Published on: 27 May 2026
Masters Blog May 2026
They say that variety is the spice of life and I’ve certainly been to a number of very different but highly enjoyable events this month.
The end of April saw me attend the very well organised Corporate Partners’ Lunch at Butchers’ Hall.
Nine Corporate Partners, from a variety of companies representing packaging, ingredients, engineering, meat and machinery companies, joined Court members and Liverymen for a stimulating short tour of the area around Butchers’ Hall led by Liveryman and London Tour Guide Andy Mackenzie before enjoying a glass of Champagne and a splendid Roast Beef Lunch courtesy of Renter Assistant and Corporate Partner supremo Peter Allen.
The fellowship and camaraderie were in true WCB tradition and generated very positive feedback. A good day was had by all.
Thanks to Peter Allen and Paul Willington for organising a stimulating day and to our Corporate Partners for supporting the Livery while contributing, as they do, to the efficiency of the meat industry.
At a different occasion I thoroughly enjoyed the Court Dinner I was invited to at Brewers’ Hall. Conversation and speeches flowed seamlessly, then, without a sideways glance, we toasted the King and the Royal Family with Beer, at 7% ABV! This was a first for me, in any official capacity anyway, an interesting but understandable tradition in Brewers’ Hall. Long may it last!
I met a Past Master Carpenter at lunch in their Hall who told me that one of his ancestors had been a Master of the Butchers’ Company. Armed with the name I was pleased to be able to follow up and let him know that a photograph of James Killby, Master of WCB 1880-81 was hanging in the Great Hall. He was thrilled with the follow up I made to provide the information.
We welcomed one new Liveryman and three new Freemen to the Company at the May Court Lunch where the Lady Mayor’s Consort, Gary Langley, responded on behalf of the guests.
Being invited to the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace is undoubtedly one of the highlights of any Master’s year. This year I’m pleased to say, the weather held and the occasion was as grand as it was reported to be. The band
played, the King and Queen “mingled” with the 8,000 or so visitors on the day and the cucumber sandwiches stayed uncurled. All in all, a splendid occasion.
Our Master’s Charity relationship with Barts Hospital saw Virginia and me invited to the Barts View Day, it’s where supporters of the Charity are shown the breadth of activity and research undertaken by the hospital. Starting with a service at the Church of St Bartholomew the Great, the nearly 500-year-old View Day event acts as a bridge between the historic institution that is the hospital and the community. I marvelled at the presentation as well as the surroundings, given it was held in the Great Hall of Barts Hospital which has relatively recently reopened.
Its remarkable paintings, monumental interiors and Hogarth Stair are truly breathtaking
Grandeur in the Great Hall indeed!
Before departing on a short break, I’m really pleased I was able to join the latest Carol Glover “Brave New You” personal development seminar at Butchers’ Hall. While news of an impending tube strike affected the numbers those of us lucky enough to make it were captivated by the enthusiasm, style and “Can do attitude” generated by Coach and Mentor Carol’s challenges.
Participation and feedback on the day was really positive with the message that “the future belongs to the brave” a particularly stimulating take away that we left thinking about. A really good event that I’m pleased I attended.
Bring on the next one!
