A unique spirit filtered through the Great Hall and Mezzanine as Butchers’ Hall overflowed with Liverymen and guests enjoying the festivities at the recent Court and Livery Ladies Coronation Luncheon on Friday 5th May. Such was this lead up to a very Royal weekend! Warden Gwyn Howells tells us more.
Festoons and flags and red white and blue lighting contributed to the special atmosphere while a hearty rendition of “God save the King” provided an appropriate, if not entirely tuneful, outlet for the obvious patriotism.
Assistant David Baker proposed the toast to the Company’s guests comprising the Lady Mayoress Mrs Felicity Lyons, Mr Tim Maile and Mr Nick Shaw, respectively Master of the Wax Chandlers’ Company and Prime Warden of the Shipwrights’ Company together with their Clerks, Ms Corinne Lee and Mrs Marian Gamble, respectively Consorts to Alderman & Sheriff Alastair King DL and Sheriff Andrew Marsden and Mrs Derby Franks a WCB Companion Member.
Concluding his introduction in appropriate style David thanked Fairfax Meadow for their generous donation of “The Masters of Steak” 30-day aged beef fillet complementing The Royal Family's newly announced National Dish, the Coronation Quiche starter and Chocolate Crown and lemon curd dessert, in memory of the late Her Majesty The Queen.
Responding on behalf of the guests the Lady Mayoress paid tribute to the traditional welcome and hospitality at Butchers’ Hall commenting, in passing, on the appropriateness of the portraits of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Her Majesty the Princess Royal , Past Master, overlooking the Great Hall.
Mrs Lyons congratulated the WCB on its contribution to Education, Fellowship and Charity and to the role we play in ongoing support for Teach First and Farms for City Children. She confided that at the Coronation Service taking place at Westminster Abbey the following day, The Lord Mayor would be wearing a splendid red velvet robe, last seen at the 1953 Coronation and on loan from the Skinners’ Company to this year’s event.
The Master, Andrew Parker, welcomed three new Liverymen clothed at the earlier Court meeting, taking wine with Cliff May, Matthew Dawson and Matthew Enskat.
The lucky winners of the 200 Club draw were Liverymen David Westgate, Michelle Mead and Assistant Paul Dolan. Warden Tim Stone took home the case of Dumenil Champagne, as the fortunate raffle winner.