The candles were lit and the ambience of the Hall was perfect for a wonderful Livery night on Friday 7th October - the Master's first Court and Livery event of his year.
Everyone dressed in their Black Tie finery to enjoy a formal, yet relaxed, Court dinner in the company of their friends and loved ones.
Although this event follows the format of a normal Court lunch, it was so good to see so many members that are not usually able to attend our daytime events.
Not even the pending train strike the following day could stop a great Butchers' Company night out!
Liveryman Mark Winston proposed the toast to our guests, The Master's and Clerk's of the Brewers' Company, The Bakers' Company and the Stationers' Company.
Mr Deputy Christopher Haywood CC had graciously stepped in as our guest speaker, when unfortunately the Argentinian Ambassador had to defer his visit to November. The Policy and Resources Committee Chairman explained that the vision of the City of London was to work with everyone, to build tomorrow's City today. This would be achieved by aiming for Net Zero emissions for the Square Mile by 2040, becoming a Tech City leader and launching The Golden Key event for the public on Saturday 15th October.
Mr Terrence Murray had been clothed as a New Liveryman at the Court meeting that evening and was joined by friends and family to celebrate the occasion, including his son WCB Young Butcher Terry Murray.
A delicious and plentiful meal was served when the star of the menu was definitely the slow roasted short rib of grass fed beef, donated by The Providitor, Warden John Allton Jones, and supplied by Aubrey Allen Ltd.
In the Stirrup Cup after dinner, the champagne raffle was drawn, sponsored by Liveryman John Bausor and his wife Lesley in celebration of their Diamond Wedding anniversary. No-one could have been happier to win than the Master Brewer, Mr Jonathan Neame, who said it would make a very nice change to drinking beer!
The winners of the 200 Club were Assistant Jim Connell, Mr James Wood and Liveryman Steve Davies. The top prize was £609 so if anyone hasn't signed up, you should definitely consider it. For £20 a ticket each month, it's worth a go.*
The night concluded with some guests rushing to the train station before the railway lines closed early for the strike, whilst others enjoyed last orders before moving on to Smithfield for "just one more".... apparently!
*email accounts@butchershall.com to sign up.