News from 2012
Is the Livery relevant in the Modern City?
Published on Monday, 10th December 2012
“The Livery Today in Tomorrow’s City”
Next year’s Lord Mayor, Alderman Fiona Woolf CBE, one of our Court Assistants, has kindly agreed to give us an insight into her views on the role of the Lord Mayor in the context of the Livery and the City and how it could be used as a crucible for debate and innovation. Tuesday 19th February 2013, 4:30 for 5:00pm
“The Livery Today in Tomorrow’s City”
A presentation by Alderman Assistant Fiona Woolf CBE
Tuesday 19th February 2013, 4:30 for 5:00pm
CMS Cameron McKenna Offices, 160 Aldersgate Street, London EC1A 4DDIn advance of and in preparation for her election as Lord Mayor of the City of London in 2013, Alderman Fiona Woolf CBE, one of our Court Assistants, has kindly agreed to give us an insight into her views on the role of the Lord Mayor in the context of the Livery and the City and how it could be used as a crucible for debate and innovation. Supported by our Master, Charles Yuill, she will also be inviting contributions from the audience towards her Mayoral Theme, that of Sustainability, and during her presentation she will be exploring ways in which sustainable development could create long-term value in an increasingly urbanised society. She is keen to explore ways in which the City could tap into the latent expertise of Livery Companies, not least our own, which could contribute to long-term sustainability within its own sector. She hopes this will create lasting opportunities for greater involvement for the Livery in the City of London Corporation.
She has kindly agreed to host the event in the briefing suite at her offices of CMS Cameron McKenna in Aldersgate Street, London EC1A. The event will begin with tea and coffee at 4:30pm, to be followed by the presentation and debate itself from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. The evening will conclude with drinks and canapés from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Whilst the event is primarily open to the “Plumbers”, the Masters/Prime Wardens and Wardens from Livery Companies in the WET 10 and the Construction Livery Group Places are also invited. Places are limited to 80 and are being offered on a first come first served basis.
Downloadable flier and booking form below.
Downloadable documents
**STOP PRESS** New Date for Annual Banquet
Published on Wednesday, 28th November 2012
It has become necessary to change the date of our Banquet at the Mansion House next year. It will now be on Tuesday 26th March 2013 at 6:30pm for 7:00pm, not Monday 18th March 2013 as previously published. Please note in your diary.
Also please note that the office will close on Wednesday 19th December 2012 and reopen on Wednesday 2nd January 2013.
Booking now (Flier and booking forms under dates in Our Events)
19th February “The Livery Today in Tomorrow’s City”
26th February Visit to St Paul’s Cathedral
** Few seats left for Court Lunch see 15th January in calendar”
Richmond Sea Cadets
Published on Tuesday, 27th November 2012
The Carpet Guard outside the Mansion Hoause
Remembrance Day Parade
The Worshipful Company of Plumbers proudly to supports the Richmond Sea Cadets Unit. We congratulate on the achievements recognised at a recent awards ceremony.
”Friday 12th October bought a well deserved awards evening to Richmond Sea Cadet Unit for the first time.
Many awards were presented in front of the ships company & many of the cadets parents by LT CDR (SCC) Karen Fulton RNR, Rev Robert Titley, Councillor Pamela Flemming & Sir Ken Knight (Deputy Lieutenant)
The awards began with the Sailing trophies, which were won by Leading Cadet and Ordinary Cadet Lithgoe. These included District, area & National level trophies that Richmond unit have never won before. Able Cadet Golden was presented with the Commanding Officers award for participation and Able Cadet Lawrence was presented with Best Cadet. Leading Cadet James Pavey was awarded the District Piping trophy and Best Dressed Cadet.
The final awards presented were the most prestigious. Both Leading Cadet James Pavey and Leading Cadet Olly Lithgoe were presented The London Borough of Richmonds Deputy Lieutenants award for the outstanding example as a cadet and member of the community.
This was followed by Leading Cadet James Pavey being awarded the Western Districts Cadet of the Year Plaque, meaning he was selected above all the Sea Cadets in the western London, he was selected above cadets from Twickenham, Kingston, Rickmansworth, Chiswick, Sunbury and the surrounding areas as Best Cadet.
The units commanding officer LT CDR (SCC) John Porter RNR was also presented with a seamanship pocket watch and cufflinks from the staff in appreciation for all that he does for the unit. The evening was a great success and enjoyed by all.”
For further details of the Unit visit their web site by clicking here.
A Successful Lunch at Ironmongers’ Hall
Published on Monday, 26th November 2012
Our Master Charles Yuill set the Plumbers’ Social Committee a challenge. He wanted to create a new social event which was relaxed and informal and would enhance the Livery’s reputation for outstanding fellowship. It should reflect his theme for the year of “inclusiveness” and be open to all Liverymen, their partners, friends, business associates and newcomers interested in finding out more about the Livery. But most important of all it had to be modestly priced.
The Social Committee picked up the Master’s gauntlet and after a lot of head scratching proposed a an informal lunch at Ironmongers’ Hall which was marketed as “the Plumbers’ Table.” And what a lunch it was! The Master and his wife welcomed with a sparkling wine reception 29 Liverymen and their guests to the magnificent Ironmongers’ Hall. This was followed by a delicious 3 course lunch with choices, plentiful wine and coffee.
All agreed that the occasion had been most agreeable; it had met the Master’s criteria for a new event and had reflected well upon the Plumbers. It had represented excellent value for money and should be repeated. With that in mind a second “Plumbers’ Table” has been arranged for 13 May 2013 and will again be held at Ironmongers’ Hall.
THE PLUMBERS’ TABLE – 26th NOVEMBER, 2012
The Master’s Speech
Wardens, Liverymen, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a particular pleasure to thank the Master of The Worshipful Company of Ironmongers for allowing the Plumbers’ Company to join him and his Company for Luncheon today in the most magnificent surroundings of Ironmongers’ Hall.
Our Plumbers’ Table, as we have called this event, serves three main purposes. It allows Liverymen to enjoy good company, good food and good wine and a wonderful Livery Hall, it allows Liverymen to entertain guests and it allows potential new Liverymen to taste, quite literally, one of the benefits of being a liveryman.
As I said at my installation, I want all Liverymen in the Plumbers’ Company to feel that the Company is relevant to them and that they have the opportunity of full participation in the Company’s calendar. It is therefore gratifying that this new event was fully subscribed with a waiting list. Thanks must therefore go to the events’ architect and organiser, Steward Ken Newnham, who is a real supporter of what I want to achieve during my year as Master.
For those of you who are here today as a guest of a Liverymen and are thinking of joining the Plumbers’ Company, I want to say what a wonderful step that would be. Besides events such as today, there is a whole lot more to life in the livery. We support our craft trades in a number of ways, we play an integral part in the life of the City of London and we raise money for charity. Many of us feel this is a way of giving something back for what we have been lucky enough to receive and you would be most welcome to join us.
And now, as I have been asked to be brief, a one liner before closing. A husband asked his wife, “What do you like about me dear? Is it my handsome face or my wonderful physique? After a brief pause, the wife replied, “Your sense of humour darling!” I am sure I can hear my wife, Jean, saying that!
Finally, may I again thank the Master Ironmonger for his hospitality today and all the staff at Ironmongers Hall for providing us with such excellent service. I do hope that we will have the opportunity of coming back soon. Meanwhile, have a safe trip home when it is time to go.
Thanking the Immediate Paster Master
Published on Thursday, 22nd November 2012
The Master serves soup
The Roast Forerib of Scottish Beef
The Raffle drawn by the IPM from the box held by Senior Steward Richard Harvey
The Ladle Dinner is the occasion when the Company recognises and thanks the Immediate Past Master for leading the Company during the previous year. The dinner is hosted by the Senior Steward.
Butchers’ Hall provided a magnificent setting foe the Company under the Chairmanship of Senior Steward, Richard Harvey, to thank the Immediate Past Master, Lt-Col Antony Paterson-Fox for his leadership during his year as Master. The evening commenced with the present Master, Charles Yuill, serving soup to the top table. After a magnificent meal with succulent roast forerib of Scottish Beef, Past Master Peter Brunner proposed a toast to the Immediate Past Master. Peter led us through Antony’s history first as our Clerk and then as as Renter Warden before being elected as Master. We learnt of various aspects of Antony’s individual way of performing many of his duties and how he became well respected not only in our own Company but throughout the Livery movement. During his year as our Master, great emphasis was put on supporting the Craft with the introduction of a new apprenticeship award within London. The City functions featured well in the year’s programme and who will forget the memorable river trip. Our Charity was given prominence with encouragement to all Liverymen to provide support. Past Master Brunner concluded by thanking Antony, and his wife Diana, for their hard work during the year in chess terminology reminding us that we had been served by a Grand Master.
A silver Past Master’s Ladle was presented to the Immediate Past Master by the most junior Liveryman, Bill Stewart.
Antony, in responding, thanked all who had supported him with a special mention of the office staff. He and Diana had experienced a thoroughly enjoyable year but he reminded all present of challenges that faced us. With ever rising costs it was essential that we increase our membership. This not only helps financially but also enables a greater number of people to support the Craft, the City and the Charity through the activities of the Company. The Charity is dear to Antony’s heart and all were extolled to take the standing order form supplied, to read it, to fill it in and to return it to the Clerk.
The Immediate Past Master presented one of the bronze maquettes of the Plumber’s Apprentice to the Company for display at our functions.
During the evening all the Past Master were represented with their silver ladles. A raffle was held and provided over £1,700 for our charity.
Keeping in Tune – A visit to the Royal Opera House
Published on Wednesday, 21st November 2012
The Master, liverymen and guests, twenty in number visited backstage at Covent Garden Opera House on Tuesday 9th October 2012. A belated report due an editorial misshap!
Backstage Tour of Covent Garden Opera House on Tuesday 9th October 2012
The Master, liverymen and guests, twenty in number visited backstage at Covent Garden Opera House on Tuesday 9th October 2012.
Our guide Roz Kernot met us in the foyer, where she briefly explained the history of the theatre. The Royal Opera House is the third theatre on the site since 1732. The first burnt down in 1808. Queen Victoria was a patron of the second which also burnt down in 1856. The third was built in 1858.
Between the wars the theatre was a boxing ring, horse show and ice skating rink. Finally in 1946 the fledgling opera and ballet company were formed. With no repertoire, Ninette de Valois sent half her company from Sadlers Wells (including Margot Fonteyn) to form the new Ballet Company. In 1947 the first opera was Carmen and then Manon.
It was not until the mid 1990’s with the help of Lottery, Arts Council and In House fundraising that the opera House was able to expand and become more efficient.
