Introduction to Membership

City of London Livery Companies originated in the medieval craft guilds, which regulated trades, maintained standards, trained apprentices and supported their members. Today, the City has 114 Livery Companies, which continue to uphold their traditions while promoting fellowship, education, charitable giving and their respective industries.

The Worshipful Company of Lightmongers is 96th in the City’s order of precedence. Established as a Livery Company in 1984, we maintain the traditions of the Livery movement and play an active role in the life of the City.

Our core values are:

• To foster the art and science of lighting, bringing together people with different skills and promoting goodwill across the industry.
• To encourage invention and imagination in the use of light through prizes, scholarships and other initiatives.
• To develop fellowship and good citizenship.

Our principal objectives are to:

• Promote fellowship and networking among members.
• Invest in the future of the lighting industry through education and training.
• Support charities helping people with sensory impairments, particularly where good lighting can improve quality of life.
• Support and preserve the heritage of the City of London.
• Maintain links with our affiliated schools, military units and other organisations.

Fellowship is at the heart of membership. Through shared experiences, social occasions and professional connections, members enjoy the camaraderie and sense of belonging for which Livery Companies are renowned.

The Company organises a varied programme of events throughout the year, including:

• Formal dinners and receptions, with speakers covering a range of subjects.
• An annual Summer Banquet at prestigious venues such as Mansion House or one of the City’s historic Livery Halls.
• An industry-wide Livery Dinner, offering opportunities to meet colleagues and entertain business guests.
• Educational lectures and visits to places of interest.
• Charity golf days, inter-Livery golf tournaments and clay pigeon shoot.
• The Master’s Weekend and other informal social events.

These occasions provide opportunities to develop friendships, strengthen business relationships and enjoy the hospitality and heritage of the City of London.

Membership also offers opportunities to participate in the wider Livery movement, including inter-Livery activities, taking part in civic occasions such as the Lord Mayor’s Show and joining various City of London Livery related organisations.

Membership of a Livery Company is best viewed as a lifelong commitment. It brings many benefits, but also obligations.

Members commit to supporting the Company’s charitable work, primarily through annual or monthly contributions to the Lightmongers Charitable Trust, and to participate in Company life, including attending the formal Dinners, fund-raising events and other social events where possible.

There is no set level of charitable donation as that is a decision for each donor and members are encouraged to give according to their means. Members have asked for an indication of how much should be considered as a minimum donation and the guidance for that is to set up a standing order in excess of £10 per month, or £120 annually.

Members are also encouraged to become more actively involved by serving on a committee, joining the Court and, for those who wish to pursue that path, progressing through the Company’s leadership to become Master Lightmonger.

The commitment is intended to be rewarding: the more you contribute, the more opportunities you have to benefit from the fellowship, activities and purpose of the Company.

There are two levels of membership: Freeman and Liveryman and becoming a full member involves three stages.

1. Becoming a Freeman of the Company

Admission as a Freeman is the first step. Applicants must be sponsored by two existing Liverymen. If you do not already know suitable sponsors, the Clerk can advise you.

An application form is available from the Clerk or through the Company website. Once your application has been received, the Chairman of the Membership Committee will invite you to an interview.

If both you and the Membership Committee wish to proceed, you will be asked to pay the admission fine and your application will be submitted to the Court for approval.

If approved, you will be invited to attend a Court meeting to be admitted as a Freeman. Your partner is also welcome to attend the Court Dinner at your guest, although partner attendance is entirely optional.

Court meetings are normally held in February, May, September and November.

2. Attaining the Freedom of the City of London

After becoming a Freeman of the Company, you are encouraged to apply for the Freedom of the City of London through the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall.

This involves a formal ceremony at the Guildhall, at which you may be accompanied by your partner and guests. Further guidance on the application process is provided after admission to the Company.

Freedom of the City is an essential step towards full membership of the Lightmongers.

3. Becoming a Liveryman

Once you have gained the Freedom of the City of London, you are able to progress to become a Liveryman by being formally clothed in the Livery of the Worshipful Company of Lightmongers.

Please notify the Clerk when you have obtained the Freedom of the City and you will then be invited to a Court meeting for the ceremony.

Liveryman status represents full membership of the Company. It enables you to stand for election to Company committees, be considered for membership of the Court and become more closely involved in its governance.

Liverymen are also entitled to vote in City elections for the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs, subject to the applicable requirements.

Being a Liveryman can also open the way to further involvement in the civic life of the City, including, for those who wish to pursue it, the highest offices of Sheriff and Lord Mayor.