Our military connections celebrated at first Court Lunch of the decade
Published on: 14 January 2020
The relationships between the Butchers’ Company and the armed forces were the focus at the first Court Lunch of the 2020s when we were reminded that we have a world-class military to be proud of.
The Worshipful Company of Butchers’ connections with the military are very important and it was a pleasure to welcome personnel from our affiliated services to Butchers’ Hall on 10th January.
RAF 600 Squadron, the Army Food Services Unit, and HMS Tyne (pictured top with Assistant Tim Stone) were represented, with all three services in attendance together for the first time in five years. In fact, as we sat down for lunch, four Liverymen and one member of the Young Butchers' Club were enjoying the hospitality of HMS Tyne in the Solent during a special visit. How fitting.
It was a pleasure to welcome Viscount Trenchard, as well as Keith Harrison, Master of the Worshipful Company of Innholders and his Clerk, Charles Henty. Nigel Bamping, Clerk of the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers was also a guest. A notable guest of The Master, Honorary Liveryman and former Clerk of the WCB Commodore Tony Morrow CVO.
Clerk of the Butchers’ Company, Major General Jeff Mason MBE welcomed guests to Butchers’ Hall and introduced his friend and guest speaker General Sir Gordon Messenger KCB DSO* OBE ADC, who responded and remarked on the “family feel” and warm welcome enjoyed by guests, Sir Gordon shared amusing stories and anecdotes before reminding us that we “have a military worthy of the name, a military that is world-leading”, despite negative headlines.
Three new Liverymen were admitted to the Livery and clothed during a meeting of Court earlier in the day, with Simon Middleton, Jim Campbell and Steve Bearfield welcomed to the Butchers' Company with the Master taking wine with them during lunch.
The excellent Henson’s Famous Salt Beef was generously donated by Hensons Meat.
Liveryman Martin McIntyre kindly sponsored the Dumenil Champagne for the Raffle, which was won by Lieutenant Becca Brown of the Royal Navy. Will she share her winnings with the crew, we ask?
The monthly 200 Club draw was made with Derek Berry winning the first prize of £375, and although he also won the second prize Derek asked it to be redrawn, which meant Margaret Boanas collected the second prize of £125. If you would like to join the 200 Club monthly draw click here to download an application form.
Court Lunches and Events
Keep up to date with the dates of future Court Lunches and other Livery events - there is something for everyone.