We then moved on to the Auditorium which is decorated in red velvet and gold leaf. The original architect built it in the shape of a magnet (the acoustics are perfect) drawing the sound from the stage to the amphitheatre. The acoustics were further improved by lowering the orchestra pit and removing the carpet. The Opera House was the largest theatre at the time with 2256 seats.
We continued up the Grand staircase past the aptly named Crush room with its original chandeliers, into the Floral Hall, (the birthplace of the Proms) up the escalator to the new building.
The highlight was when we passed the ballet studios and stopped to watch a ballerina in a black tutu practicing with Carlos Acosta marking his part and doing pirouettes.
It was then the workshops, with costumes on rails and scenery. Backstage there is storage for scenery for 4 or 5 productions. The scenery is made in Thurrock and transported, and the costumes are stored in an aircraft hanger in Aberdare in Wales.
It was back to the foyer, where the Master thanked Roz and then a short walk across the Piazza to the Strand Palace Hotel for our lunch.
Report by Steward Daphne Barber
Liverymen invited to Court Lunch Tuesday 15th January 2013
Published on Thursday, 15th November 2012
The Master wishes to open up the lunches and dinners and allow all Liverymen to apply to attend. See downloadable flier – click on heading.
*** Now FULLY SUBSCRIBED** Late comers will be on reserve list.
Downloadable documents
We have a new Lord Mayor
Published on Sunday, 11th November 2012
What a great Lord Mayor’s Show! The Plumber’s Company look forward to supporting Alderman Roger Gifford and his chosen charities the City Music Foundation, Futures for Kids, The Gifford Wood Appeal, The Harold Samuel Collection and the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship Programme.
Decorative Leadwork Exhibition
Published on Thursday, 1st November 2012
Past Master Edward Hopkinson, the Director of the WDOAM, Richard Pailthorpe, and Liveryman Phil Mead behind a Trough and combined end Planters similar to that specially crafted to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
A selection of decorative leadwork.
The Worshipful Company of Plumbers believes that ancient lead working skills should not be lost. During the week 29th October to 3rd November, the Company’s Plumbing Museum and Workshop Trust supported the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum ‘Inspired by the Museum’ Exhibition, by providing exhibits.
The centrepiece of the Plumbing exhibits was a Trough and combined end Planters similar to that specially crafted to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and presented to Her Majesty by the Worshipful Company of Plumbers. The Trough and Planters presented to the Queen is unique and has been placed in the grounds of Sandringham.
The Trough and Planters included in the ‘Inspired by the Museum’ Exhibition is similar and will enable a great number of the public to appreciate the gift that the Company has made to Her Majesty. It is based on the design and uses the original moulds that were made for Her Majesty’s Trough and Planters. It is being made by volunteer craftsmen in the Plumbing Museum’s Court Barn and demonstrates the high standard of traditional Craft skills practised and taught at the Plumbing Museum. It is a very fine example of the Craftsmanship inspired by the Weald and Downland Museum.
Today, Plumbing requires knowledge and skill in a great variety of different materials and technical applications. However, the items included by the Plumbing Museum in the ‘Inspired by the Museum’ Exhibition require a particular knowledge and technical ability in the traditional plumbing skills that have been used over many centuries.
It is important that this knowledge and these skills are not lost. The Weald and Downland Museum provides a location where these traditional skills are not only practised and taught to future generations, but are demonstrated to members of the public in the Court Barn.
The Master presents an award at the BPEC Life Award presentation ceremony
Published on Friday, 26th October 2012
BPEC chairman Frank Glover, BPEC Charity awards winners Martin Biron, John Booth, Stephen Dobney, Lee Firth and the Master of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers Charles Yuill.
The Master, Charles Yuill, gave the guest speech at the BPEC Charity Life Award ceremony in Derby on 24th October. A bronze maquette of the Plumber’s Apprentice (the 7 ft original is situated at Canon Street railway station) was presented to the BPEC Charity Life Award 2012 winners – Lee Firth and his team of apprentices at NG Bailey in Leeds for the design of a project that will deliver a safe water system to a health clinic in Cobue, Mozambique.
The team, which also included mechanical BSE student James Reid, junior project engineer Oliver Pengelly, and trainee mechanical designer Kayley Lockhead, was awarded £12,000 from The BPEC Charity.
The BPEC Charity Life Award gives out almost £30,000 to plumbing good causes
Almost £30,000 has been given out in charitable donations by training and certification provider BPEC to projects that use plumbing skills to enhance life. At its first ever Life Award presentation ceremony, The BPEC Charity made four awards to deserving projects.
In memory of BPEC’s founding chairman Raymond J Brooks, they were presented by the charity’s trustees at an event attended by 100 representatives of the plumbing industry at Pride Park Stadium, Derby, on October 24th 2012.
The Master of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers Charles Yuill gave the guest speech.
The BPEC Charity Life Award 2012 was presented to Lee Firth and his team of apprentices at NG Bailey in Leeds for the design of a project that will deliver a safe water system to a health clinic in Cobue, Mozambique.
The team, which also included mechanical BSE student James Reid, junior project engineer Oliver Pengelly, and trainee mechanical designer Kayley Lockhead, was awarded £12,000 from The BPEC Charity.
Winning the award means that they will now be able to travel to Mozambique to install the design, which was drawn up following an approach from a UK doctor working in Mozambique. Currently drinking water in the village is sourced from a nearby polluted lake.
“My team feels privileged to have an opportunity to deliver a project which will have an enormous impact on the lives and well-being of people in such a deprived area,” said Lee Firth, professional development manager.
The BPEC Charity also awarded a Conditional Award of £10,000 to Burnley College for a project to take apprentice plumbers to Uganda to work alongside a village community to build wells to provide safe, clean drinking water. Plumbing tutor Stephen Dobney intends to work with the Drop in the Bucket charity to get the project off the ground and is embarking on a fundraising bid involving the college and local community.
“Our goal is to decrease the number of children needlessly dying of malaria brought on by drinking contaminated water,” said Stephen. “Using the skills students have developed in theory and practical lessons, we want to work alongside the community and help build wells that will provide the safe, clean drinking water that these people so desperately need. It will make a massive difference to the way the villagers live, and ultimately save their lives.”
A Development Life Award of £6,000 was presented to Martin Biron, head of school (construction), and his associates from the College of North West London for the development of a virtual plumbing college online to support plumbing students and teachers. Over the past four years, many thousands of students have used the virtual online 3-D training environment.
“As an educator, over the past five years I have been driven with a passion to develop educational resources to encourage individuals to develop the skills needed to become competent and proficient plumbers,” said Martin.
The award will fund the online 3-D world on the Second Life virtual reality site for a further two years.
A Merit Life Award of £1,500 was presented to plumber John Booth, from Fareham, Hampshire, for his involvement in the Peace & Hope Trust’s charity work in Nicaragua.
John has financed two trips to Nicaragua since 2003, and has been involved in supervising plumbing projects that have helped to collect rainwater and provide safe, clean drinking water. A number of other developments have also been introduced, such as a toilet to separate urine and faeces, which helps with crop fertilisation.
Each expedition costs £1,500 and the award will allow John to visit Nicaragua again to help continue the work, which is part of the reconciliation and construction programme started in 1990 following an earthquake in 1971 and the civil war in the 1980s which left the Central American country impoverished.
BPEC chairman Frank Glover said: “BPEC is delighted to have presented four separate awards at our inaugural BPEC Charity Life Awards event. Each of the award winning entries has shown how plumbing can make a difference to life, and we congratulate this year’s winners.”
The search has now started for applicants for next year’s BPEC Charity Life Awards, with organisers urging those who work in the plumbing sector to put themselves forward.
“There are so many ways in which plumbing skills can enhance life,” said Frank Glover. “It may be through product invention, an innovative solution or service, a charitable plumbing activity or project, raising the image of plumbing or a change in perspective. We hope that this year’s winners will provide inspiration to others who could be award winners in 2013.”
BPEC, which was established in 1992, is the leading provider of training and certification for the building services engineering sector, which covers the gas, oil, plumbing, electrotechnical, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration industries.
The organisation’s training materials range from technical training packs for domestic gas safety and water regulations to a selection of renewable energies manuals such as solar thermal hot water and heat pumps.
BPEC is dedicated to education and lifelong learning, and seeks to encourage individuals to undertake further training to continuously update their skills, both for personal development and to keep abreast of the industry’s technological advances.
Its charitable arm – The BPEC Charity – launched the Life Award in 2012 to reward and support those in the UK plumbing industry who use plumbing skills to enhance life.
To find out more about entering next year’s Life Awards visit www.bpec.org.uk/charity
Downloadable documents
We welcome the new Master and Wardens
Published on Thursday, 18th October 2012
The Master, Charles Yuill; Upper Warden Nick Gale; Renter Warden Stephen Hodkinson
Installing the Master
The Installation Service
At the Installation Cerremony held in our church St Magnys the Martyr, and preceeding the Installation Service, Charles Yuill was installed as our new Master. Nick Gale was then clothed as Upper Warden and Stephen Hodkinson as Renter Warden.
MASTER’S INSTALLATION DAY SPEECH – 17th OCTOBER, 2012
Immediate Past Master, Wardens, Fellow Liverymen, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honour and privilege to stand before you as the newly installed Master of our great Company and I want to thank our Immediate Past Master, Antony Patterson-Fox, and our Chaplain and Rector, Liveryman Philip Warner, for a most splendid and enjoyable ceremony earlier at our Church of St Magnus the Martyr.
Little did I think, when I joined The Worshipful Company of Plumbers in 2006, that I would be here today as your Master. I am not a plumber by profession. I am not even directly connected with the water industry. However, during my business life in property and during the past six years, I have learned to respect the craft and, more particularly, the people who are part of it. I am therefore pleased to pledge that I will do my utmost to represent them to the best of my ability during the next twelve months.
Like me, our Immediate Past Master, Antony Patterson-Fox, agreed to become Master without the usual apprenticeship and what a splendid job he has done. He has led and represented the Company unstintingly and has taken many initiatives to improve it. In particular, he has made great efforts to try and increase membership and he has urged you all to increase contributions to our Charity. I will also never forget our River Thames cruise to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Antony, as is customary, the Company will thank you at our Ladle Dinner later in the year. It is, however, now my pleasure to record my personal thanks and the thanks of all those present for your service and everything you have achieved during your year.
In thanking Antony, I want also to thank his wife, Diana. No Master is able to undertake the role, which becomes more demanding year by year, without the full support, love and understanding of a loyal partner. Diana, you have been faithfully by Antony’s side (and carried his walking stick when that was necessary!) during the whole of his year and, as a token of our appreciation, I would like you to accept this bouquet of flowers.
