New Master for Worshipful Company of Butchers
Graham Baker was today (13th September) elected as Master of the Worshipful Company of Butchers (WCB) at the annual Common Hall ceremony in London. He will be heading up the meat trade’s livery company over the next year.
The annual election for Master and the new Court of the WCB took place at Ironmongers’ Hall, London, whilst the usual venue of Butchers’ Hall is out of commission for refurbishment. The ancient ceremony followed a church service held at The Priory Church of St. Bartholomew The Great, located near Smithfield Market.
A procession of the outgoing Court and Master was watched by interested spectators when it made its way to and from the Ironmongers Hall and St Bartholomew’s church.
Common Hall is followed by a convivial lunch attended by Court members and Liverymen together with guests.
Graham Baker is the new Master of the Worshipful Company of Butchers.
About Graham Baker
Graham runs Butcher’s Pet Care, a real success story which has achieved the number two market share position in canned pet food from small beginnings.
A well-known liveryman with a reputation for caring about the meat trade, Graham has an industry heritage going back many years.
Butchers Pet Care now produces around six million units of pet food every week, which equates to enough to feed ten pets every second. The business uses more than 200 tonnes of products from the meat and poultry industry every working day.
Graham has six children and is married to Liz. Like many in the meat industry he enjoys shooting with friends and to go racing. He has been involved with The Prince’s Trust and is also a past winner of the Meat Management Excellence Award.
Graham said: “I am very much looking forward to my year in office and it was a great honour to be proposed. This is an important time for the Worshipful Company of Butchers as we continue to refurbish Butchers’ Hall whilst maintaining our key focuses of Charity, Fellowship and Education.”
The procession of the outgoing Court.
The full court for 2018/19 is confirmed as follows:
Master – Graham Baker
Wardens – Andrew Parker, Margaret Boanas, Derek Berry, Christopher Wood, John Jones
Assistants – Patricia Dart, Stuart Thompson, Geoffery (Geoff) Gillo, Timothy Dumenil, Gwyn Howells, Stephen Chick, Peter Allen, Timothy Stone, William (Bill) Jermey, David Baker, Anthony Stanton, Robert (Rob) Yandell, Rachel Griffiths, Robert (Bob) Bansback OBE, Alan Thompson
Reserve – Peter Robinson
Re-elected to the Court was Rob Yandell, a director of Yandell Media Group which publishes Meat Management magazine.
Rob said: “I am honoured and delighted to remain on the Court for the next year and look forward to continuing to play a key part in Meat Management’s contribution to this historic organisation.”
Rob Yandell has been re-elected to the WCB Court.
Irish ambassador becomes honorary liveryman
Just one week before Common Hall, outgoing Master Geoff Gillo hosted his final Court Lunch.
At the Court Meeting ahead of the meal, the Irish Ambassador to the UK Dan Mulhal became an honorary liveryman and freeman.
The Irish Ambassador to the UK Dan Mulhal pictured with outgoing WCB Master Geoff Gillo.
Katie Doherty appointed CEO of International Meat Trade Association
Pork television campaign to promote quick-cook cuts
