Liveryman Phil Hambling recalls a very memorable Court lunch on 4 February as we welcomed Minette Batters, President of National Farmers' Union, with a Burns themed welcome from a bagpipes and a toast to the haggis!
The February Court Luncheon was a spirited affair that got off to a lively start with a burns night recital truly worthy of the piped-in and mighty haggis.
The traditional address to the national dish of Scotland, courtesy of Macsweens, ‘tae the haggis’ may have needed some interpretation for a cross section of Liverymen and guests.
However, there was no translation required for us all to enjoy the excellent pork with crackling and sausages in blankets generously donated by Liveryman Bernard Hoggarth, supplied by JSR Farms and cooked to perfection by our in-house team.
On behalf of Liveryman Andrew Duff, who stood down due to illness, Liveryman Neil Stoddart OBE entertained the Hall after luncheon and gave a very warm welcome to our guests: the Master Pewterer, The Master Apothecary, The immediate Past Prime Warden of the Dyers and the Master of the York Gild.
We were pleased to welcome three new Liverymen Tim Hewens, Tudor Savulescu and Sarah Cheale.
In keeping with the fulsome energy provided by the haggis address and satisfying meal, our principal guest and NFU President Minette Batters captivated the Hall with a passionate post prandial on the importance of collaboration in the industry.
A tenant farmer from Wiltshire, Minette runs her mixed family farm that includes 100 cow continental cross suckler herd, pedigree Herefords as well as farming sheep and arable. Among the diversifications on the farm includes a successful wedding venue in a 17th Century tythe barn and horse liveries. Minette is also a trustee of Farm Africa and fundraising marathon runner. As if that hasn't kept her busy enough, she also co-founded ‘Ladies in Beef’ and ‘Great British Beef Week’. We were reminded that Ladies in Beef was officially launched with assistance from many members of the Livery and former Clerk, Commodore Anthony Morrow CVO, at a very special event in the presence of Past Master HRH The Princess Royal, in the same room that we were dining.
Minette has risen through the NFU ranks from County Chair through to President, where she has served for four years. In this time, Liverymen will have not failed to have seen Minette on mainstream TV, social and print media. Not only does she fight for the interests of her farmer and grower members, but increasingly for the food industry that connects great British food to the consumer. From labour issues, upholding British standards in trade deals to the re-emerged Co2 crisis, Minette is a powerful voice for our industry and she highlighted the greater need for the meat industry and farming industry to see ourselves as whole, to help navigate us to sustainable and prosperous future.
The stirrup cup provided the perfect conclusion to allow Liverymen and guests to reflect on an enjoyable and uplifting occasion and look forward to their next visit to the Hall.
LIVERYMAN PHIL HAMBLING