Butchers’ Hall welcomed back Liverymen on Friday 2nd July as it hosted the first Court Lunch since March 2020.
Numbers may have been limited, with tables of six socially distanced, but all those in attendance agreed it was wonderful to once again enjoy the fellowship and hospitality the Butchers are famous for.
The Master, Andrew Parker, was delighted to put Zoom to one side as guests enjoyed sirloin steaks sponsored by The Providitor, Chris Wood.
Following lunch, the Clerk, Major General Jeff Mason, presented an enlightening and humorous talk and video about the City of London as the Livery seeks to increase its engagement and connections to the City.
You can watch the video below:
Earlier, Court had meet to discuss the affairs and current work in progress to ensure the Livery continues to operate and meet the challenges as the country slowly opens up following the restrictions imposed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The meeting included a Freedom Ceremony which saw both Katherine Doherty and Stephen Crosby join the company as Freemen.
Afterwards, Katherine told us: "I am excited to be joining The Butchers' Livery with its rich history and unique networks across the industry."
Katherine and Stephen now join a growing group who have had to wait to be clothed into the Livery due to the closure of Butchers’ Hall during the pandemic.
Indeed, there will be a special, and rather large, City of London Freedom and WCB Clothing Ceremony held on 23rd September at Butchers’ Hall, when many of those who have waited patiently will be able to become Liverymen of the WCB.
200 Club and raffle draws
As is tradition, the 200 Club draw took place following the lunch and the results were:
- First Prize: Assistant Tim Stone, £448.50
- Second Prize: Assistant Paul Dolan, £241.50
And with a raffle for a case of Dumenil Champagne, sponsored by Liveryman Clifford Prior, it felt that things were getting back to normal. The money raised will go to the Fundraising Appeal, with the Champagne being won by Liveryman, Roger Kelsey.