News from 2014
Shaping Our Water Future – The International Water Association looks ahead.
Published on Wednesday, 17th December 2014
One of IWA’s major successes this year, the World Water Congress & Exhibition. The Congress synthesis report that provides an overview of the main highlights of the Congress is attached. It documents the key discussions and debates that took place in Lisbon. Click here to obtain your copy.
If there was one message from the debates and discussions at the Congress it is that, when it comes to securing our water future, we have an enormous opportunity to get it right. This is something that you, the IWA network of members, contribute to on a daily basis. The Synthesis Report reflects this optimism, while recognising the enormous challenges ahead.
One of IWA’s major successes this year, the World Water Congress & Exhibition. The Congress synthesis report that provides an overview of the main highlights of the Congress is attached. It documents the key discussions and debates that took place in Lisbon. Click here to obtain your copy.
If there was one message from the debates and discussions at the Congress it is that, when it comes to securing our water future, we have an enormous opportunity to get it right. This is something that you, the IWA network of members, contribute to on a daily basis. The Synthesis Report reflects this optimism, while recognising the enormous challenges ahead.
Downloadable documents
‘Stepping Forward’ Presentation to Livery Companies
Published on Tuesday, 16th December 2014
On Thursday 11th December at Merchant Taylors Hall in the City of London, Masters and representatives of 24 Livery Companies assembled for a special event organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Greater London. Accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir David Brewer, Field Marshal Sir John Chapple presented each of the Worshipful Companies with a numbered copy of ‘Stepping Forward’
This publication compiled by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Greater London documents the record of the Volunteer Military Reservists and supporting Auxiliaries from London from 1908 to 2014. It is a comprehensive and detailed reference guide to the lineages of, and linkages to, London’s Reserve Force units.
The brainchild of Field Marshal Sir John Chapple, it was first published in 2008 as a guide to Titles and Battle Honours of the Territorial Army in Greater London since 1908. This new edition includes details of Reserve unit links with the London Boroughs and Livery Companies, historical listings of Reserve Forces Centres and the locations of memorials to the fallen. The book has been published in a format that is hoped will encourage attention from both old and young, keen to find out more about the volunteer military heritage within Greater London. It has also been published as a website (http://www.steppingforwardlondon.org/) which will provide a lasting legacy and a living update available to all.
Plumbing for St Magnus – Help!!
Published on Wednesday, 10th December 2014
Anyone who has spent a penny in the toilet al St Magns knows that it is a less than pleasant experience There is only one toilet for use by the congregation and by other groups who use the church. This can sometimes include three classes of small school children on a field trip to Pudding Lane! It needs a total refurbishment, which will cost in the region of £2500.
Considering that the Worshipful Company of Plumbers has a historic link with the church, with the Master’s approval, Liveryman Philip Warner, the Cardinal Rector of St Magnus, is turning to the livery for help in this matter, and asking everyone to ‘spend a penny’, or indeed, rather more.
At the Carol Service there was no collection plate but a basket at he back took just under £500 and a further £100 has been donated through the Office. Your contribution will be gratefully received and if you have your cheque book handy, please make one out to ‘St Magnus PCC’.
Post it to The Church Warden St Magnus Vestry House, Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6DN or send it via our Clerk. Either way, if you pay tax in this country, please ensure you attach a signed note that includes your name and address stating ‘ I am a UK taxpayer intending tax to be reclaimed on the enclosed donation made under the Gift Aid Scheme’.
A joyful start to the Christmas Season
Published on Wednesday, 10th December 2014
The Clerk reads a lesson.
The church of St Magnus the Martyr rang out with the joyful singing of Cristmas Carols at the annual Company Carol Service. Six readings from the bible took us through the Christmas story and the choir introduced us to “Gaudete Christus Est Natus” a special 14th Century carol to celebrate our 650th anniversary. Do join us next year.
Past Masters’ Ladies’ Luncheon 11th November 2014
Published on Tuesday, 9th December 2014
On 11th November 2014, sixteen Past Master’s ladies of the Plumbers’ Company gathered at The Coopers’ Hall in Devonshire Square for the fourteenth annual Past Master’s Ladies Luncheon. They were warmly welcomed at the door by their Hostess Mrs Diana Paterson-Fox, and Past Master Antony was waiting downstairs with a much welcome glass of champagne. Following a happy time of fellowship and chat, the Clerk of the Coopers’ Company, Lt Col Adrian Carroll, gave a very interesting introduction and history of the Company in the wonderful ambience of the Museum.
There followed a delicious lunch served in the magnificent Dining Room, with the table grandly decorated with some of the Company Silver. Following lunch and a lot more chat, a toast was proposed to ourselves and to the founder of this wonderful occasion, Past Master John Rae.
Past Master John Rae introduced the idea of a Past Master’s Ladies Lunch. The first lunch was organised by Past Master Charles Smith on 21st November 2001 and was hosted by immediate Past Master’s lady Mrs Judy Moir. The luncheons are now usually held on the same day as Ladle Dinner and hosted by the Past Master’s Lady of 2 years before.
Investing in Water and Sanitation:
Published on Friday, 5th December 2014
UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water 2014
2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation1
1 billion people practice open defecation, nine out of ten in rural areas
748 million people lack access to improved drinking-water
1.8 billion people use a source of drinking-water that is faecally contaminated1
HUNDREDS of millions of people have no access to soap and water to wash their hands, preventing a basic act that would empower them to block the spread of disease.
Read more here.