Every Master is different. Every Master brings something new to the role. Every Master adopts a different theme for his year and mine is that of inclusion. We are a Livery with more than 300 members and yet there are many that we do not see as often as we would like. Why? Are we doing something wrong? I want every Liveryman to feel that he or she belongs, that the Company is relevant to them and, if there are areas in which we can improve, I want to know. We will be holding another Common Hall during my year and that will give everybody the chance of expressing their views. Meanwhile, please do contact me if there is anything that you want to say now.
I can also say that we have looked at our social programme having regard to our great traditions which must be maintained and, also, in the light of the UK’s current economic crisis. Functions in the City of London are increasingly expensive but, with your support, we want to continue with our Annual Banquet, our Ladies Festival Dinner and our Ladle Dinner in their present form. We want also to continue with our renowned Annual Lecture. However, mindful of cost and the fact that many Liverymen are unavailable during working hours, our programme for the coming year now has two relatively inexpensive Livery Lunches at Ironmongers’ Hall, some early evening functions (including a wine or whisky tasting and a jazz evening) and even weekend activities. To some extent, we are experimenting so we will plan for the future judging by the success of the new events.
Our great Company has been in existence in one form or another for nigh on 650 years. That is cause for celebration in itself and plans are in hand to mark our anniversary in 2015 which will be announced in due course. Nevertheless, we would not have survived for as long as we have without adopting change from time to time. Like all organisations, we face new challenges and the current economic climate means that both the Livery and our Charity need to raise further funds. I want therefore to deal with this issue in part by progressing the initiatives of our Immediate Past Master to increase membership and increase donations to our Charity. That is where you can all play a part and I hope you will.
My wife, Jean, and I will play our part too. We are looking forward to representing the Livery throughout the next twelve months. We know that it is a great privilege and that some of the things that we will see and do are things that would not otherwise have been possible during our lives. We have already made many friends from within the Livery and, to those of you whom we still do not know, we want and look forward to knowing you. I want all Liverymen to feel part of what is known in the City of London as one of the friendliest Companies of them all. Let us all make it an enjoyable year.
So that’s me nearly finished! I want to say thank you all for supporting my Master’s Reception today and, in particular, following the theme for my year of inclusion, I would like to say a special thank you to the families of the late Past Master Eddie Holbrook, the late Past Master Lionel Holbrook, the late Past Steward Len Bill and the late Liveryman Gerald Mann. You are all very welcome today and will always remain members of the Plumbers’ family.
I now hand you over to the Immediate Past Master’s Lady, Diana Patterson-Fox, who has a pleasant duty to perform.
Two new Court Assistants and a new Liveryman
Published on Thursday, 18th October 2012
Assistant Paul Flatt, The Master, Assistant Geoffrey Barber
Liveryman Erica Stary
At the Court meeting on 17th October, Geoffrey Barber and Paul Flatt were clothed as Assistants to the Court and Erica Stary was clothed as a Liveryman
Fit for the Queen
Published on Wednesday, 17th October 2012
In recognition of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee, the Queen graciously accepted a lead planter from the Worshipful Company of Plumbers
The planter was crafted by Liveryman Terry Fillary and is sited in the grounds of Sandringham House.
The Worshipful Company of Plumbers supports the craft of plumbing throughout the country.
Published on Wednesday, 17th October 2012
Liverymen in the Plumbers Company support the craft by playing an active role in the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering and the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation. Our members also play leading rôles in the preservation of decorative lead work in historic buildings.
The Worshipful Company of Plumbers is proud to provide continuing support to the CIPHE. In particular both bodies join together in promoting high standards in the craft and craft support trainee plumbers through grants and bursaries. The importance of training at all levels has been recognised by Past Master Geoff Marsh who together with City and Guilds has developed the Master Plumber scheme. This has now been taken up by other craft Livery Companies and trade organisations.
The new Water Safe scheme that will come into being next year has been lead by Past Master Chris Sneath strongly supported by the CIPHE Chief Executive Liveryman Kevin Wellman. The Independent Chairman of the Trustees is Past Master Professor Rodney Cartwright and the treasurer of both organisations is Past Master John Mayfield.
Scotland and Northern Ireland are not forgotten in that the Chief Executive of SNIPEF is a Court Assistant Robert Burgon.
The Livery plays an active part in the craft of plumbing at all levels.
Supporting the preservation of lead work in historic buildings is a skill of Court Assistant Dr Peter Rumley – see downloadable document
Downloadable documents
Introduce Friends and Colleagues to the Livery at an informal lunch
Published on Wednesday, 17th October 2012
A new Plumbers’ combined business and social event!
Designed to enhance the benefits of being a Liveryman!
Open to all Liverymen , their business and private guests, wives and partners!
Amazing value!
Unnecessary to book weeks in advance!
What is it? – Its the Plumbers’ lunch table at Ironmongers Hall on Monday 26th November – 12.30 for 13.00
What is on offer?
– A sparkling wine reception, – A 3 course lunch with choices, – Half a bottle of wine or juices, – Coffee
All for an amazing price of just £46
– Its open to all Liverymen and their guests, wives and partners. It should be particularly attractive to new Liverymen, those who wish to entertain business contacts or introduce potential new members to the fellowship of the Plumbers.
How to book?
– Direct with Paulina Sowa at Ironmongers’ Hall (0207 776 2300; Paulina.Sowa@ironmongers.org) by Wednesday 21 November.
– PLEASE MENTION THAT YOU WISH TO SIT ON THE PLUMBERS’ TABLE
How to pay?
– On the day or you can be invoiced. Please let Paulina know at the time of booking.
Downloadable documents
The Wilkinson Shield
Published on Tuesday, 16th October 2012
The Wilkinson Shield
The Company’s oldest award dating back to 1913, was presented by the Master, Lt-Col Antony Paterson-Fox, to the Bishop Auckland College on the portfolio of Matthew Phillippo who received a cheque. The award is open to colleges providing plumbing training in the Newcastle Area of the CIPHE.
John Wilkinson was a Plumber Contractor from the Sunderland area and was Master of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers for the year 1922-23.
THE J B WILKINSON SHIELD AWARDS
The Newcastle branch of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering held a prize-giving on behalf of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers on 3 October at the Wardley Legion Club Wardley. The JB Wilkinson Shield was awarded to Bishop Auckland College on the portfolio of Matthew Phillippo. nine other student award winners were presented on the night in alphabetical order.
Dale Evans Hartlepool College of Further Education
David Flowers Darlington College
Conor Hurley Carlisle College
Daniel Lapping Middlesbrough College
Christopher Lorraine Gateshead College
Luke Murray New College Durham
Jonathon Ohare Northumberland College
Jack Rounce Newcastle College
Matthew Storey Redcar & Cleveland College
The Master of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers Lieutenant Colonel Paterson-Fox presented the JB Wilkinson Shield to Trevor Alley Learning Area Leader for Technology representing Bishop Auckland College, and presented Matthew Phillippo with his Certificate and a cheque for £200.00. He also received a 2 day course on under floor heating from Uponor.
Steve Ingle Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering gave presentations to the other
award winners.
Each student received a Certificate of Merit, Plumbing Engineering Services Design Guide, Domestic Heating Design Guide, Water Regulations and history of CIPHE. Wolseley (Plumb Center) presented a selection of tools to each student, and each student was joined into CIPHE.
Aqualisa provided a shower for the raffle.
The Newcastle branch Junior Vice Chairman John Rowden gave welcome & introduction speech, Neill Marsh read origins of the J B Wilkinson Shield.
John Rowden gave the vote of thanks, thanking students, parents, college staff, employers, and a total of 14 sponsors who made the night possible and CIPHE members for assisting on the night. Bishop Auckland College did the photography
Sixty four people attended the prize-giving .
The Secretary would like to thank all members concerned that helped to make the evening a success.
A visit to HMS Sultan
Published on Saturday, 6th October 2012
The Plumbers Group and the steam lorry Super Sentinal
The Plumber’s Award Board
HMS Sultan is the Royal Navy’s engineering training centre at Gosport providing training at all levels for the three services.
Past Master John Lockyer and his good lady Anita Lockyer, Lvy Colin Stainer and Lvy Kevin Wellman, enjoyed an interesting visit to HMS Sultan on 4th October. Cdre Slawson Commodore HMS Sultan hosted the event which included representatives from Plumbers, Founders, Blacksmiths, Turners, Shipwrights, Engineers and Fuellers.
There were a number of enlightening and good humoured presentations from staff on the operational activities at HMS Sultan and the wider work of the Royal Navy. Afterwards, an establishment tour reaffirmed the significant resources and excellent training facilities available to those fortunate to undergo training during various stages of their Royal Navy career path.
The Plumbers Company supports the educational activities at HMS Sultan and recognises the sterling achievements of trainees through an annual Prize Craft Award to the best Trainee qualifying in Metalwork.
Ladle Dinner Booking now open
Published on Thursday, 4th October 2012
Do not miss this important event that is open to Liverymen only. Go to 20th November in Our events for the flyer and booking form.
Livery Committee Briefing
Published on Tuesday, 2nd October 2012
Click on the heading to find the latest briefing from the Livery Committee
Downloadable documents
The Plumbers welcome the Lord Mayor Elect, Alderman Roger Gifford
Published on Tuesday, 2nd October 2012
At a meeting of Common Hall in the Guildhall Alderman Roger Gifford was elected as the Lord Mayor for the ensuing year. He has the full support of the Plumbers
Alderman Roger Gifford
Alderman Roger Gifford was born in St Andrews Scotland and educated at Sedbergh and Trinity College, Oxford. He joined S.G. Warburg & Co in the 70s, working in international banking and capital markets. In 1982 he left to join a new corporate bank owned by Swedish interests. SEB (Skandinaviska Enskilda Bank) has grown in London to be some 200 people strong and Alderman Gifford is UK Country Manager. For six years he headed the Bank’s operations in Japan, and he is currently Vice Chairman of the Association of Foreign Banks (Chairman 2007 – 2011), representing all foreign banks based in London.
Roger’s business interests have centred on raising finance for companies in the London capital markets, moving more recently into the financial institutions area. He has maintained strong contacts with Japan where he worked in the 90’s and with Scandinavia with which he has been working over the last 30 years, particularly in Sweden and Finland in the corporate debt and equity capital markets. He continues to travel frequently to Scandinavia, Japan, US, and Europe.
Roger is a strong believer in the City’s financial and professional services industry and the City’s contribution to the UK, both economic and social as one of the largest Arts and social enterprise supporters in the country. He is a member of the Advisory Council of TheCityUK.
