On Friday 4 September, the Worshipful Company of Butchers gathered at Butchers’ Hall for the September Court Lunch, bringing together Liverymen, guests and representatives from fellow Livery Companies for an afternoon of tradition, fellowship and celebration. The lunch also provided an opportunity to mark a special farewell to the Master as his year in office draws to a close.
We were delighted to welcome Mike Mathieson, Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Dyers, as our guest speaker. Mike shared his reflections with the Company and was warmly received by Liverymen and guests.
We were also pleased to welcome special guests Liveryman John Harrison, Master of Taurus Lodge No. 3981, and Sara Drake, Master of the Worshipful Company of Girdlers.
A particular highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the 2026 Gold Award to Liveryman Francesca Wyatt. The award recognises a Liveryman who has worked tirelessly to support the Company over the past 12 months. Francesca was recognised for her enthusiasm and commitment to Company activities, fundraising initiatives and Corporate Partnerships, as well as her willingness to take on every challenge.
The Company also expressed its grateful thanks to Deputy Master PM Dr Margaret Boanas, MBE, and her husband Tony Evans, for their generous donation to the Brewster Board. This was Margaret’s final Court Lunch as Deputy Master before stepping down from Court, and the Master thanked her for her years of dedicated service and commitment to the Company.
We were pleased to welcome four new Liverymen – Rod Addy, Daniel Gilmour, Matt Tobin and Gary Rowland – who were Clothed earlier that day, as well as two new Freemen, John Royle and Pedro Perez Sanz, who were warmly welcomed to the Company.
The afternoon continued with the Champagne Raffle, with a case of Dumenil Champagne kindly donated by Liveryman Gerd Wichmann. Congratulations to Matt Wilson, who was the lucky winner.
The 200 Club draw also took place, with congratulations to our winners: first prize, Liveryman Andrew Clarke; second prize, Liveryman Thomas Green; and third prize, Liveryman Stuart Revill.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to ABP UK for their generous support and for kindly supplying a British 30-Day Matured Centre Cut Fillet Steak for the main course.
The lunch concluded with a Stirrup Cup in the Court Suites, providing an opportunity for further conversation and fellowship as Liverymen and guests came together to celebrate the year and mark the end of the Master’s term of office.
