EDA Director joins The Worshipful Company of Lightmongers and gains Freedom of the City

Margaret Fitzsimons, Director of the Electrical Distributors’ Association, has become the newest member The Worshipful Company of Lightmongers.

Mrs Fitzsimons made the announcement at the Lightmongers’ inaugural annual charity lecture in October, at The London Transport Museum. The lecture was given by leading environmental campaigner, author and broadcaster, Jonathon Porritt, who spoke about ‘Lighting Up A Low Carbon World’.

The Worshipful Company of Lightmongers is one of the newer Livery Companies, having been founded in 1953. However, Mrs Fitzsimons told a press conference that she was amazed that so few people knew of the Lightmongers and their good work within the industry in terms of promoting lighting, education and charitable work.

The Lightmongers’ aim is to foster the art and science of lighting and to encourage the development of training programmes.

The Lightmongers Livery Company is one of the modern Livery companies and is at number 96 in order of precedence within the City of London. Its members are involved in the lighting industry through engineering/manufacture, design, architecture, electrical installation and distribution.

The membership of The Worshipful Company of Lightmongers represents all sections of the Lighting and electrical industry and these include lamp & luminaire manufacturers, electrical contractors, electrical wholesalers, public lighting engineers, consulting engineers, lighting designers and architects.

The inaugural meeting was held on 3rd November 1953 and membership grew rapidly. At the time, membership was limited to 110 members which was the City voltage at that time. It was later increased to 240, again reflecting the voltage. An oil lamp donated to the Society in 1957 inspired the symbol incorporated into the Company’s coat of arms.

The Society evolved to Guild status, with a Grant of Livery ceremony taking place in July 1984. Following the successful petition to the Crown, through the Privy Council, together with the approval of the City of London, a Royal Charter was granted in July 2012.

The Company continues to flourish and still holds its Court Meetings in Tallow Chandlers’ Hall as it did in 1970, where the Royal Charter document is proudly displayed.

Margaret Fitzsimons is pictured above, collecting her Freedom of the City of London certificate as the newest member of The Worshipful Company of Lightmongers.

To find out more about the Lightmongers and their work, visit:

www.lightmongers.co.uk