Roger was elected as the Alderman for the Ward of Cordwainer in the City of London in 2004 and has served on many of the committees of the City of London Corporation, currently on the Policy & Resources Committee and the Resource Allocation Sub. He is a keen supporter of the Livery movement and is a member of the Worshipful Company of MUSicians, Past Master (2010 – 2011) of the Worshipful Company of International Bankers, Cordwainers and Security Professionals; he is also the sponsoring Alderman for the Guild of Public Relations Practitioners. He is a member of the Cordwainer and Bread Street Ward Clubs, the Royal Society of St George, the Cook Society, the United Wards Club and the City Livery Club. He has served as Sheriff in 2008/9.
His voluntary work reflects his passion for music performance and the importance of the ‘creative industries’ as the UK’s second most important sector after financial services. He is a Trustee of St Paul’s Cathedral Foundation, St Paul’s Cathedral Choir School Foundation and King Edward’s School Witley, the Mansion House Scholarship Scheme and the Mayor of London’s Fund for Young Musicians. He chairs the English Chamber Orchestra and the Tenebrae Choir among other arts involvements. He is a bicyclist and loves walking, opera and live chamber music.
Roger is married to Clare. Dr Clare Gifford is a member of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries and a consultant haematologist and until recently Medical Director of SHOT, the UK’s haemovigilance system, within the UK blood service. Between them Roger and Clare have six children.
Find out more
Published on Saturday, 29th September 2012
If you click on underlined words elsewhere on this web site you will find more information. Try it out and discover more about the Plumbers Company and its activities.
A thank you to the Ladies
Published on Wednesday, 26th September 2012
The Master, his Lady and principle guests
Dining in Drapers’ Hall
The Master, the Wardens and their Ladies
The Ladies’ Autumn Festival Dinner was held in the magnificent Drapers’ on Tuesday 25th September. An occasion when the Liverymen thank their spouses for supporting them in their the work for the Livery. The principle guest was Lady Prue Davies, Chairman of the Trustees, Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund.
This was the last official Company function of the Master’s year and he and his Lady welcomed over 100 guests to Draper’s Hall. It was truly a “family” occasion with a number of special guests. We were pleased to be joined by the Master Innholder, Ian White, and his Lady, and the Master Cutler, Adam Traill, and his Lady. Our special guests were Lady Prue and Sir Howard Davies. Lady Prue is the Chairman of the Trustees, Sheriffs’ and Recorder’s Fund. The Fund is based in the Old Bailey and provides assistance largely through the probation service by making small but timely grants to ex-offenders in Greater London, principally for clothing, education and training, tools of trade and household furniture and equipment. A contribution from the Plumbers was presented by the Master.
The toast to the Ladies and the Guests was, in accordance with Company tradition, given by the Renter Warden Nick Gale and a witty and thoughtful reply was given by the Master’s Lady, Mrs Diana Paterson-Fox.
Downloadable documents
The Tortoise and Hare Charity Walk
Published on Friday, 21st September 2012
The Walkers
£2,120.20 raised to support plumbing students at Hackney College
The Tortoise or Hare charity walk, otherwise known a Wendy’s Diversion, raised £2,120.20 with the aim of setting up an award for plumbing students at Hackney College. The idea and the drive came from Mrs Wendy Hamilton to whom we are most grateful. The walk took place on the Sunday of Master’s Weekend.
The Tortoise won by a time difference of 20 minutes and 7 seconds having covered 2.05 miles against the Hare who covered 2.80 miles. However, the route for the Hare involved a considerably steeper and longer climb than that for the Tortoise. Senior Steward Mike Horwood (after a Stewards’ Inquiry!) guessed the nearest differential time of 19 minutes and 59 seconds.
The Master and the Clerk will be meeting shortly with the Principal of the College to discuss the detail of the award. For further details of Hackney College click here.
Company Contact Database
Published on Thursday, 20th September 2012
If you have not updated your details recently please click on the title and download the form, complete it then send it to the Clerk. Many emails addresses we have are out of date so we cannot contact you and you cannot log in to the member’s section.
Downloadable documents
The New Team Elect
Published on Tuesday, 4th September 2012
Charles Yuill, Nick Gale and Stephen Hodkinson
The Court have elected Charles Yuill as our new Master in October. The Upper Warden will be Nick Gale and the Renter Warden Stephen Hodkinson.
“Profit And Passion – Prince Albert’s Legacy”
Published on Thursday, 16th August 2012
“Profit And Passion – Prince Albert’s Legacy” A Guided Walk In Kensington -The Royal Albert Hall, Imperial College and the Royal Colleges of Art and Music
“Profit And Passion – Prince Albert’s Legacy” A Guided Walk In Kensington
Led by the Master and his wife and braving predictions of storm and tempest 9 Liverymen and their guests met at the Victoria and Albert Museum for a “Blue Badge” guided walk. The focus of the afternoon was the 86 acres in South Kensington which is home to 3 great museums, the Royal Albert Hall, Imperial College and the Royal Colleges of Art and Music. Our knowledgeable guide Kathleen Winch explained that the internationally famous complex was funded from the profits from Prince Albert’s magnificent achievement, the 1851 Great Exhibition. Amazingly Albert’s influence is still being felt today. Administered by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, sufficient funds remain for the Commission to make charitable disbursements of around £2m per year!
The walk took down Exhibition Road and into Imperial College where we saw the coats of arms of those livery companies associated with its foundation. From there it was on to view Imperial’s magnificent bell tower – thankfully saved from demolition by the interest shown in it by John Betjeman. Rounding off the walk Kathleen took us to look at the Royal College of Music, the Albert Hall and the old fascade of Imperial College in Prince Consort Road. This contrasted vividly with the modern buildings elsewhere on the Imperial campus.
The walk finished at the Gore Hotel where a delicious cream tea awaited to round off the afternoon. So ended an extremely interesting and informative introduction to Prince Albert’s legacy.
K D N
It’s that time of the year again – Quarterage
Published on Tuesday, 7th August 2012
Liverymen please read the attached document (click on header) and act NOW. Thank you
Please find attached the Annual Quarterage Letter for 2012/2013. As reflected in the second paragraph of the letter, in order to reduce costs those who have received an electronic copy of the letter will not be sent a hard copy through the post. Please print a copy for your records if you wish to.
To re-emphasise the point also made in the letter, if you are paying by direct debit, you do not need to do anything; the money will be debited from your account automatically on 1st October 2012. If you pay by cheque, please consider changing to direct debit . If you still wish to pay by cheque, please ensure it reaches the office by 1st October 2012.
I look forward to seeing you during the year. We have a varied social programme of formal and informal functions and visits this coming year. The Calendar of Events will be published in the Autumn. Please put the dates in your diary as soon as you get it and look for the details and booking arrangements on the website when they are published.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Nash
Air Cdre
Clerk
Downloadable documents
Fliers and Booking Forms now available
Published on Tuesday, 7th August 2012
For details go to the date under View all events. Click on the box “More info”
9 October – Visit to The Royal Opera House Covent Garden
30 September – St Michael’s Day Service and Lunch
1 October – Election of the Lord Mayor
17 October – Installation Day – New Format
A Great Master’s Weekend
Published on Monday, 6th August 2012
The walkers
Dining at Battle Abbey School
Presentation of ‘Regent Square’ music
The Master Antony and his Lady, Diana excelled for the Company in their weekend in Sussex. A cream tea, reception and dinner were the starters on Friday for a fun packed day on Saturday. In true Paterson-Fox tradition the day started with wine tasting at a truly English vineyard, then on to Sissinghurst Castle where we all wondered why our gardens were not as colourful. Lunch was on board a steam train to Bodiam Castle for a bit of English history. Then back for a quick change before dinner at Battle Abbey School. The post script was Wendy’s Diversion on the Sunday in aid of our Charity.
The Master’s Weekend is always one of the highlights of the year. It always gladdens the hearts of the Office staff as all the arrangements and organisation are undertaken by the Master and his Lady. It is a weekend of fun and fellowship open to all the Livery. This year was no exception as around sixty Liverymen and their ladies gathered at Powder Mills Hotel near Battle in East Sussex. The sun shone as we tucked into lovely warm scones, jam and cream. We caught up on news and plotted the future (as we always do!) then changed and made our way to a pre dinner reception. Dinner in the Orangery was a very enjoyable occasion with magic thrown in for good measure.
Bed or the bar followed before an early start on the Saturday. Wine tasting at nine o’clock in the morning at the Carr Taylor vineyard. An occasion when there was a changing of minds for those who were sure that the Brits could not make a good wine. The next stop was Sissinghurst Castle, a magnificent National trust property with gardens that had to be seen to be believed. A number of the party have earmarked the property for another visit.
So onto the Kent & East Sussex Light Railway at Tenterden where we boarded a proper train pulled by a steam locomotive. A ploughman’s lunch was enjoyed while we puffed to Bodiam. At the castle a knight in armour met us and guided us round the ruins in a very informative way.
Back to the hotel for a shower and change into our finery (or black tie for the men). The dinner was held at the site of perhaps the most famous battle in English history – the Battle of Hastings in 1066. King Harold acquired the arrow in his eye at the site of Battle Abbey and it was in the library of Battle Abbey School that we dined. We were entertained by the cello playing John Eady who we know as the organist at St Magnus the Martyr. John presented the Master and the Immediate Past Master with the score for the Regent Square a hymn composed for the 400th anniversary of the granting of our Royal Charter.
Bed or the bar.
On Sunday some departed while the hardy ones took part in a Tortoise or Hare charity walk (Wendy’s Diversion) organised by Wendy Hamilton. The Tortoise won by a time difference of 20 minutes and 7 seconds having covered 2.05 miles against the Hare who covered 2.80 miles. However, the route for the Hare involved a considerably steeper and longer climb than that for the Tortoise.
1st – Senior Steward Mike Horwood (after a Stewards’ Inquiry!) who guessed the nearest differential time of 19 minutes and 59 seconds. The Master presented Mike Horwood with a bottle of sparkling wine from the Carr Taylor Vineyard.
A great weekend for which all those participating thank sincerely the Master and his Lady.
Last Year’s Master in a USA Magazine
Published on Wednesday, 1st August 2012
The Plumbing & Mechanical Magazine in the States features a picture of Chris Sneath, the Immediate Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers.
Downloadable documents
City of London Livery Committee Briefing
Published on Wednesday, 1st August 2012
Read the latest from the Committee
Downloadable documents
Autumn Ladies’ Festival – Tuesday 25th September 2012
Published on Wednesday, 1st August 2012
An event not to be missed. The last oportunity to support this year’s Master and his Lady. A magnificent setting that was used in the film “The King’s Speech.
