On Friday the 3rd of July, we held our July Court and Livery Lunch. This months lunch was one of celebration, fellowship and with a sports focussed speech.
Before the lunch began, a new portrait for Butchers hall. was unveiled. PM Graham Baker and his wife, Liveryman Elizabeth Baker commissioned a painting to represent the first Court Lunch which took place in Butchers’ Hall on Friday 6th of September 2019. It is a celebration of the the re-opening of our Seventh Hall, following the rebuild and a four year period of closure, it was their final lunch as Master and Consort. Painted by Stephen Shankland, the portrait positions PM Baker and Elizabeth in the Great Hall. The ‘Millenium window’ is featured in the background, donated by Liveryman John Baker MBE, and designed by Liveryman Caroline Jackman, daughter of Past Master John Jackman.
This month's guest speaker was Sir James Wates CBE, Board Director of the Wates Group, Chairman of Vestey Holdings LTD and Chairman of Tewke and Master of the Worshipful Company of Innholders. He also sits on the Board of the Kings Trust.
Also holding honorary sporting roles as Vice President of both Dorking Rugby Club and Headley Cricket Club, James was appointed Chair of the Board of the Rugby Football Union.
Alongside his business and charitable work, he owns a cattle and sheep farm in Surrey, where he eperiments with farming methods and biodiversity initiatives. He is also actively involved in philanthropy, supporting a range of charities and educational iitiatives, with a focus on improving workplace standards and promoting fair employment practices.
All of these titles were shared fondly in his speech at the Court Lunch, as he has "worn a number of hats in (his) career". He also spoke about his interest in sports and attempted to find common ground in the room, explaining that he believes "Butchers and Rugby players have a great deal in common". He expressed his delight that the number of women in sports, such as rugby is continuing to grow, and his passion for ensuring that he helps to extend the reach of diversity within sports.
The Lunch consisted of truffle potato gratin, lemon fine beans, balsamic confit shallot and Posh Butcher dry aged rib of beef, kindly sponsored by Kepak, which recieved much positive feedback.
At the Court Lunch, we welcomed three new Freemen, Rob Kiely, Adam McGuinness and Dean Holroyd.
This months 200 Club Winners were 3rd place Tom Green, 2nd place Gerald Shortland and 1st place Dave Richards. The winner of the Champagne Raffle was Steve Simmens. Thank you to Warden Tim Stone for sponsoring the champagne.
