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What's New?

Reciprocal Arrangement for Members of the Guild of Freemen of the City of London to Attend Selected Honourable Company Events in North America

Through a reciprocal arrangement between the Honourable Company and The Guild of Freemen of the City of London, Guild members can apply to attend selected events of the Honourable Company during visits to North America.

The Right Rev'd Robert Todd Giffin, a member of the Company, received the Freedom of the City of London at the Chamberlain's Court, London, on 11 February 2020. He was accompanied by his spouse, Norma Jean Bustamante Giffin. The Declaration of a Freeman was administered by Murray D. Craig, Clerk of the Chamberlain's Court, assisted by the Court Beadle. A short reception followed as well as a tour of the Guild Hall by the Clerk. The Anglican Bishop and his wife reside in San Antonio, Texas. Bishop Giffin was then admitted to membership in the Guild of Freemen of the City of London on 4 March 2020.

He is an Officer (OStJ) of The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, a member of the Association of the Descendants of Knights of the Garter (Windsor Castle), Monarchist League of Canada, United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada, and a life member of the Royal Society of St. George. On 1 November 2013 he was granted a Coat of Arms by the Chief Herald of Ireland. He looks forward to being an active member of the Honourable Company.

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Derwin Mak is a Chartered Professional Accountant (formerly called Chartered Accountants) in the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. He has had a diverse career in the provincial government, including jobs in internal audit, fraud investigation, facilities management, and accounting. He has a Master of Accounting degree from University of Waterloo and a Master of Arts in Military Studies from American Military University. He is also a science fiction writer who won two Aurora Awards, Canada’s national award for science fiction writing. He is an officer in St. John Ambulance and a vice chair of the library committee of the Royal Canadian Military Institute. He belongs to the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, the Royal Commonwealth Society, and the Monarchist League of Canada, the Order of St. Lazarus, and the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

London has been an inspiration for much of Derwin’s writing because he grew up watching British science fiction TV series such as Doctor Who, Quatermass, and Thunderbirds. Derwin is also a stamp collector and is interested in the history of the London post office, where the first postage stamp was issued.

I was born in the East End of London within the Sound of Bow Bells and spent the first 40 years of my life immersed in the London Culture. I started my first job as a banker at eighteen in Spitalfields E1(a leather traders and fruit market area) and then moved to a professional accounting practice two years later in Chancery Lane in the Ward of Farringdon Without (legal district) where I worked for many years.

I have always been intrigued with the history and uniqueness of the City of London and so was delighted to become a little closer to home when I joined the Honourable Company in March 2016. I am a proud Londoner and so I jumped at the opportunity to receive the Freedom of the City.

The Court made it an extremely easy process and the paperwork was effortless. Once everything was in place, I made a call to the Chamberlain’s Office in London and Booked a date for my Ceremony and was just told to turn up. It was as easy as that.

I will never forget the 2nd day of October in the 68th year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. I was accompanied by my Sister and Brother in Law and proceeded to the Guildhall for my Ceremony. It was extremely well conducted and full of rich history and learning. Everyone was very friendly and we all had an amazing day.

I would strongly recommend obtaining the Freedom of London to any member; it is truly a unique experience. I will now look for a suitable Livery Company to join and continue the journey to become closer to our Great City.

Jeffrey Lewis