There’s a certain synergy in the fact that bookings were being made by Liverymen for the first Court Lunch at the refurbished Butchers’ Hall during the same week as the final “nomadic” lunch was taking place at Stationers’ Hall.
While Liverymen and their guests enjoyed their last “outing” taking advantage of the bright July sunshine to enjoy the Reception and Stirrup Cup drinks in the garden, there was no disguising the excitement and chatter about a return to Butchers’ Hall!
During lunch the Master took great pleasure in welcoming and taking wine with new Liverymen James Austin and Paul Elleston, wishing them many happy years as members of our Livery.
In proposing the toast to the guests, Past Master Patricia Dart thanked William and Kate Baker, Son and Daughter in Law for donating the sumptuous legs of lamb from their Northamptonshire farm, welcomed the Masters of the Barbers’ and Musicians’ Companies together with their respective Clerks before introducing Sir Peter Kendall, Chairman of the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board.
In responding on behalf of the guests Sir Peter, a fifth generation arable farmer and former President of the NFU, paid tribute to the remarkable “traditions and fantastic success” of the Butchers’ Company and made reference to the role tradition and grounded people had, together, in safeguarding the future of the food chain.
In referring to the challenges the industry faces Sir Peter talked about the “Crazy world” we live in, how global events can create uncertainty in decision making and how similar minded organisations with grounded individuals should come together, using science, to counter the negative messages being propounded and to safeguard the supply of food for a world population approaching 10 billion people in an uncertain climate.
In concluding Sir Peter wished the Company every success in its return to Butchers’ Hall urging us to stand proud while maintaining our traditions.
