Published on: 10 June 2026
Postcards from Butchers’ Hall
A strong travel theme, distinguished international guests and a heartfelt speech from Dame Irene Hays made June’s Court Lunch an occasion to savour.
At a time of year when many in attendance may have been discussing holiday plans over lunch, it was apt that June’s Court Lunch had a real travel theme to it.
The generous donation of Heritage Pork Belly from WCB Corporate Partner, Cranswick plc, ensured plates were cleared and the convivial atmosphere Butchers’ Hall is renowned for made a real impression on our guests.
This was evident when listening to guest speaker Dame Irene Hays DBE, CBE, owner and chair of Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agency.
She said: “I am privileged in that I’m invited to lots of places to go and talk. I have to say, I have just been so impressed by the camaraderie and the welcome. I’ve been looking around at all the serious conversations and the joyful conversations, and all I’m going to say Master, in addition to thank you, is can we please have a Livery for the travel industry?!”
Dame Irene spoke passionately about her business and the importance she places on supporting young people, sharing a poignant and emotional story and giving some background to how the incredible story of Hays Travel began.
Founded in 1980, Hays Travel has grown to more than 530 shops under Dame Irene’s leadership. In 2019, it acquired Thomas Cook’s retail estate, saving over 2,000 jobs. The business has since expanded further and now has 700 homeworkers while also supporting 120 independent travel agencies across the UK.
Born and raised in northeast England, Dame Irene built her career there before taking senior roles in local government and Whitehall. She was appointed CBE in 2008 and made a Dame in 2021 for her work in training, education and supporting young people.
Travel industry stalwarts and international heavy hitters
With so many revelling in the occasion Liveryman, Rob Yandell who proposed the guests, suggested it might be a good idea if Butchers’ Hall sold post cards. On the first Friday of every month, so many wish they were here.
Other notable guests at the lunch included Terry Jones, who has recently stepped down as director general of the NFU after ten years.
There were also various links woven between a number of others in the Great Hall that day. Making his first visit to the Hall was Texas native, Kent Bacus, executive director of Government affairs at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and Chair of the International Meat Secretariat Beef Committee. Representing the beef sector in Washington DC and internationally, Kent is known to be somewhat of a barbeque master so was in the right place.
Enjoying lunch was also fellow Texan, Dondra Ritzenthaler, the CEO of Azamara Cruises, who has a guest of The Master. Azamara is an award-winning, high-end, small-ship cruise line based in Miami. Before her time there, Dondra spent more than 20 years at Celebrity Cruises.
Which brought us to Jo Rzymowska MBE, another major figure in travel, especially cruising and who was also a guest of The Master. Jo’s CV includes time at Thomas Cook, Disney Destinations, and Royal Caribbean Group, which included a leadership role at Celebrity Cruises. She was awarded an MBE in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for her outstanding contribution to the travel industry.
Jo also serves as a Non-Executive Director at Hays Travel, which provided the perfect link to Dame Irene Hays. They all thoroughly enjoyed their Butchers’ Hall experience.
New Liverymen clothed and a special recognition
There is a voice that booms far and above any other during the monthly Court Lunches. Neil Hunt is not only a renowned Toastmaster, but he is also the Beadle of the Worshipful Company of Butchers which means he is the master of ceremonies and ensures everything on any given day runs with precision.
2026 marks 25 years since he took up the position and Neil was clothed as an Honorary Liveryman, receiving a standing ovation after lunch in respect of what he does and who he is. It also meant he had a rare day off, so big thanks goes to Liveryman Jason Aldiss for stepping in so admirably.
Other Liverymen clothed were Stephen Livens, Brett Macklay, James Buchanan and Eleanor O'brien.
We also welcomed Tracey Gardner, Gary Rowland and William Surman as new Freemen.
Raffle and 200 Club
The raffle was won by Liveryman Ian Merriman, who took home a case of Dumenil Champagne generously donated by Warden, Jim Connell.
The 200 Club lottery draw always ensures guests pay attention during Stirrup Cup and this month’s winners were Liverymen Bob Enright (1st prize), Mike Attwood (2nd prize) and Karen Kelso (3rd prize).
Another excellent occasion all around and one that emphasised the fellowship of the Livery and the warm welcome awaiting guests to our home at 87 Bartholomew Close.