to the City of London is marked by integrity, service, and purpose.
We were honoured to welcome Councillor Thomas Bennett, Mayor of the hRoyal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea for 2025–26, together with his wife Beatrice Bennett, as our principal guests. He spoke about the theme of his mayoralty – civic pride, civic unity, and civic joy – which align with the Guild of Young Freemen’s ethos. He highlighted how the Guild of today represents an asset not only to the City of London, but also to the wider United Kingdom and Greater London in particular.
We were also delighted to host Past Master of the Guild of Freemen, former Alderman of the Walbrook Ward and High Sheriff of Greater London John Garbutt, and Fra’ Max Rumney, 58th Grand Prior of England of the Order of Malta, among our distinguished guests.
Our Senior Past Master, Rhys Jones, delivered a joyful speech reflecting on the Guild’s remarkable transformation since his time as Master, noting that Christmas Banquets weren’t even a tradition in those days.
The camaraderie was on full display as we all came together to sing The Twelve Days of Christmas. Moments like these remind us of the enduring value of community, celebration, and shared tradition.
It was a great pleasure to be joined by our friends and guests from DLA Piper, King & Spalding and Fidelity International.
We are exceptionally proud of how far the Guild has come, and even more excited for what lies ahead. Nights like this, full of fellowship, tradition, and inspiration, show the real potential of our community. Here’s to another year of growth, leadership, and service. Best wishes to all in this most festive season!
Special thanks to fellow Young Freeman and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, Charlotte Potter, for her exceptional performance.
