BDCI lunch to mark end of chairmanship

- Published: 27 March, 2009

The sum of money raised over the past year by the Butchers' and Drovers' Charitable Institution (BDCI) will be announced at a lunch at Butcher's Hall in London on Monday (30 March).

The lunch will also see the charity's current Festival chairman, Tulip MD Graham Roach, hand over the chief fundraising reins to Bernard Hoggarth, the managing director of Cranswick's food division.

In order to raise money for people connected with the food chain who have fallen on hard times, the BDCI holds a number of fund raising events during the year, culminating in the annual BDCI festival dinner.

Last year, nearly 1,000 people enjoyed a meal, entertainment from comedian Bobby Davro and a fund-raising auction of specially donated prizes.

"The quality of the prizes on offer - including a car, a meal for four at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant, Premiership football and Wimbledon tennis tickets as well as luxurious holiday breaks - meant that nearly £90,000 was raised," said a BDCI spokesperson.

"The grand total raised during Mr Roach's festival chairmanship, announced at Monday's lunch, is expected to exceed this by some margin."

The BDCI helps people who are, or have been, connected in any capacity with the meat trade in the UK. Applications are usually on behalf of people who cannot work, have limited money and urgent needs, or are incapacitated through ill health, accident or age.

Help is given in three ways: pensions; one-off grants to help towards a major expense; and assistance with residential and nursing home fees. Widows, dependants and children of those who have been in the trade are also considered for help.

Last year the charity spent over £160,000 helping individuals in need.

Anyone wishing to book a ticket for the lunch can do so via the BDCI's website - www.bdci.uk.com - or by phoning 01727 896094 for a booking form.