Last week, the Guild of Young Freemen gathered at Mansion House, by kind permission of our Patron and President, The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor, Alderman Alastair King DL, to celebrate the Installation of our new Master, Reuben Braden-Bell, marking the Guild’s 49th anniversary.
We were honoured to welcome Mrs Susan le Jeune d’Allegeershecque CMG, OStJ, Secretary-General of the Most Venerable Order of St John and former British High Commissioner to Canada, who spoke passionately about the life-saving global work of the Order of St John — and how the Young Freemen help champion its mission across the City and beyond.
Mr Akira Nozaki, Japanese Minister for Financial Affairs, representing His Excellency, the Japanese Ambassador, Mr Hiroshi Suzuki, reflected on the value of friendship and informal relationships in the Square Mile — inviting members to join him “for a drink and perhaps some sushi” should they spot his team in one of the City’s pubs!
Aldermanic Sheriff Robert Hughes-Penney, speaking on behalf of the Lord Mayor, praised the Guild’s progress in professionalising its operations, strengthening its ties with the Livery movement, and broadening its civic contribution over the past three years.
A memorable evening celebrating tradition, fellowship, and service — hallmarks of the Guild and of the City of London itself.
More photos from our Banquet:
Many thanks to our photographers, Carla Salvatore and Jonathan Cherry, for their great work.
