The skies were blue and the air cold on Friday 3rd November as Butchers’ Hall opened its doors for our Livery’s monthly Court Lunch.
With Smithfield only a stone’s throw away, it was fitting that the historic meat market was under the spotlight with our guest speaker being Liveryman, Greg Lawrence CC, chairman of the Smithfield Market Tenants' Association.
Greg was introduced by Assistant, Jason Aldiss BEM who perfectly described this well-known industry character as someone who trades in “straight talk rather than minced words” and is an “outspoken guardian of the market's interests amid the seismic shifts from historic meat trading to cultural showcasing.” Greg’s affection for Smithfield, the Butchers’ Livery and the City was evident - and, as usual, his words resonated with those in attendance.
Other guests of the Company included Julian Hill, Master of the Tallow Chandlers’ Company; Amanda Waring, Master of the Furniture Makers’ Company; and Ted Gradosielski BEM, Master of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen.
The Master of the Worshipful Company of Butchers, Chris Wood took wine with four new Liverymen with Mary Banks, Matthew Preece, Helen Maxwell and Andrew Stewart clothed during the Court Meeting prior to lunch.
He also took wine with Liveryman, Graham Yandell MBE who had received his medal for services to media and to the food industry during an investiture at Buckingham Palace the previous day.
The Australian Beef Rib Eye served at lunch was excellent and kindly sponsored by Premier Freight Services as part of their 50th year celebrations, supplied by Thomas Foods UK.
Liveryman, Ted Murphy donated a case of Dumenil Champagne for the monthly draw which was won by Dan Berger - cheers!
The November 200 Club draw was made during Stirrup Cup in the Court Suite. Nicola Saint took a very healthy first prize, with Assistant Jim Connell and Karen Kelso coming second and third respectively.