City View – What is going on in the City?
Published on Thursday, 4th December 2014
Read the latest edition of City View the magazine of the City of London Corporation by clicking here.
Downloadable documents
A Behind the Scenes Tour of Tower Bridge.
Published on Wednesday, 3rd December 2014
Visit to Tower Bridge –Thursday 26th February 2015 ****FULLY BOOKED WAITING LIST ONLY*****We are arranging a further tour and first priority will be given to those on the waiting list******
This exclusive tour takes you to areas unseen by Exhibition ticket holders. Led by an experienced Technical Officer, visitors will view the Bridge control rooms where they can see both new and old bridge lifting equipment, and down to the immense Bascule Chambers that reach below the river bed. This also includes a Personal Guided tour of Tower Bridge Exhibition, including the Walkways and Victorian Engine Rooms. Please note that this tour features steep stairs and confined areas.
For details and booking form click here.
Downloadable documents
The latest Livery Briefing
Published on Monday, 1st December 2014
Herewith the latest edition of the bi-monthly Livery Briefing. The content draws heavily on the News pages at the Livery Committee website, where you can find details and links to a host of livery related information, but also includes the candidates’ names in the two forthcoming contested aldermanic elections (in Bishopsgate and Dowgate) To download click here.
Downloadable documents
A Livery answer to the North South divide
Published on Sunday, 30th November 2014
You are warmly invited to join fellow City of London Liverymen for an inaugural Northern lunch in the magnificent Banqueting Suite at Manchester Town Hall at 12 noon on Friday 29 May 2015. The principal speaker will be the 2013/2014 Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Fiona Woolf CBE.
Around 1,200 City of London Liverymen live in the North of England which, very roughly for this purpose, runs from Nottinghamshire/Staffordshire to the Scottish border. Forty one of the City’s one hundred and ten Companies have ten or more Liverymen resident in the North. Furthermore, in 2014 the North was home to four City Livery Masters, which will rise to seven City Livery Masters in 2015.
For details and booking click here.
Would any Plumber intending to attend please inform Paul, our Clerk by email at paulnash@plumberscompany.org.uk
Downloadable documents
Our events for this Livery Year – Our 650th
Published on Thursday, 27th November 2014
Click here for a leaflet
Community Plumbing Challenge
Published on Thursday, 27th November 2014
The World Plumbing Council, along with the WorldSkills Foundation, Health Habitat, IAPMO and RMIT University was directly involved in the establishment of the Water Innovation Challenge held earlier this year in Singapore, along. This has now evolved into the Community Plumbing Challenge with the proponents seeing it as an excellent opportunity to have plumbing actively involved in improving access to water and sanitation in those places of need, particularly India and Africa. This initiative will support the efforts of both the World Health Organisation and the United Nations in improving access to these essential human needs improving the health and wellbeing of millions of people around the globe.
Click here to read more
The Challenge will demonstrate those plumbing skills and techniques required to implement water harvesting/catchment and effective sanitation systems using localy available materials, to ensure cost effective solutions. It will also encourage local communities and individuals in villages to learn the basic plumbing skills required to meet their own water and sanitation needs into the future.
This idea reinforces the international relevance of the WPC and it’s essential relationship with WHO and WSF, etc., while demonstrating locally what we can achieve by working together. Similarly, the regional meetings of the WPC are bridging gaps between the member organisations and providing the WPC with a presence where we live. Past Master Geoff Marsh writes “I happened to be reading the autobiography of Michael Buerk, the BBC Reporter who shook the complacency of mankind in 1984. He suddenly appeared on television, standing in the morning mist at Koren, in Ethiopia surrounded by dying people in what was a massive unreported famine. What happened next is never to be forgotten. Relief poured in from all corners of the world as people felt ashamed that this catastrophy could happen unnoticed on a planet with advanced methods of communication. Famine, of course involves lack of drinking water and effective sanitation, so let this be a lesson to us if we ever doubt the importance of our World Plumbing Council. In many respects we have only just started to realise the scale of what we have to do to unlock our potential. That is why the Community Plumbing Challenge can be another step forward in this shared responsibility.”
Plumbers help combat Legionnaires Disease
Published on Sunday, 23rd November 2014
The attached report (click here) of an outbreak of Legionnaires Disease in an old persons home in Spain illustrates the important role of plumbers in combating this disease.
LEGIONELLOSIS – SPAIN (GALICIA) RETIREMENT HOMES
The Galician Health Service (SERGAS, its initials in Spanish) confirmed that 2 additional positive cases of legionnaires disease have been detected in the As Gandaras nursing home for the elderly . Consequently, there are now 8 affected persons in this facility
According to the SERGAS report, these 2 most recently affected persons have already been admitted in the HULA (initials for the Lucus Augusti University Hospital in Spanish), and are receiving therapy there, as has been the case for the other 5 elderly patients from the same nursing home. They are said to be “doing well”. On the other hand, with respect to the positive cases confirmed in the San Salvador nursing home in Guntin Municipality, where a 2nd Legionella outbreak was detected in Lugo Province — SERGAS confirmed that there are 3 patients still hospitalized in HULA, and all of them are also “doing well”.
With respect to the As Gandaras nursing home, a spokesman from the Working and Welfare Council confirmed that a “totally independent” circuit “for supplying warm water to this geriatric facility” has been implemented today, for each individual floor in the aforementioned facility. The spokesman also pointed out that a “totally independent” pipe system has been implemented, in order to supply water for the 2 bathrooms used by healthcare workers in the nursing home, and they are located in the ground floor, one in the ladies’ dressing room, and the other in the male dressing room.