Click on the title above for further details and booking form.
We welcome support from Forest Environmental.
Autumn Ladies’ Festival – Tuesday 25th September 2012
A letter from the Master to ALL Liverymen
You, as a Liveryman, are a very special person – particularly to me. We are all part of a big family who act together to promote our industry, to contribute in a small way towards an improvement in the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves both in the industry and in the City.
Diana and I are having a fabulous and unforgettable year as your Master and his Lady and the above function will be the last major function of our year before handing over to Charles and Jean Yuill on the 17th October.
The Ladies’ Festival this year will be taking place in the magnificent Drapers’ Hall, the main hall of which was used extensively in the film “The King’s Speech”. We have tried very hard to keep the ticket price down but it is a sad fact that equivalent dinners in London are now costing on average about £150 a ticket.
Please try to come and book AS SOON AS YOU RECEIVE THE CLERK’s FLYER. You also have the ideal opportunity to bring along those who might be interested in joining our ancient and great Livery Company. Bring as many guests as you can either afford, or persuade to pay for themselves. As I have said many times this year, we need to “grow the Company” by at least another 40 members.
I hope that I shall look forward to seeing you on the 25th September.
Click on Forest Environmental to see more about our sponsor for this occasion.
Downloadable documents
Her Majesty the Queen writes to the Plumbers
Published on Wednesday, 25th July 2012
The Officers, Members of the Court of Assistants, Liverymen and all Freeman of the Company sent a message of congratulation to Her Majesty on the occasion of Her Diamond Jubilee and she has graciously replied.
Click on title above to see letter.
Downloadable documents
A Day of Recognition
Published on Monday, 23rd July 2012
Jenni Woods and the Master
The Clerk, Peter Cheeseman and the Master
Wendy Hamilton, PM Edward Hopkinson and the Master
The Master’s Day at the Plumbing Museum and Workshop Trust, Weald and Downlands Museum, Singleton was marked by three presentations. The Lead Sheet Association Cup to the City College, Brighton & Hove, the Leonard Hearsey Award to Liveryman Peter Cheeseman and a specially cast model lead horse to Wendy Hamilton. For pictures and details click on the title above.
The cup awarded by the Lead Sheet Association was awarded in recognition of all lead sheet work undertaken and demonstrated in the lead workshop at the Plumbing Museum and Workshop Trust at Singleton. The cup was accepted by Jenni Woods on behalf of the College.
The Leonard Hearsey Award for exceptional lead working contributions by an individual at the museum was presented to Liveryman Peter Cheeseman.
The museum has recently installed a video system enabling vistors to see more clearly the work being undertaken by the demonstrators. The funding for this largely came from a sponsored walk along Hadrian’s Wall by Wendy Hamilton, the wife of Past Master David Hamilton. In recognition of her achievement she was presented with a model horse cast in lead by Liveryman Peter Cheeseman.
The Museum of Plumbing was set up by the Company in 1980 in Court Barn at the Singleton Museum as a collection of plumbing tools and an exhibition illustrating the role of the plumber and his skills. The exhibition also aims to tell the public more about water supply and disposal and was re-opened on 27th March, 1994 after a complete updating and now depicts the evolution of the crafts of Plumbers and Masons over the centuries.
The Younger Inter- Livery Olympic Summer Party
Published on Wednesday, 18th July 2012
Pimms, wine, canapés and cake at Staionerr’s Hall Tuesday 21st August. For further details click on title above and download flyer. Place limited so act NOW
Downloadable documents
We welcome two new Liverymen
Published on Friday, 13th July 2012
Joe Sibthorpe, The Master, Bill Stewart
At the Court meeting on 11 July, Mr Bill Stewart and Mr Joe Sibthorpe were clothed in the Livery. A warm welcome to them both.
Top Company Award bestowed on Liveryman John Smartt
Published on Friday, 13th July 2012
Liveryman John Smartt receives his award from the Master
The St Michael Medallion is made to a person who, or organisation which, has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of Plumbing. Liveryman John Smartt is recognised internationally as such a person
John has recently retired as head of School Construction at Dublin Institute of Technology and Chairman of the Election and Enrolment Committee at CIPHE.
He has been Chief advising Examiner in Plumbing for Irelands national Skills competition and Plumbing expert for Team Ireland.
John’s contribution to plumbing education and training in Ireland at Dublin Institute of Technology has been exceptional. He has led the teaching team at DIT who have pioneered development of City & Guilds Higher Professional Diploma Level 4 Building Services Engineering 4467 (Plumbing). As a result, Dublin has produced many holders of the Master Plumber Certificate and the course of studies has since been introduced at West Notts College, Mansfield in England.
His contribution to World Skills Competitions has been outstanding. John completed four terms as World Expert in Plumbing, ending his spell at the 2011 event held in London where the UK achieved its best ever medal success. Naturally, this included a Gold Medal for Plumbing!
It was most apt therefore that on the 18th October shortly after the end of World Skills 2011 at the Installer Live Awards, John should receive a special award for his outstanding contribution to the Plumbing and Heating Industry.
John has held many leadership positions within the CIPHE, where he has served as National President and taken a particular interest in membership matters. John, a Fellow of CIPHE, has a record of continuous service to this Chartered Institute in many other capacities. Much more, in terms of service to plumbing as an engineering discipline, could be attributed to John and he is an ideal candidate for receipt of the St Michael Medallion.
Wizadry in Wood
Published on Thursday, 12th July 2012
Worshipful Company of Turners will be holding the 3rd Wizardry in Wood Exhibition from 17th – 20th October 2012 in Carpenters’ Hall. For further details click here.
This exhibition is only held every 4 years and has been widely acclaimed for the outstanding work on show. This year there will be over twenty of the UK’s most skilled and creative wood-turners showing the finest of contemporary work.
The exhibition will also feature important historical collections to show how the craft of wood-turning has evolved during the 800 year existence of the Worshipful Company of Turners and its antecedents. These include a display of turned artefacts from the Mary Rose Trust, the amazingly ornate nineteenth century demonstration pieces from the Holtzapffel collection of the London Science Museum and samples of artistic work by the late Theo Fabergé.
Downloadable documents
The Master and his Lady
Published on Thursday, 12th July 2012
Taken in the garden of the Father of the Company, Past Master David Thomson
Any other thoughts as to who said what to who?
Lord Mayor’s Show Tickets 10 November
Published on Monday, 9th July 2012
Grandstand tickets are now available. Book on line. Click here for form and details.
Liveryman Richard Martin Wilton
Published on Monday, 9th July 2012
It is with much sadness we announce the death of Liveryman Richard Martin Wilton, who passed away last week after a courageous fight against Hodgkin’s Disease. Richard had been a Liveryman since 1996 and was a stalwart member of our swimming team, raising much money for charity. He will be buried at a private service in Bournemouth on 27th July, attended by a few friends and colleagues, which he organised himself. His sponsor and colleague, Past Steward John Demont, will be attending and representing the Master and the Company.
The Brighton Royal Pavilion
Published on Monday, 9th July 2012
Brighton Royal Pavilion
It is rumoured that the Master is looking for a new house! Read all about a recent viewing in Brighton.
The Royal Pavilion, Brighton
Friday 6th July
In the words of the Master, “…..such a splendid visit today. It was quite the best one that we have been on – such an amazing place”. 20 Liveryman and guests arrived at the Indian (exterior) and Chinese (interior) fantasy Royal Pavilion, created by The Prince Regent, later King George IV, in stages between 1787 and 1823 as an exotic hedonistic pleasure palace for Court entertaining and the Regent’s many mistresses .
Invited into the delightful and agreeable Red Drawing Room, David Beevers, Keeper of the Royal Pavilion, introduced the building to us. Lively and entertaining though the talk was, it was interrupted by the flooding of the cellars during a torrential down pour. “Is there a plumber in the house…!”, came the cry. The Keeper beat a hasty retreat. Lucky the room wasn’t booked for a wedding. Although a voice suggested the Master should now make it legal.
Alexandra Loske, our charming tour guide, was outstanding. Her encyclopedic knowledge of the history of the building and its contents was exceptional. More so given that history was truly brought alive, made so accessible and engaging. If only other tour guides had such a sparkling personality: Simply, superb.
We were informed how the building developed from a simple farmhouse on the Sussex coast into a neo-classical building by Henry Holland, the designer of Carlton House, and then given the lavish Indian external appearance of domes and turrets by John Nash, between 1815 and 1822. Nash, apparently, lived on the edge of society by gambling and carousing, which so suited a similar like minded Royal patron. Nash encased the Holland’s building with a cast iron structure upon which the building we see today was built – one building inside another.
The Chinoiserie interiors were decorated by Frederick Grace, the Royal decorators, with Robert Jones, painting the graining and designing the spectacular dragon chandeliers (Welsh dragons you know), lit not by candles but oil lamps, in the truly sumptuous banqueting hall. We had arrived in China.
It was revealed that the Prince Regent’s guests were not expected to be resident. Only, to be entertained with a marathon 100 course banquet, in the French style, and then to retire to listen to music in another extraordinary room at the north end of the Pavilion, before being ejected.
The kitchen was as monumental as the State reception rooms. On show was the Duke of Wellington’s battery of copper cooking utensils, the massive cooking range and the preparation tables laid out with raw food to supply the many courses. All under cast iron palm trees to support the roof lantern.
Queen Victoria did not take to Brighton or the Pavilion. The layout and lack of privacy of the rooms were inappropriate for her family; the Isle of Wight being a better bet for new royal residence. After her last visit in 1845 the Pavilion was sold the Corporation of Brighton for £53,000 in 1850. Cunningly, Victoria took all the furniture and fittings, including stripping out the fireplaces, which became part of the fabric of Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace.
Over the years successive Monarchs have returned pieces of furniture and fittings on permanent loan, with Her Majesty returning some 100 major items in the 1950s. However, the fireplaces are replicas. Recently, the bed in which George IV died was returned.
During the Great War the Pavilion was used as a hospital for Indian soldiers, with the Dome (the stables), becoming a military operating theatre. For those Indian servicemen who died, funeral pyres were erected on the South Downs. Today a memorial makes the spot.
Given the small size of the first floor rooms our tour ended in the Library and the Company retired for a gourmet sandwich lunch in a special room set aside for our use. We all thanked Alexandra for her amazing tour; and she was invited to join us for lunch. A self-guided tour continued of the first floor after lunch.
The winner of the caption was the Father of the Company, Past Master, David Thomson, who was presented with a bottle of wine, by the Master. A superlative time was had by all.
