I write this between the Christmas and New Year Celebrations and what better time to reflect on the events of the last three months or so!
A whirlwind, or rollercoaster since taking office in September, appear to be the best way to describe the quite unique situation I’ve found myself in as Master of The Worshipful Company of Butchers.
I don’t intend to repeat the content of my previous Blogs other than to say PHEW!
December has been quieter on the other Livery Company entertainment front…although, on reflection, two great Christmas Lunch parties at Butchers’ Hall don’t quite back that up. Fortunately, they were a week apart!
Those attending won’t be able to forget the “attention to detail” compere Stuart Roberts paid to his Choirmaster duties…I ended up in the “Choir” as well, unfortunately, as being asked to sing a solo! Despite that everyone enjoyed the traditional events and carol singing including the competition for best Christmas hat or accompaniment. Taurus won the newly appointed team prize and Facilities Manager Danny Hackett, the individual award. Well done to all who made the effort.
Sincere thanks to Paul Kelly too for donating the wonderful Kelly Bronze Turkey for both events.
Thanks too to Liverymen and guests who donated gifts for under the Christmas tree at Butchers’ Hall. These were distributed, in conjunction with Theodora’s Children’s Charity, to children who found themselves in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital over Christmas.
Speaking about charity leads me into updating you on the project benefiting from the Master’s Charity funds via Barts Charity. The OVACATCH project is focused on advancing early detection of ovarian cancer through cutting-edge biomarker research. The team has successfully identified the dataset and samples for biomarker analysis and a major milestone has been achieved in that the UK Familial Ovarian Cancer Screening Study Data Access Committee has approved sample access for OVACATCH and the project has already been showcased at key scientific meetings and conferences.
In summary the potential impact of OVACATCH is profound. By improving early detection, it aims to transform outcomes for women and families. I plan to keep you updated as the project develops.
On reflection the month began rather “sedately” with a reception at Butchers’ Hall for sponsors and patrons of the upcoming City Meat and Drink Lecture on 23 February and a reception at the Irish Embassy courtesy of Bord Bia. I never though I’d be able to say sedately after that particular event... although chairing a Court Meeting and Court Lunch the next day might have had something to do with it. Guest speaker, former England Rugby International Simon Halliday regaled the full house Court Lunch with his “inside track” stories from his rugby days.
Joining Deputy Master Dr Margaret Boanas and the team at the Red Cross Christmas Market in Guildhall provided some time for recuperation and, in raising some £2k for the charity from the sale of Pigs in Blankets and Charcuterie donated by Liverymen, we were able to engage directly with a very receptive audience. It’s been a while since WCB participated in this charity event and our efforts were much appreciated by the Red Cross and indeed the Lady Mayor.
Despite all of the above, the highlight for me was the opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas by reading a lesson in the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols held at our Livery Church St Bartholomew the Great.
A full house, a wonderful candlelit atmosphere followed by dinner at Butchers’ Hall…what a way to welcome Christmas.
Happy New Year to you all and I hope to see you at Butchers’ Hall in 2026.