The Territorial Authority for Galicia Council in Lugo reported that the implementation of these pipe systems for warm water in As Gandaras nursing home required that provisional “water distribution pipes” had to be placed “outside” the 8-story building. The system will be operating until the end of November, when a test will be carried out in order to determine if there are still pathogenic bacteria present in the warm water pipe
Liveryman elected President of IHEEM
Published on Thursday, 20th November 2014Eur Ing Chris Northey BEng (Hons), CEng, IntPE, MCGI, MCIBSE, FSoPHE, FCIPHE, FIDHEE, MIET, MIHEEM and Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Plumbers became President of IHEEM in October 2014. Chris is an experienced Chartered Engineer with 27 years’ experience within the Plumbing/Public Health Industry. He is currently the Associate Team Leader of the Public Health Engineering Division at Chapman BDSP. In 2011 he was appointed as Chair of the SummitSkills Professional Bodies Forum, and also became a member of their Board. He is a Public Health Engineering Champion and has given many technical presentations relating to Public Health Engineering Issues and is the Chairman of SoPHE. Chris has and is serving on a number of other high profile and important industry Committees. He has received a number of industry awards to date for his technical and industry involvements and in May 2011 Chris was awarded the Prince Philip Medal from City & Guilds’ President HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
He gave his Presidential Address at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers on 18th November to an invited audience including Past Master Rodney Cartwright, Liveryman Kevin McCallister who is also the CIPHE President, and Air Cdre Paul Nash our Clerk
Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management.
The Plumbers’ Luncheon Table
Published on Wednesday, 19th November 2014
Another opportunity for a sumptuous lunch with the Master, friends, family and colleagues in the lovely Ironmomgers’ Hall. Monday 19 January 2015 Cost £46
Book NOW for details click here.
Downloadable documents
Inexplicable Splendour
Published on Tuesday, 18th November 2014
Following the great success of the St Magnus choir’s 2013 CD ‘Regina Coeli’, we are delighted to invite you to the launch of this year’s ‘Inexplicable Splendour’. This will contain more setting and anthems which have been sung at St Magnus during the last year, including some from the ‘Black List of Forbidden Music’ as well as music specially written for our worship.
The CD will be on sale on the evening at the special price of £8 each or three for £20. They will also be availble at the Compnany’s Carol Service . You can alsp order the CD by post. Click here to see the St Magnus website for details, which will appear shortly CDs will be available for posting around 11th December in time to keep or to forward for Christmas at the special introductory price of one CD for £8 + £1.90 p+p for first class mail within the country, or three for £20 + £3.80 p+p
After December 18th the cost will be £10 per disc or £25 for three, plus p+p
Downloadable documents
800 years of the Lord Mayor’s Show – a great new book.
Published on Tuesday, 18th November 2014
A New Book about the The Lord Mayor’s Show – A spectacle for all ages: 800 years of the Lord Mayor’s show
Next year marks the 800th anniversary of the Mayoral Charter of the City of London which brought into being the Lord Mayor’s Show. It preceded the sealing of Magna Carta and set the requirement for the new Lord Mayor to be shown to the people and the Sovereign. The publication of this title is timed to coincide with the 800th Anniversary of the Lord Mayor’s Show and the special celebrations planned for 2015. As General Editor I am pleased to be working closely with the team at Third Millennium Publishing to create a superb volume that captures, for the first time in print, both the rich heritage and the dynamic spirit of this fabulous event.
I look forward to the finished book with pleasure, and hereby commend it to you. Click here for details.
Dominic Reid OBE
Pageantmaster, the Lord Mayor’s Show
Downloadable documents
Cash for CRASH A charity supported by the Plumbers’;
Published on Tuesday, 18th November 2014
The Master with Francesca Roberts, Chief Executive of CRASH
A recently completed kitchen at MoCoCo House, Middlewich, Cheshire.
Cash for CRASH – with thanks from the Master.
The Master was delighted to present the construction industry’s charity CRASH with the collections from our ‘Charity Box’ amounting to a very impressive £2,237.85.
CRASH is a unique, practical charity addressing the issues of homelessness by harnessing the skills, products and goodwill of the construction and property industry. They act as the conduit between the industry and homelessness agencies to help improve emergency night shelters, hostels, day centres and move-on accommodation.
The money is collected throughout the year, usually by the Renter Warden at Livery functions although mainly at the Ladle Dinner, and donated to charity at Christmas time. Francesca Roberts CRASH Chief Executive said “We would like to thank the Worshipful Company of Plumbers for their incredibly generous donation. We could not continue to respond to requests for help from homelessness charities without the support we receive from our industry. “We have chosen to designate this money to MoCoCo House, a wonderful homelessness charity based in Middlewich, Cheshire that helps young adults who are vulnerable and homeless.”
CRASH is the construction and property industry’s charity for homeless people.
It is a practical charity that focuses on improving the buildings used by homeless people. They do this in three ways;
- Providing pro-bono professional expertise
- Supplying free building materials
- Awarding cash grants
Read more about CRASH by clicking here.
Ladle Dinner – An evening of Fellowship
Published on Wednesday, 12th November 2014
The Master serves soup to the top table
A good evening of fellowship
Past Master John Rae, the most senior Past Maaster present, is represented with his ladle.
