For our Military Engagement Luncheon, we celebrated a tradition dating back among Livery Companies from just after the First World War. It is the event where we honour the men and women of our armed forces. Assistant Julien Pursglove salutes our affiliated forces and reports on the 4th March Court lunch.
On Friday 4th March 2022, we were fortunate to be joined by representatives from two of the military units that the WCB are affiliated with to celebrate our link with the Armed Forces.
The Food Service Wing, were represented by Major George Strydom (Army), Chief Petty Officer Martin Ewell (Royal Navy) and Corporal Christopher Curtis (RAuxF). The Food Service Wing or as they now referred to, the Tri-Service Wing, train chefs for all three services at their base at Worthy Down in Hampshire. We are grateful to them as they also produce the ‘Boar's head’ for our traditional, annual Boar’s Head Ceremony.
Representing the RAF 600 Squadron RAuxAF, based in West London, were Wing Commander Steve Duddy, Flight Lieutenant Dave Edwards and Sergeant Derek Jelley.
Sadly for us, our Naval affiliated unit HMS Tyne were unable to attend due to being at sea on active service at the time.
At the Luncheon we enjoyed a delicious meal of roast pork fillet, generously donated by Cheale Meats.
The Master took wine with New Liveryman Professor Jude Capper, who had been clothed at the Court Meeting that morning. A welcome toast was also raised to out newest Corporate Partner, EFCIS Ltd, who had joined on the 1st March and were present to celebrate their new Livery membership.
The Guest of Honour was Admiral Sir Philip Jones GCB, ADC, DL. Sir Philip gave an entertaining talk about his career and progression in the Royal Navy, recalling the time when both he and the Clerk were on separate ships in the South Atlantic during the Falklands War, but never actually met!
Now that things have eased, and we continue to return to 'normal', we hope to be able to organize visits to our respective affiliated units for Liveryman and their families. The toast to our guests was given by the Clerk Major General Jeff Mason MBE.
Thanks to Assistant Andrew Burton for the donation of a case of Champagne for the raffle draw which was won by guest of Liveryman Julian Weeks, Mr Stuart Revill.
Congratulations go to the winners of the WCB 200 Club Draw, Liverymen Jim Gaffney and Rob Nugent respectively winning £260 and £520.
Assistant Julien Pursglove – Military Liaison