The latest news about and from the Worshipful Company of Butchers

The annual WCB Master’s Charity Dinner took place on Friday 17th May at the historic Guildhall in the City of London when, in a time-honoured way going back as far as 900 years, the Butchers joined together for fellowship and the joy of helping others.

The event is one of the highlights in the Worshipful Company of Butchers’ calendar, and this year the focus was on raising funds for The Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

Master, Graham Baker welcomed guests and told of his family’s personal connection to his chosen charity during his year as Master. Graham’s wife, Elizabeth was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when she was just 43.

Representing The Cure Parkinson’s Trust, Dr Jon Stamford also spoke. He explained how one of the biggest obstacles in finding a cure was raising the money required to fund testing and drug development – things Dr Stamford admitted did not come cheap.

Luckily, there were plenty of opportunities to give generously during the evening, with a raffle, silent auction and a fun round of heads and tails.

Following a first-class dinner, party band The Sessions had the dance floor full until the early hours, while other guests mingled and enjoyed each other’s company.

Master, Graham Baker said: “The atmosphere was outstanding, and this was commented on to me several times during the evening. This is what the Livery is about and if we can keep doing things like this the future of fellowship is assured. My thanks to everyone for their outstanding support.”

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to organise the event and to the following sponsors:

• Dumenil Champagne
• Dunbia for sponsoring the main course
• Wrights Food Group for sponsoring the dessert
• Next for providing the table candle gifts
• Yandell Media Group and Meat Management for producing the souvenir brochure

… plus all those individuals and companies that provided raffle prizes and auction lots, and supported the brochure with advertising.

Dr Stamford struck a chord when he told guests: “Pat yourselves on the back for making a difference, because you did.”