The monthly Worshipful Company of Butchers (WCB) Court Lunch at Butchers’ Hall, London was a particularly special occasion which took place on Friday 6th September when two important accolades were presented.
The lunch was also the final occasion when this year’s Master of the WCB Chris Wood presided over the monthly event before a new Master and Court is elected at the Common Hall ceremony on 12th September. The Court Lunch normally takes place on the first Friday of each calendar month when Liverymen can entertain invited guests.
The first award went to Julian Pursglove who was presented with the annual WCB Gold Award for making an outstanding contribution to the Livery over the last 12 months (and beyond). Julian commented: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award. Being part of the Livery is an honour and to receive recognition from my colleagues is very humbling and unexpected.”
Also at the lunch, the Duke of Bedford presented the bi-Centenary Royal Smithfield Club trophy to Peter Hardwick of the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), for his long standing work in the meat and farming sectors and his outstanding contribution. Peter has a long history serving the industry, not just as Trade Policy Advisor at BMPA, but previously in trade marketing at AHDB and prior to that at the MLC.
Peter commented: “I had no idea that I was to be presented with this prestigious award – it came as a complete surprise and naturally I am delighted to have been recognised.”
In making the announcement, His Grace the Duke of Bedford said: “Peter’s contribution to our industry is outstanding, though much of his work is unseen as it is behind the scenes and he has worked tirelessly on behalf of producers, processors, wholesalers, exporters and retailers. In particular, his recent work has helped rebuild our reputation and sales in the export markets, rebuilding business to nearly £1 billion to over 50 countries around the world following the impact of Brexit and the Covid pandemic, and the nightmare of the Brexit regime of paperwork, complexity and cost.”
Also present were Royal Smithfield Club President Geoff Burgess and Secretary Richard Saunders who added: “Peter is always willing to engage and impart his incredible knowledge of international markets and explore the challenges and opportunities for the UK meat industry. He has made an exceptional contribution to the UK red meat industry and is a worthy winner of this prestigious award.”
Guest speaker at the lunch was jewellery historian and broadcaster John C Benjamin, well known for his regular TV appearances on the Antiques Roadshow, who made an entertaining and well received speech. Margaret Boanas the Deputy Master, also gave a tribute to outgoing Master Chris Wood and thanked him for an outstanding year and his support and enthusiasm for the Livery and all it does.
The Court Lunch also provided an opportunity for catering butcher Fairfax Meadow to celebrate its 50th year in business and they did so by supplying excellent rib-eye steaks for the main course. The WCB also welcomed three new Liverymen to the Company; Peter Hardwick, Chris Moss-Sutton and Andrew Mackenzie.
For more details about the Worshipful Company of Butchers go to: www.butchershall.com
