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Our military affiliation with the Middlesex Wing of RAF Air Cadets ably assisted us again at this year’s Banquet in January. The Wing is based at RAF Northolt and consists of Air Cadets from 26 different Squadrons from around the north of London. It is an organisation run by volunteer officers.

Six cadets and Flt Lt Christopher Pocock were in attendance.

The Master presenting the new John Thorpe Salver to 1159 Edmonton Squadron

The Master presented, for the first time, the ‘new’ John Thorpe Salver – for the Squadron which has won the most points throughout the year for outdoor activities – to 1159 Edmonton Squadron.

Wing Commander Niall Cumming and his wife attended the Banquet at Goldsmiths Hall, together with O/Cs from our other military affiliations; the Army Reserves Westminster Dragoons and RAF Waddington.

Held in the magnificent surroundings of Goldsmith’s Hall on 16 January 2023, the Annual Banquet was indeed a feast for all the senses. Our Clerk Graham Bamford, ably assisted by his dashing assistant, Duncan Couper, pulled out all the stops on the night. A sparkling champagne reception accompanied by a string quartet was followed by a delicious dinner with a selection of delectable wines. Ted Prior, our Beadle, kept things ticking along in his usual authoritative fashion (accompanied by a knowing glint), ably assisted by stewards from the Westminster Dragoons.

Eminent explorer Sir David Hempleman-Adams enjoys the reception with Liveryman Chris Philpot

Senior Warden Guy Brogden welcomed the guests and gave a fascinating summary of the somewhat chequered history of the Hall over the centuries.

In his toast to the Guests, the Master described the events of his year so far – astonishingly already a third of the way through – and announced the Company’s support for the ‘Chefs in Schools’ initiative.

Henry Dimbleby makes his point

In reply, Henry Dimbleby MBE, adviser to Government on food policy issues and proprietor of the ‘Leon’ restaurant chain, emphasised the effect on the nation’s health, and finances, of diet, giving the frightening explosion of type-2 diabetes as a graphic example. He went on to describe how important school meals can be for the less well-off, and the work of ‘Chefs in Schools’, which he co-founded. He described how his children wouldn’t believe the pageantry of the evening, and so took a ‘selfie’ in front of the gathering to prove the fact!

Henry Dimbleby takes a cheeky selfie to prove to his children he was really there!

The ceremony of the ‘Loving Cup, the Post Horn Gallop competition by our two buglers, the rendering of ‘To Be a Farmers Boy’ and a superb solo performance by soprano Hilary Cronin made for a wonderful, memorable evening, enjoyed by all.

The Master proffers the Loving Cup to his guest speaker

More than 70 Liverymen and partners enjoyed the hospitality of the Master at the annual Summer Visit in the last week of June. This year we were treated to a packed programme of events around her home county of Staffordshire, which a show of hands revealed had not been visited by many before. Proceedings commenced with a visit to Castle Hayes Farm, courtesy of James and Rupert Major, where we saw state-of-the-art milk production from grass as well as the extraordinary crater caused by the largest non-nuclear explosion in history when 4,000t of stored munitions exploded by accident during WW2. The first day was rounded off by a black-tie dinner where the speaker was Tom Mercer, who regaled us with stories of his fascinating career and his successful Moma Foods business.

James Major shows the massive crater as it was in the 50s

Day two saw us exploring the diverse and hugely successful Mercer Farming business. From outdoor pigs and poultry production to the commercial lettings and charitable works, it was a tour de force of what a family business can achieve when a visionary leader (Roger) is supported by ambitious and entrepreneurial children (Robert and Alec). Giving young people real responsibility early on in their careers, and making them accountable for their decisions had been the key to the expansion of the impressive business.

Robert explains Mercer Farming to the group

The outdoor farrowing fields

We then made our way to an intimate service at St Leonard’s Church led by the Master’s Chaplain, followed by dinner at the Master’s home. This was a very lively affair, with the world-renowned Horn Dancers of Abbotts Bromley performing their unique act, accompanied at one stage by a herd of Past Masters. Lord Stafford entertained us with aristocratic anecdotes in a highly amusing after-dinner speech. The evening was rounded off by Sally Mercer and Friends singing a medley of catchy songs.

The Abbotts Bromley Horn Dancers at Karen’s home

On the final day, the group were fascinated to visit to Busby Partners at Chilcote.  John started with an acre of PYO strawberries in 1976, and his two sons Phillip and Robert are also in the business. 110 acres of strawberries are produced on an efficient tabletop growing system and 9 acres of raspberries in grown in pots, both using coir substate. There is a borehole for the irrigation, with the water going through two plant rooms where the correct nutrients are added for the crops. A great focus is placed on biological control for the pests in the  crops, rather than using insecticides. The pack house is impressive, with all fruit bring rapid chilled to below 5 degrees, before supplying Tesco and Sainsburys.  Staff reaching 240 at peak times from Romania, Bulgaria and Nepal are all housed on site. Quite an operation.

Some of the delicious Busby fruit

We were all extremely privileged to visit such successful family farms and for them all to be so open about their businesses. In all cases attention to detail was of paramount importance.  We all drove home with plenty to think about.

Pat and her team followed us around for the three days ensuring we were well fed and watered.