Liverymen gathered in Saddlers’ Hall on 11th November to recognise Nick Gale as our Master last year. A great evening of Company fellowship. The Past Masters were represented with their ladles and Nick received his ladle from the most junior Liveryman Francis McCullagh. The toast to thank Nick for all he did for the Company in his year in office was proposed by Past Master Rodney Cartwright. Over £1,500 was raised in support of CRASH a practical charity addressing the issues of homelessness by harnessing the skills, products and goodwill of the construction and property industry.
On Armistice Day, Tuesday, 11th November, 107 Liverymen gathered at Saddlers’ Hall for an evening of fellowship and to recognise the contribution of Immediate Past Master Nick Gale.
On their way into the Reception, Liverymen were encouraged to peruse and to purchase from the comprehensive display of Company regalia. This “showpiece” was competently manned by our newest Steward, Danny Flowers, who utilised all of his sales skills and powers of persuasion to sell approaching £2,000 of regalia, with even more items on back order.
Separately, a sample of the proposed “livery” planter was on view and during the evening, there were indicative orders for 37 of planters, in lead, to be produced at Singleton – if you missed out, please contact The Clerk.
A hearty meal of soup, fillet steak and fruit pie was followed by the traditional “Sung Grace” and the “Ceremony of the Loving Cup”.
The traditional toasts were followed by the serving of coffee, during which, The Renter Warden made his way around the assembled company with the Poor Box, in which he managed to “extract” the magnificent sum of over £1,500 in support of CRASH, a practical charity addressing the issues of homelessness by harnessing the skills, products and goodwill of the construction and property industry
The collection was followed by the Re-presentation of the Past Masters’ Ladles by the Chairman, Senior Steward David Attwood, to 13 Past Masters, in reverse order of seniority.
Past Master Rodney Cartwright gave a humorous résumé of his year and toast to The Immediate Past Master, Nick Gale, who was then presented with his ladle by the newest Liveryman, Frank McCullagh. In response, the IPM thanked individuals together with the Livery as a whole for the wonderful year which both he and his family had been fortunate to experience.
No report would be complete without thanking The Clerk, Paul; The Clerks’ Assistant, Sharon; Debbie in Accounts and of course, Peter Thompson, our Beadle – all of whom contributed to the success of the evening.
The proceedings closed with The Chairman, David Attwood, handing over the mantle of Senior Steward to Steward Ken Newnham and announcing that the Stirrup Cup would be in an adjacent room, to which all were invited to partake.
Steward Ian Smith
The Clerk of the Chamberlain’s Court receives a Plumber’s Ladle
Published on Wednesday, 12th November 2014
The Master presented Murray Craig, Clerk of the Chamberlain’s Court with miniature Plumbers’ Company silver ladle as a mark our 650th Anniversary. This miniature ladle will be on display for all prospective Liverymen to see.
A Sparkling Event
Published on Sunday, 9th November 2014
The first social occasion of the Livery Year was a colourful trip up the Thames to witness the fireworks at Battersea Park
In contrast to our summer cruise, the weather was both dull and very wet. Some guests had arrived Thamesside early to get a good viewing spot for The Lord Mayor’s Firework Display which was set off from a barge moored between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges. By 18.15 hr, the assembled party of Plumbers and their guests boarded the “Cockney Sparrow” at Westminster Pier in preparation for their river cruise which was to end with a prime viewing position, mid-river, opposite the Battersea Park Gardens.
The cruise commenced by going downstream for a short while before the buffet meal of beefburgers, sausages and accompaniments were served. Returning upstream we finally dropped anchor in readiness for the firework display centred in Battersea Park.
Despite the intermittent inclement spells of weather, the hardy Plumbers and their guests braved the elements on the upper deck of the vessel to watch the firework display which illuminated the surrounding sky. However, towards the end of the display, the fine drizzle combined with the smoke of the fireworks produced a low haze over the park area and, sadly, reduced the visibility of the finale.
On the return trip, guests were treated to traditional “apple pie and custard” and tea / coffee, arriving back at Westminster Pier at about 21.15 hr.
In summary, a pleasant evening was had by all, despite the weather – in true Plumbers’ tradition.
Steward Ian Smith
A bit of recent Company History
Published on Thursday, 6th November 2014
You can find copies of the Company Newsletter from April 2005 to October 2013, copies of the eBulletins 2007 – 2011 and the Digital Newsletters by clicking here
Guide Dogs for the Visually Impaired
Published on Wednesday, 5th November 2014
A message from Livceyman Ken Whitcombe
Please circulate the Members of our wonderful Livery for their support by voting for the West Telford VIP Group (Visually Impaired People) for their support, in helping us to obtain funds from Lloyds Bank Community Fund. In the voting that there was only 0.4% difference between our Group & the Shropshire Rural Support Group who came in 3rd, this has meant a difference of winning £2,000 to only getting £1,000 , that small percentage margin makes a world of difference to us. Last year we spent just over £1,000 more than we generated in income, this Grant has helped our meagre reserves immensely & given a good start to 2015. To run our Group as a Self Help Support Group for the Newly Registered folk with Serious Sight Loss, we need to generate around £2,500 per year. Thank you again from all of the Members of our VIP Group to the Members of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers in assisting us with their Valuable Votes helping us to win this level of Grant.
From the Web Master
If you know of anyone else who can help please contact the Clerk or Ken direct – his details are in the members section.
