Master's Fundraising Dinner: a stunning venue and fellowship is a recipe for success
Published on: 19 June 2025
A balmy evening in the City saw Liverymen and guests make their way to the wonderful Drapers’ Hall for The Master’s Fundraising Dinner on Friday 13th July, and those in attendance definitely felt lucky.
Drinks were enjoyed in the opulent Drawing Room and Court Dining Room and was a time to greet friends and colleagues and meet new acquaintances. The canapés were delicious and given the warm weather, the Champagne was more welcome than usual. When is it not?
Of course, the main aim of the event is to raise funds and raise we did. Firstly for the Livery and to support our home at Butchers’ Hall, and for The Master’s chosen charity, Mind which does such important work in ensuring those who face a mental health challenge, do not do so alone.
Pictured above (L-R): The Master, John Allton Jones (right) welcomes guests to Drapers' Hall; The Master speaks prior to dinner and thanks the companies that supported the event and the organising team.
The word was 'wow'
We made our way into the Livery Hall and the only word needed was ‘wow’. What surroundings to enjoy dinner by resident chef, Mark Page who was twice a finalist for Chef of the Year and is the holder of more than 20 gold medals. You could not help but look up and when we did you saw scenes from Shakespeare’s famous plays, including The Tempest and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It comes as no surprise that this is a room that has appeared on television as Buckingham Palace. Gifted young pianist, Jack Fleming ensured the ears were as stimulated as the eyes as we took out seats.
The Master, John Allton Jones welcomed all to the dinner and thanked those who supported it, from businesses to individuals, and those who had spent so much time and effort organising and staging the event itself.
The next thing to consider was whether to put your hands on your head or your behind. A vexing question. The traditional game of ‘Heads & Tails’ was fun and started the money flowing in the right direction. The raffle also was an opportunity to support the causes and be in with a chance to win some wonderful prizes.
Auction bids and excellent food
The food was excellent, from the smoked salmon tartare and seared tuna, to the beef fillet, followed by dessert and cheeses. The wine flowed, but it was hot so the water did too.
The Live Auction was fast and furious and raised an impressive sum, with auctioneer Oliver Holloway from Clarke & Simpson doing a sterling job. Thank you to all of the businesses that donated prizes, which included seven nights at the luxury Blue Waters Hotel in Antigua, Cheltenham for a day at the races, and a rare John Lennon box set donated by Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon.
Opera Redefined added some joviality following dinner and then too soon it was time to say goodbye, by which time (typically) it had started to rain.
We are fortunate to belong to a Livery of fun, social people who care deeply about the industry and the Worshipful Company of Butchers, as well as its charity endeavours. What a privilege it is to come together and experience memorable occasions in such special venues.
LIVERYMAN ROB YANDELL.