Master’s Blog 16

PRESENTATION OF MASTER CERTIFICATES: MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018

Inspired by the development of a Master Plumber Certificate in 2001, the Master Certificate Scheme has now been developed across a range of Livery Companies and at today’s presentation of certificates in Glaziers’ Hall by the Lord Mayor Alderman Charles Bowman no fewer than 38 individuals are recognised. As Master of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers, I have the honour of introducing the three candidates to be awarded Master Plumber Certificates- David Gammage, John Hamilton Murray and Tyrone Tash- and asking them to accept the charge which accompanies their awards before they step forward to receive their framed certificates from the Lord Mayor. It is also an honour to see one of the people behind these awards in the audience- Past Master Geoff Marsh and his wife Ann- and to hear the reference to the plumbers being the instigators of this scheme. It is good to read the short CVs of all the candidates today- including those involved in trades such as masonry, wax chandelling, joinery and plastering. There is an incredible array of talent in the room this morning!

VISIT TO THAMES RIVER POLICE MUSEUM: MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2018

This is one of those days where one event runs into the next and a quick departure from Glaziers’ Hall is necessary for me to get to Wapping Police Station to join the first of this year’s programme of social visits arranged for the Plumbers’ Company as we visit the Thames River Police Museum. Not many people will know that the world’s oldest organised police force was set up on the River Thames to tackle the large amount of pilfering which was taking place in the late 18th century. Established at a total cost of £4,200, it is estimated that within 6 months the force had saved more than 25 times that amount of cargo and were so effective that the criminal fraternity organised a riot. Our guide at the museum (which is only opened by arrangement), Rob Jeffries, is an amazing storyteller and enthrals our group for the duration of the visit (which is followed by a lunch in a restaurant close by). Steward Clive Sofaer has done an excellent job in organising this trip and receives the thanks of those who attended.

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING; TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2018

The Company’s Finance Committee meets today, and the principal item of business is reviewing the Management Accounts for the first quarter of the financial year against budget. No major concerns!

ALL PARTY PARLIAMENTARY WATER GROUP: TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2018

Although I have been on the mailing list for meetings of this group for several years, this is the first time that I have been able to attend a meeting. The group, which meets in one of the Committee rooms at the Houses of Parliament focusses on the importance of water as a resource- something which is important to plumbers. Tonight’s meeting focusses on water infrastructure and the National Policy Statement for Water Resources and is chaired by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering. A distinguished panel consists of the CEO of the Environment Agency, the Director of Regulation and Corporate Affairs, Affinity Water and the Chair of Future Networks Group, Future Water Association. It is an interesting hour from which I take away a strong message that there needs to be greater consumer awareness of the value (and finite availability of water) as well as increased attempts to reduce wastage through leakage. It is good to meet a Liveryman of the Plumbers’ Company on the way into the meeting who introduces me to the current Renter Warden of the Worshipful Company of Water Conservators (with which the Plumbers have good links).