It seems only yesterday that I was saying what an amazing experience it was being appointed Master of The Worshipful Company of Butchers.
Today, some 11 hectic but hard to describe months later, I can assure you that I’m still, very much smiling and pinching myself that it’s all happening!
The people I’ve met and the relationships I’ve developed during that time are never to be forgotten. The experiences have been wonderful and unique, words are inadequate to describe the emotion and otherworldliness of all the wonderful experiences.
Visits to other Livery Halls, all special and very different in their own ways, have been the backdrop to many events. Mansion House, home during the year to the Lady Mayor and her Mayoral Consort, has a very special yet warm atmosphere.
The Guildhall, the venue for our very special Master’s Fundraising Dinner, is very welcoming and lends itself to the special atmosphere of an evening where the Meat Industry gathered together in April to support our wonderful Butchers’ Hall.
I smile and reflect fondly when I read the “Thank you” letters from visiting Masters following their attendance and the welcome received at our unique Court Lunches….” Not so much a lunch as an event” was one comment…“Best Beef I’ve eaten in the City for 10 years” was another.
Wonderful references to the unique camaraderie and fellowship experienced when the meat industry comes together at its spiritual home “Where craftsmen meet”.
I know I’m biased but it is a pretty unique experience to observe, particularly sitting at the top table and watching relationships being developed and renewed.
Thank you again for granting me the privilege.
The Livery year is many and various with Masters being appointed at different times…some, like us, in September and others coming to the end of their tenure in July for example.
This month I’ve had the pleasure of attending the Innholders Court Dinner at their Hall, lunch with the Company of Cooks at Waterman’s Hall and a sumptuous breakfast, courtesy of The Smithfield Market Tenants, at Butchers’ Hall when the Lady Mayor made a return visit for breakfast following her tour of the Market.
The Acting Clerk and I enjoyed the July Court Dinner with near neighbours the Founders at Founders Hall where, incidentally, Court Members are welcomed with a glass of Port as we process to Church for the Common Hall Ceremony each September.
I was delighted to attend and present prizes at the highly successful WCB Meat Industry Golf Day at Essendon Country Club. Although only 4 years old this wonderful event is already firmly established in the industry calendar with 25 teams turning out to enjoy some great
golf and some tall stories! Thanks as ever to Liveryman Alan Bird for his unstinting efforts in making this event the success it’s certainly become.
The City is traditionally very quiet during August so I’m looking forward to having a bit of a rest before fully engaging again in September.