Carol Service
Published on Tuesday, 28th October 2014
Christmas is coming. Start the Season by taking part in the Company Carol Service on Tuesday 9th December in our church – St Magnus the Martyr. Look at the flyer by clicking here
Downloadable documents
New Liverymen
Published on Monday, 27th October 2014
Clothed in the Livery at the Installation Court. Click on header for bigger picture
Diary Changes
Published on Friday, 24th October 2014
Two changes to the Calendar for next year:
The Master’s Weekend will now be Fri 26th to Sun 28th June 2015, not Fri 3rd to Sun 5th July 2015
The Lord Mayor’s Show has been moved from Sat 7th to Sat 14th November 2015
The New Team
Published on Friday, 24th October 2014
Our Chaplain, The Rev Philip Warner with the Master
Steve Hodkinson was installed as Master for the forthcoming year at a ceremony held in St Magnus the Martyr Church prior to the Installation Service. After his installation, the Master installed Erica Stary as the Upper Warden and Brian Wadsworth as the Renter Warden. The Court of Assistants led by the Master then processed to Vintners’ Hall for a reception and lunch. In his speech the Master thanked the Immediate Past Master for a wonderful year, confirmed our continuing strategy going forward, highlighted our special events for our 650th anniversary year and focussed on our charitable work. Read the speech by.clicking here.
A great collection of photos of Installation Day can be found by clicking here.
Downloadable documents
Our New Master – Steve Hodkinson
Published on Thursday, 23rd October 2014
Steve was admitted to the Livery in 1992 and joined the Court of Assistants in 2002 progressing to Upper Warden in 2013.
Whilst he was born in Glasgow, he was brought up in Cheshire close to the Peak District and actually went to school in Derbyshire.
He studied Environmental Engineering at Loughborough University and graduated in 1975 following which he trained as an engineer with a national contractor and then a firm of consulting engineers.
Steve became a Director of Oscar Faber (now AECOM) in 1986 responsible for a wide variety of major projects both in the UK and overseas, taking responsibility for the Mechanical and Electrical discipline in the UK in 1995 and for the Building Engineering business in 2000. As part of AECOM he became Managing Director of the global Building Engineering business in 2009 before retiring at the end of 2011.
In 2012 Steve, together with three former colleagues formed Scotch Partners to specialise on building engineering services in the UK.
Steve is a Chartered Engineer, a member of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers and a member of the Energy Institute.
Steve was appointed a trustee CRASH, the construction industry’s charity for homeless people, in 2006 and is currently their deputy chairman.
Steve has been married to Jane for 36 years and has four daughters who have now all left home. We have one grandson, Arthur, having a boy in the family makes a change!
What little time Steve has to relax he enjoys sailing and spending time in their apartment in Nice.
The Company Visit to the Imperial War Museum.
Published on Wednesday, 15th October 2014
The Master Nick Gale, Mrs Debbie Gale and Charlie Gale along with eighteen past masters, liveryman, family and friends met on Tuesday 14th October, at the recently refurbished Imperial War Museum. Click on header for details.
The museum had been closed for more than a year but the resulting completed works were worth waiting for. The Imperial War Museum was opened in 1920 by King George V, its first home being in the Crystal Palace, to commemorate the sacrifices made by millions in the First World War. The main objective our trip being our guided tour of the new gallery one hundred years after the beginning of the First World War. Our party was split into two groups and the museum had allocated two guides, Alex and Will for our 11.00am visit to the First World War Galleries. Our first group were given a short explanation of the field gun in the main hall, which had been manned by three holders of the VC , and was salvaged after a battle. The second group followed after a ten minute break, both guides proving equally erudite. The lead group were then taken for a superb tour of the First World War gallery, which lasted for a little more than one and a half hours, the second group following behind. We were to discover the story of the First World War through many exhibits from those who had fought in the war and those who had remained behind. Why the war had started and why it had lasted for four horrific years and the impact it had left on the soldiers and their families back home. Amongst the thousands of exhibits were many letters from the front line soldiers describing the horrors of what they were experiencing. The recreated trench with a Sopwith Camel plane overhead and a Mark V tank straddling the trench was a fitting exhibit to conclude our tour. Both groups thanked their guides for the excellent, manner in which the tour had been conducted. The group then met for lunch at The Three Stags Public House, where the proprietor Richard Jones had allocated a section for our use. The Lunch and several glasses of wine proved a fitting end to a most enjoyable day.
Senior Steward David Attwood
St Michaels Day Service in Our Church
Published on Wednesday, 15th October 2014
The Master was accompanied by the Mistress and a number of Liverymen for a Solemn High Mass in our Company Church. See pictures by clicking here
The Flying, Abseiling and Walking Master
Published on Wednesday, 15th October 2014
Sky Diving
Abseiling down the LLoyds Building
Stopping by the Apprentice
Determined to be a high flier but with his feet on the ground the Master has raised money for the Army Charity by “Sky Diving”, the Lord Mayor’s Charities by “Abseiling down the Lloyds Building” (roof 289ft above the ground) and the Plumbers’ Company Charity by walking with other masters round the City but stopping at the Plumber’s Apprentice in Canon Street Railway Station. What are you doing for the Company Charity? More pictures click here.
Over £2,500 was raised in a series of charity events recently, over half of which went to our Company Charity. Past Master Hamilton and the Master would like to thank all those who supported them in the Annual Livery Halls Walk. They visited all 40 of the Livery Halls in the City with only a three-course lunch at the Bakers Hall to sustain them. The 10-mile course was calculated to have burnt over 4,000 calories! This included, thanks to PM Hamilton’s persistence, a visit by all participating Masters to the Plumbers Statue in Cannon Street Station, the site of the Plumbers last hall in 1860. The Plumbers Hall thus became the 41st Virtual Hall on the walk!
