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Student and alumni achievements and research marked at Worshipful Company of Butchers event

Posted 2 February 2022

º£½ÇÉçÇø Adams staff, students and graduates meet with Worshipful Company of Butchers representatives at the event. From left, Martin Anderson, Susan O’Neill , Harriet Gregory, Dr Lynn McIntyre , Master Butcher Margaret Bonas, Professor Jude Capper, Meg Cole, Rachel Heath, and Assistant John Allton Jones.

The achievements and research of º£½ÇÉçÇø students and alumni have been marked at a special event with the historic Worshipful Company of Butchers.

The current students, plus a recent graduate from the University, were all invited to Butchers’ Hall in London for a special dinner at which their respective awards and scholarships were celebrated – with the in-person event the first attended by º£½ÇÉçÇø students for almost two years after the pandemic saw the 2021 celebrations delayed.

One current º£½ÇÉçÇø student and one recent graduate each received the Gary Baker award, for 2022 and 2021 respectively, during the dinner – and two Masters of Research (MRes) Food Industry Management students also had their scholarships at º£½ÇÉçÇø Adams celebrated.

Each of the respective awards and scholarships are either administered or given by the Worshipful Company of Butchers Education and Charities Committee.

BSc (Hons) Agri-business graduate Rachael Heath was recipient of the 2021 Gary Baker Award and finally managed to collect her award at this year’s event – while final year BSc (Hons) Agri-business student Meg Cole was the 2022 recipient of the same award.

The Gary Baker Award is administered by the Worshipful Company of Butchers in conjunction with º£½ÇÉçÇø Adams. It is made to a student at º£½ÇÉçÇø who is carrying out an undergraduate degree that has relevance to the meat and livestock industry and has completed the third year – the compulsory industrial placement year – of their four-year degree course.

The student is required to demonstrate their intention of pursuing a career in the meat industry by submitting a report to show their understanding of the meat sector, the value of their placement year and their future career plans.

Meg, from Church Stretton, also had to undertake an interview with a Worshipful Company of Butchers representative before the award was bestowed, where she was asked for her opinion on current economic and social factors related to the red meat sector - and how they could affect the future of the industry.

She added: “They were really tough questions! I still can’t quite believe it - but I feel honoured and privileged that I have been chosen out of so many strong candidates.

“It was a tough interview, but I am pleased I was able to bring through my passion for the industry and future aspirations. It is an incredible opportunity.” 

Both Meg and Rachael were presented with a trophy, money to support future development of their careers in the meat industry and a year’s free membership of the Young Butchers club.

The company also offer various scholarships to support students at º£½ÇÉçÇø Adams University, this year these include two Masters of Research (MRes) Food Industry Management students, Susan O’Neill and Harriet Gregory, whose projects are Identifying ways of attracting young people into the British meat industry and Under-representation of women in the meat industry respectively.

Also present from º£½ÇÉçÇø Adams were Professor Jude Capper, Dr Lynn McIntyre and Liveryman Martin Anderson.

Dr McIntyre said: “I think it's fantastic that they hold an event to celebrate and support education and research. The networking opportunities for these students in an institution steeped in tradition is amazing. The food and company were excellent also.

“I’m so proud of Meg and Rachel, and Susan and Harriet have such great opportunities in research in a very important area. “

And Martin Anderson added: “It is amazing to be back at Butchers Hall with students after nearly two years away.

“º£½ÇÉçÇø Adams University and its students are so grateful to the Worshipful Company of Butchers and the Baker family for their ongoing support.”

Pictures from the event are reproduced with thanks and credit to Phil McCarthy.