A very Happy 2026 to all.
A relatively slow start for me so far in January, not that I’m complaining after the whirlwind of last year!
Two stunning highlights to tell you about this month and both at Butchers’ Hall!
The January Court Lunch, is always a special occasion as we highlight and celebrate our Charity activity.
Charity is at the heart of all Livery Companies and this month the Court meeting, followed by Lunch, enabled us to introduce and welcome two new charities as beneficiaries of our Major Awards.
The major awards which run for three years are designed to make a real difference to the charities through this longer-term commitment. Liverymen are encouraged to participate in kind with activity on a local level as well as contributing financially by donating to the General Charity Fund.
The two charities are Aberlour Children’s Charity, a 150-year-old charity caring for disadvantaged children, young people and families in Scotland and Shallowford Farm, a 50-year-old charity in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. The latter offers children and young people from all backgrounds an opportunity to connect with nature and rural life through immersive, educational and life affirming experiences.
We aim to keep you involved, engaged and active as plans develop and I understand our Liverymen based in Scotland are already actively seeking support at a local level to enhance our contribution.
Our Guest Speaker, Professor Nick Lemoine CBE from near neighbours Barts Hospital spoke of the long-term link between Barts and ourselves, stressing “that you can’t have world class healthcare without world class research.”
Highlighting the Ovacatch project, where our Master’s Charity funds are directed this year, he described it as a prospective game changer focussed on the early detection of ovarian cancer, a “silent killer.”
I promise to keep Liverymen updated whenever I get reports from Barts.
Spontaneously, and having spotted all the empty plates, Professor Lemoine described the Steak and Kidney Pudding, supplied by Owen Taylor and Sons as a “delight” that will live long in the memory...telling the audience “I can’t remember the last time I cleared my plate, especially at lunchtime.”
A deserved standing ovation was in order for the speaker…and indeed the lunch!
Imagine the delight and significant pride we felt when Virginia and I, as guests of the Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters at their Winter Court Lunch at Butchers’ Hall, revelled in the compliments we received from their Liverymen and guests.
They were enthralled and spellbound by the magnificent surroundings of The Great Hall and delighted with the sumptuous lunch.
It was wonderful to receive the compliments.
To think we Liverymen can enjoy such an experience every month. How lucky are we?
It was that Company’s first visit to Butchers’ Hall since the refurbishment; they were all delighted with the event and frankly so was I!
Such is the esteem with which Livery Companies are held in The City of London that I was thrilled to be invited to a farewell reception, hosted by the Lady Mayor, Dame Sue Langley, at Guildhall, for the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally in advance of her taking up her post as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury.
A momentous occasion rounded off, for me, by receiving the compliments from Masters who’d bought, and enjoyed the Pigs in Blankets and Charcuterie donated by Liverymen at the Red Cross Christmas Market.
Onwards and Upwards towards another momentous year for our wonderful Worshipful Company of Butchers!
