On Friday 5th December, Butchers’ Hall hosted its monthly Court Lunch, featuring former rugby star Simon Halliday as guest speaker. Halliday, a Bath Rugby standout and England international, was a 1991 Rugby World Cup finalist and toured with the British and Irish Lions. Since retiring, he co-founded the Sporting Wine Club, blending his passion for sport with fine wine.
The lunch was attended by fellow Masters including Mr Doug Wills, Master Stationer; Mr Simon Oliver, Master Founder; and Mr Fergus McMullen DL, Master Brewer, accompanied by his Clerk, Cdre Nick Tindal.
Highlights included congratulations to Champagne raffle winner Liveryman Alan Bird and the 200 Club draw, with prizes awarded to the following Liverymen: 1st – Paul Dolan, 2nd – John Bausor, 3rd – Jock Harmer, and 4th – Gerry Hanley, creating an afternoon of fellowship, sport, and celebration.
We were also delighted to welcome five new liverymen: Matt Lee, Quentin Claeys, Craig Matthew Thomas, Jason William Hilliard, and Stephen David Allen.
The Company is grateful to its latest contributor, Liveryman Peter Wright, whose name has now been added to the Brewster Board* proudly displayed on the ground floor of Butchers’ Hall.
*The Brewster Board was established to honour the generosity and legacy of the late Past Master John Brewster OBE, a man greatly admired for his approachability, forthright views, philanthropic outlook, and dedicated service to the Livery, the Smithfield Market Tenants’ Association, and the City of London’s Court of Common Council. Shortly before his death, John made a donation of £10,000 towards the refurbishment of Butchers’ Hall, intended for the future benefit of the Livery and its members. To recognise this remarkable gift, the Court commissioned the John Brewster Board, and many Liverymen and their families contributed alongside him. The Board now proudly records the names of all contributors on display on the ground floor of Butchers’ Hall.