In addition the Master jumped out of perfectly serviceable plane at 14,000 feet for the Army Benevolent fund and abseiled 300 feet down the Lloyds Building in the City for the Lords Mayors’ Charities.
What about OUR CHARITY? Click here.
Supporting Plumbing Colleges and Apprentices in the North East
Published on Wednesday, 15th October 2014
Jill Cormack receiving her Certificate from the Master
In its 101st year, the Wilkinson Shield is one of the oldest awards given to Plumbing Student Apprentices in the Plumbing Industry. The Worshipful Company and the CIPHE come together annually to present the award to the best Plumbing College in the CIPHE’s Newcastle and District Branch. In addition the winning student is awarded a Certificate of recognition from the Worshipful Company and a cheque from our Charity for their achievement. J B Wilkinson was a Master of the Worshipful Company in 1913.
The picture shows the winning student Jill Cormack receiving her Certificate from the Master Nick Gale, with the Shield on display behind. This year the winning College was Gateshead, the first time for many years the college has won. In addition the Vice President of the CIPHE Terry Stephenson gave a very motivating speech on careers in Plumbing and presented prizes to the winning students from Hartlepool, Redcar and Bishop Auckland. The event was very well organised by Chris Oliver and his team at the branch and was sponsored by Liveryman Stephen Bilclough and his company John N Dunn Group Ltd.
Keeping up with the City – The Livery Briefing
Published on Sunday, 12th October 2014
Click here to read the latest City Livery Briefing
Downloadable documents
Win a Prize by completing the sayings,
Published on Sunday, 12th October 2014
The Master said…………………….
The Master Elect said……………………
Click here to see two photos. Complete the sayings for each of them and email them to the Clerk (paulnash@plumberscompany.org.uk) before Ladle Dinner. The author of those judged most apposite will be rewarded at the Ladle Dinner.
Supporting Army Plumbers
Published on Sunday, 12th October 2014
Lance Corporal Martin Lambeth receives his award and Freedom Certificate from the Master
Trainee Plumbers with the Master and Master Elect
An Apprentice, the Master and Master Elect
The Master, Master Elect and Clerk visited the Royal School of Military Engineering (RSME) at Brompton Barracks, Chatham to present the Company Award to the top Army Student for 2013. The presentation was delayed as the winner, Sapper, now Lance Corporal Martin Lambeth, had been deployed overseas. The presentation was made in front of the current students on this year’s plumbing course, the military staff and training staff from Mid-Kent College, who undertake the training through the Private Finance Initiative that delivers the courses. The Barracks have enjoyed a significant level of investment through this link and the Master, Master Elect and Clerk enjoyed a highly informative and interesting tour round the excellent facilities that have been built over the last 18 months. They also met the students on the senior course in their training environment for a lively discussion on their experiences and forthcoming employment.
The Company enjoys a strong association with Brompton Barracks and Is proud of the Award given each year and the value that RSME places on it. It is an excellent addition to the student’s CV.
Ladle Dinner. An evening of fellowship when we recognise the then IPM, Nick Gale – 11th November
Published on Tuesday, 30th September 2014
The Senior Steward and Stewards invite you to join them in entertaining the Master and Wardens and in honouring the Immediate Past Master, Nick Gale, at the 2014 Ladle Dinner. This is THE occasion when only Liverymen gather for an evening of fellowship and when we recognise the Immediate Past Master. It is at this dinner that the IPM is presented with his silver ladle by the most junior Liveryman present. A bit of pomp and circumstance but above all a chance to meet fellow Liverymen. Do not miss the occasion and remember NO white tie or black tie – just a day suit, Livery tie and Badges.
Click here for details and booking.
Downloadable documents
We strenghthen our links with the World Plumbing Council
Published on Tuesday, 30th September 2014
The Master, Company Freeman Mike Massey and the Clerk
Mike Massey from the USA has been admitted as a Freeman of the Company and joins our International Membership. He is a member of the Executive Board of the World Plumbing Council.
Along with Mike on the Executive Board is the current Chairman Sudhakaran Nair, who is also a Company Freeman and International Member, and Liveryman Kevin Wellman, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering.
The World Plumbing Council (WPC) is an international organization which aims to develop and promote the image and standards of the plumbing Industry worldwide! The WPC mission statement is: “To promote the role of plumbing in improving public health and safeguarding the environment, by uniting the World Plumbing Industry, for the benefit of all.”
Past Master Geoff Marsh and Assistant Robert Burgon are Past Chairmen and Liveryman Andy Watts Past Secretary of the World Plumbing Council
Outstanding Contemporary Woodturning
Published on Monday, 29th September 2014
On Wednesday 29th October, the Worshipful Company of Turners will be holding an Exhibition Day of their 2014 Turning Competition, to be held in the historic Apothecaries’ Hall, Blackfriars Lane, London WC4V 6EJ. This Exhibition is for one day only, and is the chance to view and purchase if you wish, some outstanding pieces of woodturning.
Click here for details
The Company is encouraging exhibition visitors to register in advance with Eventbrite. They can do so using this abbreviated URL: http://bit.ly/turners14 or by searching for ‘View Love Buy’ on http://bit.ly/turners14
Downloadable documents
The CIPHE is seeking a new Chairman
Published on Thursday, 25th September 2014
CIPHE Independent Chair required
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is seeking an independent person to Chair its Board of Trustees.