Assistant Dr Peter T J Rumley
The Chain of Office and Badge for the Sheriffs-Elect
Published on Monday, 9th July 2012
Many friends and colleagues of Jeffrey Evans have expressed the wish to follow the happy custom of presenting the Sheriff-Elect with the Chain of Office and Badge. Alderman and Sheriff-Elect The Hon. Jeffrey Evans is well known to many of the Plumbers and they may wish to send a donation. Similarly friends and colleagues of Mr Nigel Pullman wish to follow the same custom.
Details for both are to be found on the downloadable documents accessed by clicking on the title above.
Downloadable documents
More jottings from the Master
Published on Monday, 9th July 2012
To read the latest jottings from the Master’s pen please click on the title above.
Master’s Jottings – July 2012
In my previous jottings, I mentioned attendance at functions, recruitment and regional events. I make no apology in banging on again about these three very important issues.
Recruitment – Have you done your bit and brought someone into the Company since last October? If not, there is still time to do so before you will have let me down!!
Regional Events – This is taking a long time to get going but will happen and those Liverymen with whom I have discussed the idea seem to think it will be a useful aid to recruitment.
Attendance at Functions – Well, there is only one major function left during my year and that is the Autumn Ladies’ Festival. We are holding it at the magnificent Drapers’ Hall and their will be no restriction on numbers. Just to remind you, it will be on Tuesday 25th September by which time you should all be back from your holidays! Please do not put the flyer to one side when it appears but fill it in, send it back and COME. You will be sure of a very warm welcome.
And finally – the Company needs more involvement from our Liverymen. At present, there are a relatively small number of Liverymen who get involved and help to run the Company. Whatever your expertise, we can use a bit of help. Whether it is on the Technical side, the City side or the Social side you can help. New and young Freemen and Liverymen need mentoring, schools and colleges need visiting, the very senior Liverymen who are not so able to get about would welcome a visit – and lots more. If you can spare a little time now and again or want to get more involved in the running of your Company, then send an e mail to the Clerk saying how you would like to help.
If you have a good idea about how to increase our numbers – again let the Clerk know. I should like to see many more Liverymen becoming involved. Please support your wonderful Company.
The Jubilee Cruise
Published on Sunday, 8th July 2012
The Plumbers celebrated the Queen’s Jubilee with a cruise on the River Thames
Diamond Jubilee Cruise
(By Steward Ian Smith)
On the evening of Wednesday 30th May the Master and his Lady welcomed one hundred and sixty members of the Livery and their guests on to a privately chartered City Cruise boat to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The cruise was a precursor to The Thames River Pageant, taking place the following Sunday.
The cruise commenced at Westminster Pier, with a sparkling wine reception on the upper viewing deck, before setting off down river towards The Thames Barrier on a fine evening (after a few threatening showers). The assembled company made a splendid sight dressed in touches of red, white and blue and even as complete Union flags! The four course meal was excellent, with plenty of time in between courses for sight-seeing and photographs from the upper deck. The resident singer kept the diners enthralled with a rendition of “songs from the shows”, encouraging her audience to join in – although on reflection, this may not have been a good idea!! The Master then produced his “piece de resistance” on returning upstream to Westminster Pier. As our boat passed under Tower Bridge, we enjoyed the inaugural illumunation of this London icon – a marvellous spectacle to end a very memorable cruise.
For more pictures that you can orderas prints click on Michael O’Sullivan
Two new Sheriffs elected.
Published on Tuesday, 26th June 2012
The Plumbers’ congratulate and welcome the two new Sheriffs – Alderman Jeffrey Evans and Nigel Pullman. We offer our full support to them both. Alderman Jeffrey Evans is “our Alderman” as our office is situated in the Ward of Cheap. Both Jeffrfey and his wife Juliet have graced many of our functions and we look forward to inviting them to many future occasions.
At Common Hall, held in Guildhall on Monday 25 June 2012, the assembly of the Liverymen of the City of London elected the following persons as Sheriffs of the said City:
EVANS, Jeffrey Richard (Alderman, Ward of Cheap and Shipwright)
PULLMAN, Nigel Reginald (Citizen and Leatherseller)
(Click for further details)
The two Sheriffs will take up their posts on 28 September 2012.
There are two Sheriffs of the City of London. The Sheriffs are elected annually by the Liverymen of the Livery Companies, and it is a requirement for a Lord Mayor of the City of London to previously have served as a Sheriff.
Sheriffs attend the Justices at the Central Criminal Court Old Bailey since its original role as the Court for the City and Middlesex. The Sheriffs actually are resident for their year of office in the courthouse complex, so that one of them is always attendant on the judges. The Sheriffs have always been jointly those for the City of London and Middlesex. In Court No1 the principal chairs on the ‘bench’ are reserved for them and the Lord Mayor, the City’s Sword hangs behind the ‘bench’.
They are elected at the Midsummer Common Hall by the Liverymen by acclamation unless a ballot is demanded from the floor which takes place within 14 days. The returning officers at the Common Hall are the Recorder of London (senior Judge of the ‘Old Bailey’) and the serving Sheriffs.
The sheriffs only cover the square mile of the City of London. There is now a High Sheriff of Greater London who covers London outside of the City, which today incorporates parts of several old counties, notably Middlesex.
The title of Sheriff, or “Shire Reeve”, evolved during the Anglo-Saxon period of English history; the Reeve was the representative of the king in a city, town or shire, responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing the law. By the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066, the City of London had Sheriffs, usually two at a time; the Sheriffs were the most important city officials and collected London’s annual taxes on behalf of the royal exchequer; they also had judicial duties in the City’s law courts. Until 1130, the sheriffs were directly appointed by the king; however, London gained a degree of self-government during the 12th century, including the right to choose its own Sheriff, a right which was affirmed in an 1141 charter by King Stephen.
In 1189, an annually elected mayor was introduced as chief magistrate for the City of London (along the lines of some European cities of the time such as Rouen and Liege); this change was reaffirmed by a charter granted by King John in 1215. As such, the Sheriffs were relegated to a less senior role in the running of the city, and became subordinate to the mayor. However, the mayor (later Lord Mayor of the City of London) generally served as sheriff before becoming mayor, and in 1385 the Common Council of London stipulated that every future Lord Mayor should “have previously been Sheriff so that he may be tried as to his governance and bounty before he attains to the Estate of Mayoralty”; this tradition continues to this day.
The Chelsea Physic Garden
Published on Monday, 25th June 2012
Chelsea Physic Garden
A visit to the largest botanical garden in London. A real hidden treasure.
VISIT TO CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN 12 JUNE
Despite the very real prospect of storm and tempest 18 hearty Livery men and their guests led by the Master and his wife braved the elements to visit the Chelsea Physic Garden on Tuesday 12 June. Good fortune smiled upon us! After 48 hours of non stop rain the clouds lifted and precipitation ceased shortly before the start of our afternoon visit.
The Chelsea Physic Garden is the largest botanical garden in London. Hidden behind high walls just along from the Chelsea Hospital lies 4 acres of peace and tranquillity. The Garden was founded in 1673 by what is now the Worshipful Company of Apothecaries to study botany in relation to medicine then known as “physic”. Shortly after its creation the Garden fell on hard times and was rescued by Dr Hans Sloane after whom Sloane Square is named. Today the Garden continues to promote research and public education in conjunction with the Natural History Museum and the botanic gardens in Edinburgh and Kew.
Our visit started with a tour of the Garden which because of it position benefits from a warm, sheltered micro climate of its own. A host of plants and herbs were pointed out, many originating in warmer climes together with their varied medicinal qualities. These form the basis of many drugs which are in common use today. They are used to treat a wide range of ailments such as cancer, heart, joint and stomach disease and provide the key ingredients for Aspirin!
We were also introduced to the Physic’s latest attraction the Garden of Edible and Useful Plants. This opened last month and displayed plants with diverse features such as the capacity to remove from the environment mercury, cadmium, and zinc, all of which are highly toxic. Sunflowers were also included as they had been used after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster to draw radio active material from the surrounding soils.
After what was a fascinating and stimulating tour we adjourned to the Tangerine Dream Café situated in the Garden to be revived with a glass of champagne or Pimms. This was followed by a delicious cream tea.
Sadly all good things come to and it was soon time to say farewell to the Garden and happy memories of a hidden gem in London.
STEWARD KEN NEWNHAM
13 JUNE
The defending champions concede defeat – for this year!!
Published on Tuesday, 29th May 2012
The annual Livery Yacht Club race at Cowes was won by the Fanmakers. Congratulations to their crew.
The Plumbers were the defending champions. Great racing in perfect weather – sunshine and wind.
Three boats up front – Innholders, Butchers and the Plumbers; at times only feet apart.
Butchers had crossed the start line too soon but elected not to go round again and race Innholders and the Plumbers just for the fun of it.
The Plumbers crossed the finish line second, but thought Innholders had still won it on handicap. Come the announcement at dinner, the Plumbers came 4th and Innholders 3rd! There were two boats, Woolmen (2nd) and Fanmakers (1st), 35 mins behind the Plumbers in old boats that had such a huge handicap they were judged to have beaten the Plumbers by approx 5 mins!
As the race only lasted 2 hours I the Plumbers would have needed a speed boat to retain the trophy.
The City of London Livery Committee
Published on Saturday, 19th May 2012
The Livery Committee assists Livery Companies in their support of the Mayoralty and the City of London Corporation. It is aimed at creating awareness amongst Liverymen and the general public of the work of the Livery Companies. It undertakes such tasks which are intended to be in the best interests of the general body of the Livery.
The latest Briefing produced by the Livery Committee can be found in the City section of “Our work”.
The Company goes to Lords
Published on Tuesday, 15th May 2012
The Members
Tour of Lords Cricket Ground on Wednesday 9th May 2012. For full report click on the title.
On Wednesday 9th May, the Master along with thirty liverymen and guests, mostly cricket enthusiasts toured Lords Cricket Ground.
The Cricket ground itself is preparing for a busy season of cricket and Olympic Archery.
The rain held off while our guide, Richard took us on the tour informing us of the history of cricket and pointing out paintings of cricketers past and present. Starting in the Long Room, and then the Allen Dressing Room, on to the Real Tennis Court (while a game was in progress), and the Museum where we viewed the urn with the Ashes.
Outside we toured the stands where he pointed out the eight and a half foot slope from one end of the pitch to another and then on to the ultra modern Media Centre.
From the prizewinning Media Centre, built in a shipyard, on the lines of an ocean going yacht we had a good view of the pitch including the score box and the weather vane of Old Father Time.
Behind the Media Centre is another smaller pitch known as the Nursery ground, where minor matches are played, which was a market garden in the nineteenth century. The owner at the time used to let out the field… for archery.
