A warm summer’s evening in July set the scene for a City banquet like no other, for this was the Guild’s Installation Banquet to celebrate the recent installation of our Master for 2019 – 2020, Mr. Anjola Adeniyi.
The banquet is a highlight of the Guild’s calendar, taking on the theme and values brought by each Master to set the agenda for their time in office. With a focus on family and inclusion, this year’s banquet was unique in that the Master brought not only his Consort, but his children, nieces, and nephews, who presented the Lady Mayoress with a bouquet of flowers.
The evening started in traditional City fashion with a receiving line of the Master and Wardens, leading their guests into a drinks reception with ample time to catch up with old friends and new acquaintances. Guests then took their place in the great hall while the formal photographs were taken and the procession assembled, before processing into the hall to the march from Scipio. Guests then enjoyed a sumptuous three course dinner, before drinking a loving cup and standing for the toasts.
The Master then delivered his speech, and – being a member of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists and computer security expert by trade – presented the Lord Mayor with a virtual reality headset, which he immediately donned! The customary response from the Lord Mayor followed, and the evening then took a spectacular twist as traditional Nigerian talking drummers wowed guests with a performance – even the Upper Warden took a turn!
The evening concluded with a stirrup cup as guests said farewell, though in traditional Young Freemen good cheer a large party of members were led by the Court to a nearby wine bar to continue the celebrations.
The Guild’s banquets are always memorable and thoroughly enjoyable evenings – dignitaries and guests alike were heard to say it was one of the best they had ever been to; a testament to the fellowship and good nature of the Guild of Young Freemen.