You will help formulate, monitor and review our strategic aims and ensure best practice in governance. As well as leading the Board, the Chairperson will work in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer to help implement the strategic aims and optimise the relationship between the Trustees, the Institute’s permanent staff and local volunteers.
Are you interested in succeeding Past Master Rodney Cartwright, the present Chairman? If so click here for more details.
The CIPHE, which was established in 1906, is a registered charity and a professional body of over 8,000 members. It has the support of approximately 200 manufacturing companies.
Applications are invited from persons (not members of the CIPHE) with an interest in public service and a passion for excellence who can demonstrate:
– Leadership skills gained in the community, business or workplace.
– Strong communication skills – working closely with a wide variety of organisations including government.
– An understanding of how to set clear objectives and monitor performance.
The appointment, which will commence in June 2015, will be up to three years. It is unpaid but expenses may be claimed. The commitment is approximately ten days a year.
If you feel you possess the necessary skills to help the Chartered Institute, please write enclosing a CV to Professor Rodney Cartwright, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, at The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, 64 Station Lane, Hornchurch, Essex, RM12 6NB or email: CIPHE@microdiagnostics.plus.com; or for an informal discussion and/or information pack contact the Chartered Institute’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Wellman – email kevinw@ciphe.org.uk, telephone: 01708 463115. Closing date Friday 19th December 2014.
World Plumbing Day 2015 – A date for your diary
Published on Monday, 22nd September 2014
In 2015, our 650th Anniversary, World Plumbing Day will be a very special occasion. During the day the Company together with the Royal Society for Public Health, the CIPHE, SNIPEF and SoPHE are hosting a conference Plumbing for Health athe RSPH building in Portland Place. In the evening we move to the Royal College of Physicians for the Plumbers Annual Lecture given by Prof Jamie Bartram, Director The Water Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA.
Put the date in your diary now. Look at the flier for the conference by clicking here and book your place. Keep your eyes open for the Lecture flier.
Downloadable documents
The Autumn Festival
Published on Thursday, 18th September 2014
The magnificent Skinners’ Hall at the unforgettable address of 8 ½ Dowgate Hill was the setting for this year’s Autumn Festival Dinner on Tuesday 16 September.
Dating back to 1686 the Hall was the ideal venue for one of the most important events in the Plumbers’ calendar. Having been received by the Master, Upper Warden and their Ladies over 100 Liverymen and their guests, including 9 Masters from other Liveries, made their way to the roof garden for drinks – a delightful spot on a warm evening with its olive trees and fountain.
Drinks were followed by dinner in the Banqueting Hall. Before the meal was served the Master extended a warm welcome to all those present and in particular to Marlie Packer, a plumber, who was a member of the triumphant England Ladies World Cup Rugby Squad. To mark Marlie’s part in this sporting achievement the Master presented her with a certificate and a Plumber’s silver ladle. An excellent dinner followed during which we were entertained to a charming musical interlude provided by students from the Guild Hall School of Music and Drama.
The dinner concluded with a speech on behalf of the guests by the Master of the Merchant Taylors which was followed by a Stirrup Cup. So ended another splendid evening of excellent food, wine and fellowship.
Liveryman Ken Newnham
The Company recognises a winning rugger playing lady plumber
Published on Thursday, 18th September 2014
Marlie Packer was presented with a silver ladle and a certificate by the Master at the Autumn Festival Dinneer, She tweets “Thank you every one @PlumbersCompany for a fabulous evening and for the lovely gift which I will treasure.”
She may have just won the Women’s Rugby World Cup but life goes on for England Rugby flanker Marlie Packer as she returns to her day job as a plumber. When she’s not out fixing blocked drains and repairing broken toilets, Marlie plays for London Wasps Ladies as a Flanker having started out her career as a five-year-old with Ivel Barbarians. After a successful stint with Bath, she eventually moved on to play for Bristol in 2009. She then joined London Wasps in 2013 where she continues to train twice a week. She has represented England U19, U20 and England A before winning a full cap when England beat Sweden 80-3 in the European Championships in Limoges in May 2008.
Terry Fillary MBE
Published on Monday, 15th September 2014
Liveryman Terry Fillary MBE with his wife Betty at Buckingham Palace.
Congratulations to Liveryman Terry Fillary who attended Buckingham Palace, accompanied by his wife Betty, to receive his well deserved MBE Award.
Water Safety in Distribution Systems – New WHO Reference Tool
Published on Saturday, 13th September 2014
Water quality deterioration in distribution systems, mainly caused by inappropriate planning, design and construction or inadequate operation and maintenance and water quality control, has been linked to a significant proportion of the burden of waterborne and water-related illness. Stresses on these systems caused by rapid urbanization, population growth and aging infrastructure further exacerbates the problems. This reference tool has been developed to help water suppliers and regulators who are familiar with the Water Safety Plan approach, enhance their risk assessment and management and investment planning for their water distribution systems.
Get the WHO Reference Tool by clicking here.
The New River Walk: Neither New nor a River!
Published on Friday, 12th September 2014
The Walkers
Metropolitan Water Board panelled Board Room
A most intimate group, including the Master, was led by enthusiastic local guides Darian Mitchell and Peter Darrah on one of the most intriguing, enjoyable and relaxing walks one could ever wish for in the later summer sunshine. We followed the London end of Sir Hugh Myddelton’s (1560-1631) fantastic ambitious engineering scheme to bring fresh water from Hertfordshire to the City of London citizens via an artificial canal, from the 19th century Stoke Newington reservoirs to the termination site of the New River Head ponds near Sadler’s Wells, in Rosebury Avenue, a walk of some five miles.
