History made as first ever Liveryman clothed into Butchers’ Livery virtually
Published on: 9 December 2020
There was a special moment during the December Court meeting when Andrew Duff became the first person to be clothed as a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Butchers ‘virtually’.
Due to ongoing restrictions Court met via Zoom to discuss a range of matters concerning the Livery and to ensure we remain active in as many areas as possible.
The meeting finished on a high note as Andrew Duff joined the meeting and his family looked on as he became a Liveryman. Andrew runs MACDUFF with his father Rory, a fourth-generation family firm that is based in Wishaw, Scotland.
MACDUFF sources top quality cattle from a small selection of trusted farms in the Scottish Lowlands and Borders, supplying ready-to-cook beef and lamb to high-end butchers and caterers in Scotland, England and further afield.
Having worked in recruitment for three years earlier in his career, Andrew found his passion was within the meat trade and that has also led him to follow in his father’s footsteps in joining the Butchers’ Livery.
Andrew commented: “It’s an honour joining the Worshipful Company of Butchers and becoming the first to be clothed virtually is fantastic. I think it’s apt for someone my age.
“Having grown up and seen my Dad as a member and walking past his plaque in the office every morning when I go into work, it’s a fantastic thing to be a part of.
I hope to be able to contribute, whether that’s with education or charitable work. I am keen to also help spread the word of butchery and meat wholesale in general and encourage younger generations working in the industry to join the Livery to give it the long-term future that it deserves.”
Andrew was the first of our Livery applicants to receive his Freedom of the City of London virtually, and has already been involved in a number of WCB activities. He was part of the Inter-Livery ski team alongside his father, Liveryman Rory Duff, in January and took part in the Run the River charity event this year.
A new Young Butcher and the 200 Club draw
David Paris also joined proceedings and met members of Court after becoming the latest member of the Young Butchers’ Club. David is the nephew of the late Warden Derek Berry who sadly passed away earlier this year. A fitting and welcome addition… Derek would be very proud.
During the meeting the 200 Club draw was made and first prize was won by Tony Morrow, with Sam Tinsley winning the second prize.
A busy and positive Court meeting to finish quite an unprecedented year.