It was a day full of of celebration as we welcomed representatives from our charitable connections at the 1st July Court Lunch. Assistant Jean Sawdon reports on a day when Dame Vivian Hunt DBE, Chair of Teach First, raised a glass to WCB.
There was no better way to celebrate the first day of July than to attend the Court and Livery lunch at Butchers Hall.
After Grace by the Honorary Chaplain, Liverymen and guests enjoyed an excellent meal, the roasted beef sirloin, 35 day Himalayan salt aged beef from Hereford cattle reared at Gaunton Park, Norfolk, was sponsored by the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers, (AIMS) and supplied by HG Walter.
After the Loyal Toasts, the Master was pleased to take wine with new Liverymen Miles Rudham and Iain Mars (both of whom had been clothed at the Court Meeting earlier that morning), New Young Butcher Nan Jones and also with the Honorary Chaplain, upon the 10th anniversary of him being ordained into the Priesthood.
The Master, who was delighted to announce to her personal guest Ms Donna Edmonds, CEO of Farms for City Children, that:
“The Master’s Charity and Fundraising Event was held on Friday 13th May at the Guildhall. Farms for City Children are my chosen charity this year. I am so pleased and thankful that the event was supported so well by the Livery. I am delighted to now present to the CEO of Farms for City Children, Donna Edmonds, a cheque for £37 000. In addition we are also supporting an MRes study being carried out by Harper Adams University for the charity which will amount to an additional donation of £8,500”.
Guests of the Company, who were ably introduced by Liveryman Gerald Shortland, were The Reverend James Power, Master Haberdasher, Brigadier Peter Fabricius Master Barber, accompanied by his Clerk and Dr Carrie Herbert MBE Master Cutler accompanied by her Clerk.
Last, but most certainly not least, Dame Vivian Hunt DBE, Senior Partner of McKinsey & Company and Chair of Teach First, was introduced as the guest speaker.
Dame Vivian received her DBE for services to the economy and business. During her response, she explained that her father had a passion for being of service. This ethos had been an inspiration in her life and her work with Teach First was also a service. In thanking the Company for the historical support of the charity and for being one of its major supported benefactors, Dame Vivian concluded with a toast of thanks to the Livery.
We were all reminded just how much WCB's charitable support really is welcomed, appreciated and needed.
The luncheon then closed with the traditional Stirrup Cup, before socialising continued in the Jubilee Bar.