Newsletter – Summer 2026
Welcome to our Summer newsletter. As we enjoy the warmer months, we are delighted to share key updates from the Court, news from the City of London, and details on our forthcoming events.
From John Welch, Master 2026 – 2027
Warm summer greetings to all our members and friends across North America and beyond. Since our Master’s Banquet and Installation Ceremony in May, the new Court and I have been hard at work strengthening the unique commercial, social, and personal links we share with the City of London from our home here in Toronto.
It was an absolute pleasure seeing so many of you raise a glass at our recent Summer Garden Party at the Canadian Forces College. The fellowship on display truly highlighted the vibrant spirit of our community. As the summer progresses, I look forward to greeting many more of you as we keep the ancient traditions of the Freedom alive on this side of the Atlantic.
Court News
Following our annual transition of leadership, our new Court for the year is up and running:
Master John Welch
Honorary Treasurer Ernest M. Cleave
Immediate Past Master and Honorary London Clerk: Helen Field
Warden Hugh Christie
Warden and US Liaison Keiron Francis
Warden Dr Anne Lancashire
Warden Akaash Maharaj
Warden Michèle McCarthy
Warden Patrick Shea
The Court is ably supported by our new Honorary Clerk, Sheila Smith.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to last year’s Court for their hard work and diligence.
In particular, we recognise our Learned Clerk, Kathryn Andrews, who recently stepped down from her role but happily continues to be deeply involved with the Company.
Masters’ Banquet – Saturday 2 May 2026
This was a truly splendid occasion! In a wonderful departure from tradition, IPM Helen Field chose the historic King Edward Hotel in downtown Toronto as our venue, a choice warmly praised by all who attended.
We were honoured by a stellar cast of top-table guests. This included Chris Hayward, the political leader of the City of London Corporation, and David Vandivier, the Managing Director of the Corporation's newly opened Washington office. Chris was visiting the United States and we successfully ‘persuaded’ him to fly to Toronto to join us, bringing David along. As he had to fly out very early the next morning, we are so very grateful to him for taking time out of his demanding schedule to serve as our guest speaker. It is always a pleasure to hear directly from the City's leadership about current affairs in London.
The Master of the Guild of Freemen in London, Stephen Osborne, also flew across the Atlantic to join us. He was accompanied by his Consort, Michael Bedingfield DL, the High Sheriff of East Sussex. As it was also Michael’s birthday, we were doubly grateful for their presence! The pair enjoyed a wonderful week in Toronto, fitting in a full programme of local sightseeing.
Additionally, we were delighted to welcome HE Rob Tinline, HM High Commissioner to Canada, who flew down from Ottawa, and Ms Roshni Prasad, the Toronto-based Director of Capital Investment and Financial Services for the UK Government.
In traditional style, we presented our guests with small tokens to mark the occasion (including a sheep for Rob Tinline!). In return, Helen, John, and Kathryn were thrilled to receive reciprocal gifts from Stephen Osborne.
The elegant Sovereign Suites provided a magnificent setting for both the drinks reception and the banquet. The atmosphere was enhanced by a talented string trio from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Flickering candlelight, beautiful floral arrangements, delicious food (complete with a whimsical sheep biscuit alongside dessert), and the fun and camaraderie of the Loving Cup ceremony combined to make it an evening to remember.
Our thanks go to Past Master Ishrani Jaikaran for her generous sponsorship of the string trio, to Member Mark Sear for providing the evening’s AV services, and to Member Peter Allen for his thoughtful contributions to our hospitality.
Summer Garden Party - August 9, 2026
Last Sunday, August 9th, members and invited guests of the Honourable Company gathered for a relaxed and convivial afternoon in the stunning gardens of the Canadian Forces College, Toronto, and the weather gods were firmly on our side.
It was, as promised, the perfect place to greet old friends and make new ones. Guests came from all over the GTA for an afternoon of conversation, cocktails, canapés, and community.
The day unfolded at an easy pace. It started at the Aussie Bar in the main building, spilled out onto the terrace and eventually drifted into the trees, where everyone gathered in a shady clearing deep in the property to escape the heat.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make it such a memorable summer afternoon.
Special thanks to Lt. Col. Tyler Wentzell and Lt. Col. Trevor Norton for their help and support in facilitating our booking at such a special location.
What’s Happening in the City
Sheriffs Elected for 2026 – 2027
This year, to broaden the pool of future Lord Mayor* candidates, the City elected two Aldermen as Sheriffs. As tradition dictates, the election took place at noon on Midsummer Day (24 June) at Guildhall. Alderman Prem Goyal CBE and Alderman Tim Levene were chosen and will officially take office on 28 September 2026. We send our warmest civic regards from North America to the new Sheriffs-elect!
*You cannot be Lord Mayor unless you have served a term as Sheriff.
Knighthood for Sir Alastair King
Those who attended the reception we hosted for the Lord Mayor at the National Club in March 2025 will be delighted to hear that he was awarded a knighthood in the June 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List. The honour recognizes his services to pensions reform, international business promotion, and charitable work. The Company has sent him our heartiest congratulations.
Honorary London Clerk
Following her relocation back to the United Kingdom after the Masters’ Banquet, Helen has officially taken up the role of Honorary London Clerk. In this position, she will actively champion the North American Company within the City.
Helen is delighted to support any North American Members visiting the UK. She recently assisted Member Stephen Dieter, who received his Freedom of the City of London on 26 May. Stephen and his wife, Beth, spent a memorable week in London, during which Stephen was not only admitted to the Freedom but also cloathed in the Livery of the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers.
Next on the London calendar is the historic Sheep Drive and Livery Fair on Sunday 27 September. Helen will be leading a group of our Members across Southwark Bridge, allowing them to exercise their ancient right as Freemen to drive sheep over the Thames toll-free! With another of our Members being admitted to the Freedom on the preceding Friday, Helen is organizing a short weekend itinerary. Keep an eye out for news (and perhaps pictures) in our next issue!
There is always a wealth of activity in the City. If you are planning a trip to London and wish to explore upcoming dinners or civic events, please reach out to Helen via the Honorary Clerk at clerk@freemenlondon.org.
Members’ News
Congratulations to one of our newest Members, Miranda Anthistle, who was married on 23 March this year in Cartagena, Colombia, to Colin MacGregor. We wish them a lifetime of happiness together!
On a sadder note, we regret to inform members that Past Master (2001 - 2002) Neil Purcell passed away on 29 March at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Ontario. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Livia. Neil was a lifetime Member of our Company and a proud Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers. We have passed our deepest condolences to his family. His funeral on 6 June was attended by Master John Welch and Past Master Michèle McCarthy.
Diary Dates
Please keep a close watch on your email inbox and our website (freemenlondon.org) for upcoming event details, but do note the following:
Sunday 20 September 2026
44th Anniversary Oxford and Cambridge Alumni Cricket Match
Venue: Lord’s Field, Upper Canada College, Toronto
Join us for a wonderful afternoon of traditional sport, sunshine, and camaraderie.
Friday 11 December 2026
Annual Christmas Party
Venue: National Yacht Club, Toronto
Save the date for our premier winter celebration! Our 2025 party sold out very quickly, so keep your eyes peeled for ticket releases.