It was then on to a simple lunch at Lords Tavern.
Golf Update
Published on Tuesday, 15th May 2012
Updated news for golfers. Some great days out. Your support wanted.
West Essex originally scheduled for May 2nd but postponed because of the weather.Now re-arranged for June 6th.
If you are interested in the new date and have not already entered please contact me.Golf and lunch cost £50.
Sunningdale Ladies June 28th organised by the Painter-Stainers. Golf and lunch cost about £50.
About 6 members already entered.Room for more.
New Zealand July 13th Our main event.Please let me have details of your entry with names and handicaps of guests.
Cost the same as last year : £110 members £120 guests Payment needed by the end of June.
Hartley Wintney 26th July Ray Jeffs Cup run by the Airline Pilots and Navigators.We hope to have a team in this event.
Ryder Cup Livery Fellowship Golf Day organised by the Marketors.Verulam golf club July 2nd. NEW NEW
We have been invited to enter a team or individuals in this competition.Lots of prizes.Putting competition and 18 holes.
Sam Ryder was the captain of this club and presented the Ryder Cup trophy.
Cost £80 to include coffee and rolls;gift pack;4course dinner with wines and coffee.
This would be a new event for us and we were invited because of our qualification for the Prince Arthur Cup.
If you are interested please let me know as soon as possible.We have to confirm entries quickly.
Prince Arthur Cup We were unable to raise a team this year but I have received confirmation that we are
qualified for next year.We must try to raise a team for this important competition between 54 livery companies.
Please respond to this soon if you are interested in New Zealand or Verulam. Support your livery golf society.
Contact Don Munro email donmunro@hotmail.com
Death of Past Steward Leonard Geoffrey (Len ) Bill
Published on Monday, 14th May 2012
It is with great regret that we announce the death of Past Steward Leonard Geoffrey (Len ) Bill, who passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness on Thursday 10th May 2012. Len joined the Company in 1987 and served as a Steward from 1990 to 1997.
His funeral will be held at The Church of English Martyrs, 2 East St, Chard, Somerset at 11:30am on Tuesday 22nd May 2012 and the Master will be represented by Past Steward Jim Guyton.
Royal River Exhibition at the National Maritime Museum
Published on Monday, 14th May 2012
A great exhibition well worth seeing In this Jubilee year. Lots of rarely seen treasures from many Livery Companies. Go to Special events page in Our events section or click on Royal River: Power, Pageantry and the Thames
Company Supported Student wins first prize in the Kathleen Ferrier Awards
Published on Tuesday, 1st May 2012
On Sunday 29 April, Natalya Romaniw won the 2012 Kathleen Ferrier Award. This is widely regarded as the most prestigious singing competition in the UK. Natalya not only won the competition but was unanimously awarded first prize.
She was the Company supported student at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2011.
On Friday night, Natalya Romaniw won first prize in what is generally reckoned the most prestigious singing contest in the UK, the annual Kathleen Ferrier Awards.
The awards test all sorts of singing. Opera, art song, oratorio/concert and Bach/Handel are all compulsory elements. So although the contest is held at the Wigmore Hall, it’s not necessarily the best lieder singer who wins.
Natalya is a good all-rounder, but opera is clearly her greatest strength. She’s still only 25, but already her big steely soprano sounds remarkably mature, a cutting Slavic edge betraying her Ukrainian heritage (despite the name, she’s actually Welsh).
And she has the personality and confidence to put across the words. As well as the top award, Natalya won the song prize for Britten’s Tell me the Truth about Love, a high risk choice that can be positively toe-curling if not done absolutely right. Fortunately for Natalya she pulled it off with wit and a genuine and easily-found bond with the audience, a sort of operatic X-Factor. Not every singer manages to make an impression, but Natalya did, just as on every other occasion I’ve seen her perform. A clear and worthy winner who should go far.
Welcome to five New Liverymen
Published on Monday, 30th April 2012
The New Liverymen
At the April Court meeting, five new Freeman of the City were clothed in the Livery of the Plumbers’ Company.
The Master together with (from left to right)
Mark Beresford Gubbins MD Insurance Broker
Robert Beagley Director Plumbing Parts Company
Alan Michael Pickering CBE Chairman Trustee Company
The Master
Christopher John Maityard CEO Plumbing Parts Company
Anthony Noel Higginson Lowe Retired Builder
Allan McDougall Project Director
The Court lead by the Master gave them a warm welcome. All Liverymen in the Company are encouraged to do likewise.They joined the Court for lunch together with their wives and sponsors were possible. We look forward to welcoming more into the Livery before the year is out. Have you taken up the Master’s challenge to introduce a new member?
Charity Trustees approve a raft of new grants.
Published on Monday, 30th April 2012
The Worshipful Company of Plumbers Charitable Trust supports a wide range of educational and City related activities. At their last meeting grants exceeding £16,000. Read the details under Our Work: Charity Work
Court slashes fees for the under 40s!
Published on Monday, 30th April 2012
The Court decided to reduce by 50% the admission donation and the quarterage for new Liverymen under the age of 40. Normal quarterage will be due after the age of 40 is reached.
Are their any potential members who have been put off by the costs? If so now is the time to reconsider. Talk to a Liveryman or contact the Clerk for membership details.
What is the Plumbers’ Company all about?
Published on Wednesday, 18th April 2012
Come to the New & Prospective Members Lunch on Tuesday 15th May and bring your friends and colleagues who think may be interested in becomig a Liveryman. Remember they do not have too be connected with plumbing but are prepared to support our aims and objectives.
If you are a Liveryman this is the ideal opportunity to encourage potential members and to support those who have recently joined the Company.
Places are still available but BOOK NOW to be sure of a place.
Further details can be downloaded by clicking on “More news articles” below.
Downloadable documents
The Master’s Jottings
Published on Thursday, 5th April 2012
The Master presents his third jottings for the year.
Master’s Jottings – March 2012
Well, both the Lecture and the Banquet are over for this year and what terrific support we got from Liverymen for the Lecture. We ended up with about 290 attending which was excellent and I just hope that everyone found the lecture interesting and thought provoking.
The Banquet is still very much in my mind as we had a good turnout of about 260. However, within that number there were only 89 Liverymen. It raises the question of where were the other 260? Please, when you get your Calendar of Events for the year in October/November each year, sit down with your diary and enter up the Lecture, Banquet and Ladle Dinner dates so you do not forget.
Although Liverymen are starting to invite friends to join our wonderful Company, the trickle is slow and needs to speed up and it is not helped at the moment by a blockage at Guildhall in getting a date for Freedom of the City. Please persevere. We are conducting a trial where three volunteer Liverymen have agreed to run a regional get-together of Liverymen and their friends in their County. These counties are Surrey, Hampshire and Hertfordshire. If you live in these counties, you may expect to hear from the “county organiser” in the near future.
There is a busy programme ahead for the summer with various events for those with particular interests. Inter Livery Young Members’ Quiz, Inter Livery Clay Shoot, a get-together of young Liverymen with members of the Society of Young Freemen in a City Wine Bar, the Inter Livery Yacht Race Weekend at Cowes, the New and Prospective Members’ Lunch, the Diamond Jubilee Cruise (reserve list only now I am afraid) and of course the monthly visits to places of interest such as Lord’s Cricket Ground, the Chelsea Physic Garden and the Brighton Pavilion for those who are not working. If you are interested in any of these activities, do ask the staff in the office to put you in touch with the organiser. If you are not, please tell a Court member what you would like to see the Livery organise and we shall see what we can do.
From Diana and myself, have a great summer.
The Master.
The Gathering of the Livery
Published on Tuesday, 3rd April 2012
Every year since 1943, the Livery Companies of the City of London have gathered in St Paul’s Cathedral to give thanks to God and reminding the world that they are Worshipful Companies. This year the United Guilds Service was held on 23rd March
Report by Charles Yuill, Upper Warden of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers
The 70th Service of the United Guilds of the City of London, the Diamond Jubilee and Public Service, took place at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday, the 23rd March.
The idea behind the first Service, which took place on the 25th March, 1943, was to help lift spirits in the City following the Blitz during the Second World War and, as far as records show, that was the first occasion upon which all the Livery Companies of the City combined to hold a religious service.
This year, St Paul’s was absolutely full following the now well established tradition of an annual service. Tickets are very sought after each year and it was good to see the Plumbers well represented in the Company Pew by the Master, me as Upper Warden, Past Masters, Liverymen and their guests.
One of the highlights of the Service itself comes at the start with The Procession which included St Paul’s Cathedral Choir, the Beadles of the Grocers’ and Mercers’ Companies, Masters of selected Livery Companies, Officers of the City, Members of the Clergy including the College of Canons and the Bishop of London and the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, Alderman David Wootton.
There then followed a very dignified Service in the most wonderful surroundings and majesty of St Paul’s and a very thought provoking sermon preached by the Bishop of London, the Right Reverend Richard Chartres.
As somebody who has attended the United Guilds Service regularly for several years, I cannot help feeling that those Liverymen who have not been able to participate should really make an effort to do so. It is difficult to describe in just a few words the magnificence of the occasion and sense of grandeur that comes with it and, whether a regular attendee at church or not, I urge you to experience it for yourselves.
After the conclusion of the Service, those Plumbers present and their guests made their way to Plaisterers’ Hall at One London Wall to enjoy a magnificent luncheon provided by The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers after which our Master, Lieutenant Colonel Antony Paterson-Fox as the senior Master amongst the assembled guests, made an entertaining and humorous speech in response to the toast of ‘The Guests’ proposed by Master Plaisterer.
Top Army Plumber receives Livery award from Army Chief
Published on Tuesday, 20th March 2012
General Sir Peter Wall, Chief of the General Staff, on the occasion of the Plumbers’ Annual Banquet presented the Worshipful Company of Plumbers annual award to Sapper Dean King, the soldier attaining the highest marks in the Army Plumbers Training Course. The Banquet, is the highlight of the Company Year and was attended by the Lord Mayor Locum Tenens, Alderman Sir Michael Savory and 250 Liverymen and guests.
General Sir Peter Wall, presented the Award to Sapper Dean King who came top of his course in 2011 and who together with his wife attended the Banquet held in the Mansion House yesterday evening. The citation for Sapper Dean is attached.
The Lord Mayor Locum Tenens, Alderman Sir Michael Savory represented the Lord Mayor who was on an overseas visit.
The Master, Lt Colonel Antony Paterson-Fox, welcomed representatives from the City, Masters from other Companies, representatives from the three branches of the Armed Forces, Liverymen and their guests. A particular welcome was given to Russ Chaney and his wife Jutta. Russ is the Chairman of the World Plumbing Council. The formal welcome was given by the Upper Warden, Charles Yuill.
