The latest news about and from the Worshipful Company of Butchers

Special guests and important messages at WCB April Court Lunch

Published on: 9 April 2019

Saddlers' Hall, built in the City of London in a neo-classical style and with bespoke period furniture and historical antiquities and furniture, hosted the April Court Meeting and Lunch.

Liverymen and their guests feasted on Roasted Rump of New Zealand Lamb, generously donated by the Alliance Group, one of the biggest importers of sheep meat to the United Kingdom. 

In proposing the toast to the guests, Liveryman John Reid paid tribute to the quality of the fare and thanked Alliance for supplying the Lamb.

John drew attention to the breadth of achievements of the day’s guests, paying tribute to the Olympic Games contribution of Mr Jim Redmond, Master of the Taurus Lodge, the business and fruit growing achievements of the Master Basket maker Chris Hipkins. and the business and Choral singing expertise of Julian Briant, Master of the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers. Both Masters were accompanied by their Clerks.

The Master, Graham Baker, was delighted to take wine with Ms Lucinda Baker, not only because she is a new Liveryman, but also because she's his daughter!

New Liverymen, Lucinda Baker
New Liverymen, Lucinda Baker pictured with her father, Master Butcher Graham Baker, and mother, Elizabeth Baker.

In responding to the toast, guest speaker Nicky Amos, Executive Director Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare told us that farm animal welfare is now a leadership issue with strong commercial drivers for action and that companies are improving their management practices, processes and reporting.

Nicky Amos
Guest speaker, Nicky Amos, Executive Director of Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare.

Business Benchmark Farm Animal Welfare, established in 2012, is a leading global measure of farm animal welfare management, policy commitment, performance and disclosure in food companies.

Concluding by stressing the growing consumer focus and interest in issues such as animal welfare, health, food costs, food safety and the environment, Ms Amos rounded-off another successful and highly enjoyable Court Lunch.

Details of future Court Luncheons and how to book

Find out more