In an historic livery company, with an enviable background in the Transport and Logistics sector, Carmen reflect today’s transport industry, the lifeblood of our economy. Members raise money for the deserving and disadvantaged, primarily in education and wellbeing. We offer support, encouragement and empathy to those who serve in the armed services; we innovate in the world of transport through debate, discussion and design; and we actively support and contribute to the City civic.

We are part of a City-wide fellowship of historic and modern guilds reflecting trades, crafts, industries and professions. Over the millennia, those guilds have moved to meet the needs of the times. The Carmen are no exception.

We offer three types of membership:

 

The Company’s renowned welcome and fellowship extends equally to all, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religious beliefs or other factors.

Liverymen and Freemen of the Company experience lifelong fellowship, they are generous in charitable giving, and participate enthusiastically in the life of the Livery. They welcome the opportunity to serve the City of London Corporation and the wider community and enjoy the privilege of association with those who serve King and country.

Interested? click here to join us.

Alternatively, contact the Clerk to discuss your route to membership.
Tel: 020 7645 1405; or email: clerk@thecarmen.co.uk

1. Corporate Membership – click here or visit the Corporate Membership from the menu to find out more.
2. Personal Membership – please read on……

If you want to know further benefits of becoming a Carmen, please click here.

How Can I become involved?

Personal Membership:

The Company invites application for membership as:

 

CARMAN APPRENTICE

Carman Apprentices (not to be confused with industry / military apprenticeships) are young individuals between the ages of 14 and 21, who have received sponsorship from an existing Freeman or Liveryman. They will then receive mentorship by their nominated Apprentice Master, who will be themself be a Freeman or Liveryman.

Successful applicants are “bound in servitude to their Apprentice Master” and presented to the Master, Wardens and Court of Assistants at a Court Meeting. After the Ceremony, the Court will join new Apprentices and their guests for some refreshments. Many new Apprentices then continue their celebrations by attending the luncheon or dinner which follows, as a guest of their Apprentice Master.
Apprentices must serve at least four years as an Apprentice. If desired, they may later progress to become an Associate Freeman or Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Carmen by servitude.

ASSOCIATE FREEMAN

This category is aimed at individuals aged up to and including 35 years of age, thus specific to individuals during the early stages of their career. No Fines (i.e. Joining Fees) are payable. Associate Freeman grade is offered to both civilian and HM Forces personnel – see table in fees page for details of the applicable criteria and subscription rates.

FREEMAN

Successful applicants to be Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Carmen will be invited to attend a capping ceremony, or by Zoom if you are unable to attend in person. Here they will meet the Master to be formally accepted as a Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Carmen. Freemen may then apply to attend events open to them and enjoy the fellowship, support and networking this enables, whilst offering their own skills and talents for the benefit of others.
If desired, progression from here would be to become a Liveryman, subject to first obtaining their Freedom of The City of London (the Carmen’s Clerk will assist you in this). For more information click here.

LIVERYMAN

Successful applicants for Liveryman status, will already be Freemen of the Company, having attended a capping ceremony and having received their Freedom of the City of London. Members in this category will be invited to participate in the joining and welcoming ceremony, which takes place during a Court meeting.

At this ceremony, new members are welcomed and formally presented to the Master, the Wardens and the Court of Assistants. New members are then invited to make their pledge to The King, to The Worshipful Company of Carmen and to the City of London and then to be clothed in the Livery (a gown with a ribbon which signifies the formal joining) They will also receive their warrants of membership.

After the ceremony, the Court will join new members and their guests for refreshments. Many new members then continue their celebrations by attending the luncheon or dinner which follows, often in a unique setting.

Liverymen can apply to serve on the Company’s panels and committees where they may add expertise or which are of particular interest to them.  In the first instance they should apply through the Clerk.

Liverymen are eligible and encouraged to vote for the Sheriffs and the Lord Mayor as part of their civic duty.

Eligibility for election to the Court of Assistants, with a proposer and seconder, comes after three years as a Liveryman; votes are cast by fellow Freeman and Liverymen and the process is wholly democratic.

The Company’s renowned welcome and fellowship extends equally to all, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religious beliefs or other factors, although Carmen retain their historic formal affiliation to the Christian faith.

Liverymen and Freemen of the Company experience lifelong fellowship, are generous in charitable giving, and participate enthusiastically in the life of the Livery, they welcome the opportunity to serve the City of London Corporation and the wider community and enjoy the privilege of association with those who serve King and country.

Interested? click here to join us.

Corporate Membership:
We continue to adapt and evolve to meet the challenges of today’s industry and our new annual Corporate Membership plays a part in this. The membership is available to existing members who are closely connected to the industry, whilst also offering a different approach to new members. The annual Corporate Membership offers advice, support, networking opportunities and tickets to unique events.
To find out more  click here or visit the corporate membership from the menu to find out more.

If you would like to discuss your route to membership, please contact the Clerk:

Call: 020 7645 1405
Email: clerk@thecarmen.co.uk