Stirring music for the evening with the ever popular Post Horn Gallop was provided by The London Banqueting Ensemble.
The evening was one of great fellowship and exemplified the wide diversity of plumbing and the work of the Plumbers’ Company.
The Company acknowledges the generous sponsorship of John Guest Ltd., HurleyPalmerFlatt Ltd. and Pegler Yorkshire Group Ltd.
A write up of the event from the Upper Warden is attached.
Photographs were taken by Michael O’Sullivan and can be viewed on his web site www.michaelosullivan.co.uk
Downloadable documents
The Annual Banquet in Pictures
Published on Tuesday, 20th March 2012
See who attended the Plumbers’ Annual Banquet, observe highlights of the evening. Go to www.michaelosullivan.co.uk or click here
If you were present you may see your own picture, if you were not get some of the atmosphere by seeing the occasion through the camera lens.
You can aslo relive previous Plumbers’ functions. This is due to Michael O’Sullivan who has for many years provided a high quality service to Livery companies based in The City of London. He covers many of the Banquets, Dinners, Installation Ceremonies, Presentations, Awards and other Events that are held within the Capital. Such is the relationship he has withthe Plumbers’ that early in 2007, he was honoured to be presented with the ‘Freedom of the Company’ from the Worshipful Company of Plumbers.
Go to www.michaelosullivan.co.uk or click here.
The Annual City Water Debate Sponsored by The Wet 10
Published on Wednesday, 7th March 2012
The fourth annual City Water Debate, sponsored by the ‘WET 10,’ took place on Monday 5 March at Farmers’ and Fletchers’ Hall. The WET 10, who actually currently number 13, are a group of Livery Companies with a common interest in the health of the water environment. The guest speakers were Professor Sir John Beddington, the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser and Lord Redesdale the Liberal Democrat peer.
Sir John presented a gripping and cogently argued overview of the serious water issues facing the world which are aggravated by climate change and the hugely expanding world population especially in Africa and Asia. Rupert Redesdale particularly highlighted the need for UK water consumers and providers, and the industry regulator OFWAT, fully to embrace sustainability. There was a wide range of questions from the various Livery Company representatives and their guests. Tom Heap of BBC Radio 4 attended and undertook interviews afterwards for a planned future edition of Costing the Earth.
The imortance of water cannot be over emphasised, yet sadly most of society in developed countries take it for granted. This is something that requires attention form everyoner as water shortages will imopct on all our lives. The challenge is “using water wisely but saving water safely”.
Commenting afterwards Colin Drummond, Chair of the WET 10 said, “The annual City Water Debate demonstrates the breadth of the Livery movement bringing together senior representatives from users and suppliers of water, from the Farmers and Gardeners through to the Plumbers and Water Conservators. We are an increasingly respected voice in the water and environment debate”.
For further information, please contact:
Colin Drummond by cdrummond@viridor.co.uk“>email. Additional information is available on the WET 10 website
Water for Life
Published on Wednesday, 29th February 2012
We think of water as free, falling from the sky in abundance. It is only when rivers start to run dry, reservoirs fall low, cracks emerge in the ground that the old certainties are shaken. These are warning signs of what we might expect to see in a changing climate.
The Rt Hon. Caroline Spellman MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The White Paper makes no explicit reference to the vital role that water companies play in protecting and promoting public health. The provision of water and sanitation services is essential in maintaining the health of the nation.
Pamela Taylor CEO Water UK
Click here to access the new Government White Paper entitled “Water for Life”.
The Plumbers win the Ladies’ Pancake Race
Published on Wednesday, 22nd February 2012
Sophie Sibthorpe, daughter of the Clerk’s Assistant, triumphed in the Ladies Race in the 2012 Annual Livery Pancake Race. Well done Sophie. Our full team comprised Chris Sneath, the IPM representing the Master, Stewards David Attwood and Richard Harvey as well as Sophie. The Master and Clerk led the supporting cast which at times included the Master Actuary (or in Plumbers’ parlance PM Lockyer).
In 2004 the Poulters inaugurated the City’s inter-livery pancake race. The original participants were Livery companies in some way associated with the making of pancakes with invited teams from the Mansion House and Guildhall. This event now takes place each year in Guildhall yard at midday on Shrove Tuesday by kind permission of the Chief Commoner.
It is a colourful event with competitors that included a Sheriff in 2004 running in their regalia and/or fancy dress. Each team consists of four competitors who compete for the Trophy – frying pans are awarded to the winner of each class final. Traditionally the Gunmakers start each heat with a bang, the Clockmakers are responsible for the accuracy of the timing, the Fruiterers provide lemons, the Cutlers plastic forks, the Glovers white gloves worn by each runner, and the Poulters the eggs essential in the making of the pancakes. A recent welcome additional attraction has been a specially commissioned piece sung by the Musicians Company.
Such is the appeal of the event that it has been widened to include other Livery Companies and Corporation Departments such as The Old Bailey, preferably with a relationship (however specious) to the making of pancakes. This year the Chief Commoner ran in, and won, a special heat which was put on by way of consolation for those Companies whose entries in the main event could not be accommodated because of its growing popularity. By so doing he also assured the Carmens’ Company, of which coincidently he is Master, of a place in next year’s main event.
Any surplus funds from the event and pancake sales are donated by the joint organisers, the Poulters’ Company and ‘The Cook and The Butler’, to the Lord Mayor’s Charity.
Master’s Jottings 2
Published on Thursday, 9th February 2012
Click on the title above to acess the second of the Master’s Jottings for the year. He has received letters from the Lord Mayor that he wishes to share with you.
Master’s Jottings –February 2012
A big thank you to all those Liverymen who attended the Company Lecture on the 31st January. It was a record attendance (well in recent years) of 198 and should have created a surplus which will go to our Charity.
I have recently had two personal letters from the Lord Mayor, both of which concern Charitable matters. The first is the annual Lord Mayor’s appeal to support “Fit for the Future”. Please see (www.lordmayorsappeal.org). However, this year there is a novel twist to the appeal.
The Lord Mayor is asking every Liveryman to give a gift aided donation of £80 (total value £100), a total of nearly £3 million would be raised. However, he is proposing that 50% of the figure raised remains with the individual Livery Company to be allocated according to its charitable objectives, and 50% donated to the Lord Mayor’s appeal thus providing substantial benefit to both good causes. An attractive proposition, I am sure you will agree so, if you feel able to support this initiative, please send your cheques to “The Worshipful Company of Plumbers Lord Mayor’s Appeal 2012”.
The second letter is asking whether individual Liverymen may wish to consider contributing in a personal capacity towards the funding of The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant. This pageant will be watched not only by the 1.5 million people who are expected to line the river to watch the flotilla passing but will attract one of the biggest ever television audiences. As the Lord Mayor says, the eyes of the world will be on London. The Fundraising Director is Roy Ratazzi who would be delighted to answer any questions. His contact details are: r.ratazzi@thamesdiamondjubileefoundation.orgor telephone: 07515274248.
This year at the Banquet (which I hope you will all try to attend!!) we are going to ask the Chief of the General Staff to present the annual award to the Army Plumber of the Year. This will help to put our charitable work for the craft right into the spotlight. Please just remember to have learnt The Sung Grace before the 19th March and ensure that you brief your guests on the protocol required at these prestigious occasions. See the downloadable documents below.
Downloadable documents
Livery Golf 2012
Published on Sunday, 22nd January 2012
Fun and fellowship in the Livery through Golf. If you are interested please find further details by clicking on the title
Livery Golf 2012 Greetings to all livery golfers. It is now time to plan our events for the coming year. I am listing the programme of possible golf days and would like feedback from the members of the Golf Society so that we can discover the level of support. In some cases the exact date is not yet known at the present time. Teams for inter-livery competitions have to be entered by the end of March so we need to start preparing entries soon.
Our own events are:-
West Essex Golf Club 2nd May 18 holes with lunch. A repeat of the enjoyable day we have held for the past two years. Purely social and informal so that members can meet and play together.
New Zealand Golf Club 13th July Our main meeting. 18 or 36 holes with lunch. The cost this year should be the same as last year. £110 for members / £120 for guests.
We do not anticipate a match with The Actuaries this year, but there is the possibility of a match against the Painter/Stainers.
Inter-Livery
Prince Arthur Cup 17th May Walton Heath 36 holes This prestigious event involves teams of 4 from 54 Livery Companies. We have qualified for this years competition following our result last year. Entry and payment has to be made by the end of March.
Worshipful Company of Information Technologists Charity golf day at Lambourne Golf Club. Early June. 18 holes. Teams of 4.
Ray Jeffs Cup run by the Guild of Airline Pilots and Air Navigators.26th July. 18 holes at Hartlley Wintney. Teams of 4.
Painter-Stainers 28th June Sunningdale Ladies.18 holes I recommend this event. Last year I took part at short notice and found it very enjoyable. Not a team event. A singles competition. The course has eleven par 3’s and seven par 4’s. More challenging than it sounds. Cost about £50.
Please let me know by e-mail (donmunro@hotmail.com) before the end of February by post indicating which events are of interest to you by ticking the relevant entries.
If you wish to support our golfing activities and receive fulldetails of ll events, please send a cheque for £10 in favour of WCP Golf Society in respect of the annual subscription. to Don Munro, 1,Dunboe Place, Shepperton, Middlesex. TW17 9HH .
I hope to see many of you on the golf course during the coming year. Please give your support.
Don Munro (Hon Sec)
Forthcoming events. Details and booking forms under the date in events
Published on Thursday, 12th January 2012
- April 18 – Younger Inter Livery Quiz Night details under Our Events/Special Events
- April 25 – Government Art Collection Visit SOLD OUT Waiting list only
- May 9 – Visit to Lord’s – Home of Cricket
- May 15 – New & Prospective Members’ Lunch
- May 30 – Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The Plumbers’ Showboat Cruise. SOLD OUT Reserve bookings only
- August 3 -5 Master’s Weekend
National Theatre Visit
Published on Tuesday, 3rd January 2012
A backstage tour at the National Theatre has been arranged for 8th February 2012. It is over four decades since the National Theatre Company under Lawrence Oliver gave their first ever performance. Since the opening night of Hamlet starring Peter O’Toole on 22ndOctober 1963 the National Theatre has produced over 600 plays. There are over 1000 performances every year, given by 150 actors to over 600,000 people. A permanent exhibition “Stage by Stage” on the history of the National is open to the public on the third floor in the Olivier Circle Gallery.