That June was a varied month is a massive understatement!
From a visit to the Building Crafts College in Stratford to two White Tie events, one featuring the Duke of Edinburgh in the welcome line, via a meat plant in Crawley and a 100th birthday celebration for Dalziel in Harrogate …who said the life of a Master Butcher was “normal.”
Virginia and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the skills of carpentry, bricklaying and masonry put into practice by apprentices at the Crafts College, courtesy of the Carpenters’ Company who run and administer this excellent facility. It was fascinating to see the level of engagement from those learning the skills, as well as the enthusiasm and skill of those teaching them.
Our Court Lunch featuring Dame Irene Hays, owner and Chair of Hay’s Travel, as guest speaker, was “sandwiched”, not literally, between lunchtime events, courtesy of the Ironmongers’ and Drapers’ companies at their respective halls. And very enjoyable they all were.
I was delighted to visit Miles Rudham at his Cherryfield plant in Crawley and it was great to see his level of enthusiasm at WCB events again amongst staff in his business environment. Suffice it to say I left “in the pink” after a most enjoyable visit.
Witnessing the level of industry talent being acknowledged at the Food Industry Awards event in London was very rewarding and was followed up for me very soon after during a visit to the Dalziel Centenary celebrations at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre in Harrogate. Some 2000 visitors attended the event, which showcased some great products, some very promising Apprentices and a stimulating 2-hour competition between six teams of 2 Butchers breaking down carcases to build into stimulating and attractive displays. Great interest was evident throughout with an enthusiastic crowd staying to the very end to celebrate the prize-winners. A most enjoyable and rewarding day out.
Our 4th dinner and networking event in celebration of Eid-ul–Adha at Butchers’ Hall saw some 50 celebrants enjoy delicious racks of Lamb, supplied by Pilgrim’s Uk and Shans Halal Meats, with the Halal Certification Organisation and Halal Food Authority sponsoring the drinks reception. Fortunately, my very nervous words of welcome in Arabic, was accepted generously!
I’m pleased to say the Ovacatch project at Barts Charity, the Master’s Charity this year, is making steady progress and the main research work is starting soon. The team has identified and agreed which patient samples will be used and has secured the necessary approvals to access both the samples and the associated data. Key structures are now in place, including a study management group and a research fellow has been appointed and begun work.
Attending four events last week was pretty full on, particularly during the heat wave, with the dress code at some proving particularly challenging given the circumstances.
An evening Livery Garden Party, organised by the Gardeners’ Company at The Charterhouse, was very pleasant with the feedback proving so positive that there are plans afoot for a repeat next year.
Attending the Election of Sheriffs at Guildhall, dressed in Morning Suit, badge and full Robe was a little challenging, although it has to be said that Guildhall, with its shortage of windows, proved cooler than anticipated. Fortunately, the election was straightforward and the speeches truncated.
White Tie events are always very grand, in spite of the heat…..
Virginia and I were delighted to be the Guests of Honour at The Woolmens’ Summer Banquet at an air-conditioned Barber-Surgeons’ Hall and enjoyed the occasion very much.
Two days later I was, along with Carla, helping to celebrate the Centenary Dinner of The Honourable Company of Master Mariners at the Guildhall. With the current Master, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal amongst the lineup of speakers, the event was indeed very grand and special.
It was reported that 96 Livery Masters from a total of 114 Livery Companies accounted for a fair portion of attendees and, judging by the reports, a great night was had by all.
