Annual Banquet
22nd October 2025Mercers' Hall
Our annual banquet was, as usual, a magnificent affair. Held in the beautiful Mercers' Hall, guests were welcomed with a glass of fizz and socialised under the watchful eye of Lord Baden-Powell. It followed the ceremony for the signing of the Armed Forces' Covenant.
Our Guest of Honour was The Honourable Denver Riggleman III. Other distinguished guests were the Master Cutler, Professor Keith Jackson, Master Merchant Venturer Mr David Freed, Master Scientific Instrument Maker Mr Jim Webster, Major Ollie Bambrick, Second in Command 1st Battalion London Guards, and Captain Freddie Bradshaw, Second in Command No. 15 Loos Company, 1st Battalion London Guards.
After a fine dinner (the duck was particularly noteworthy) loyal toasts were offered. Liveryman Neal Nielinger introduced our Guests. The Honourable Denver Riggleman III delivered a detailed and passionate speech about the plight of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Few could have been unmoved by his most excellent words.
I then presented cheques to Captain Freddie Badshaw and Ron Kirkland, Honorary Secretary of the Irish Guards' Association.
The evening was rounded off by the impressive Hannah McKay and Jack Stone who gave us three numbers that hit every emotion and left us feeling happy. As usual, Stirrup Cup was a hurried affair, but some managed to find quiet surroundings to continue the evening.