Click here for full report.
Edmund Colthurst had the initial idea and obtained a Charter from James I in 1604, but work faltered and Myddleton, ever the entrepreneur, stepped in and raised “adventurer” shares. With opposition from landowners and other technical terrain difficulties Myddleton, a Goldsmith and jeweller to the King, encouraged James I to fund part of the project in return for a “moiety” or half share of the profits. The King also squashed any opposition from landowners. In the year of our Charter, 1611, work once more resumed and this early water engineering feat was completed in 1613, with the sluice being opened and the New River Head conduit basin some 200 feet in diameter being filled with fresh water in the presence of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London. Over 600 men were employed in its construction at a cost of £18,525. The 10ft wide New River followed the 100ft contour with a drop of only 18ft over 40 miles. In a straight line the distance from the Chadwell Springs and the River Lea at Hertford is only 20 miles. Gravity took the fresh water over wooden aqueducts lined with lead. With the earth banks shuttered in wood it became known as the “boarded river” by locals. Water issued from the round pond, just north of Clerkenwell, at the New River Head to the City via elm pipes to those citizens who could afford it. As London’s population grew so too did the demand for water. Later 19th century developments took place with the Stoke Newington reservoirs being built and steam pumping stations being constructed along the route to assist flow, the most famous being the “Castle”. It was here that the New River was cut off and sections were covered over and other parts made redundant. In 1993 the great Stoke Newington reservoirs were drained and planning permission for housing given for the site. Locals objected and the filter beds were re-charged with water and they now form a water sports facility. The New River still provides some of London’s water. For us it was the discovery of the tranquil lost world of the New River Walk which winds its way through north London following the old course through Clissold Park and Islington to Sadler’s Wells. This final section is now partly obsolete, with vestiges appearing and disappearing, but our guides knew exactly where to take us. Their knowledge of local history and that of the fine 18th century houses, developed by the New River Company and the Lloyd-Baker estates, with their colourful owners provided further captivating interest. We even had the privilege of Darian allowing us to visit her delightful historic house. Our final triumph was a special visit was to the fine 17th century panelled board court room of the old Water House, known as the Oak Room, which was reconstructed in the 1920s Metropolitan Water Board head offices, since developed into private flats. The construction of these offices destroyed the old 17th and 18th century buildings set around the great pond, although part of the pond’s construction may still be located, so too one of the conduits.
We had a delightful lunch at the Kings Cross above Harry Potter’s 9 3/4 platform, thanks to Senior Stewart David Attwood’s arrangements, where we chatted and reflected on the morning’s walk. It was, without doubt, a superlative outing and one which will certainly be repeated.
Dr Peter T J Rumley
History Group Secretary
Court Assistant.
Help a fellow Liveryman – LAST CHANCE ACT NOW
Published on Wednesday, 10th September 2014
Liveryman Ken Whitcombe, whom many of you will know is blind. You will have seen him at many Livery functions with his guide dog Greg. Click here to read his request to receive a grant from Lloyds Bank that does not require you to pay anything. The request is self-explanatory and the more text votes he gets the bigger the chance Visually Impaired Group will win the competition to receive a grant from Lloyds Bank. If you have a mobile phone please send the text as soon as you receive this message and help him win the very well deserved grant.
Ken writes “Please thank all those who voted for us, The West Telford VIP Group, VIP = Visually Impaired People, in the Competition for Funds in the Lloyds Bank Community Fund. Due to those who took the time to vote for us via Text, at the half way point we are told that we are near the Top, but the Voting is Close, so thank you to all those who took the time to Register your Vote, you have placed us in a strong position at the Half Way Point. Any one else who is yet to Register a Vote please Text to: 61119 & type Vote RWM”
Hi every one,
As many of you know Paula & I run the West Telford VIP Group ( VIP = Visually Impaired People ), we started the Group with only 2 Members in 2007, now in 2014 we have 34 members & still growing. The aim of the Group is Self Help, with our Members Helping each other, both the Carer, talking to Carer, understanding the problems living with a Newly Registered Blind Person, often that is a Partner though Sons & Daughters are the Carer, with the Blind helping the Blind finding solutions to common problems, 3 of our blind Members live alone, they particularly enjoy our Meetings. We go on Days out to various places of interest, taking our Volunteer Sighted Guides to help us along the way.
As you can imagine to run this Group is not Cheap, last year we needed to raise just short of £2,000, for Room Hire, Coaches, etc. In addition to our Monthly VIP Meeting, often with Speakers on various subjects, we also arrange a regular Walk in Telford Town Park, with Sighted Guides, a Talking Book Group that meets on a Monthly basis, along with the informal Coffee Group that meets Monthly too, each week we try & make something happen. What is particularly satisfying for Paula & I is the fact our Members are taking responsibility for assisting us running the Groups, organising Trips, The Talking Book Group & some of the fund raising, all giving our Members a pride in the Group.
So what is the Big Ask ? Lloyds Bank has chosen our West Telford VIP Group for a Grant, Lloyds Bank split the Country into 360 Areas, in each Area there 4 Local Charities, our Group is one of the four chosen for Shropshire. If only it was that easy, there is a Competition, the Local Charity with the most votes gets £3,000 the second wins £2,000, the third gets £1,000 & the forth gets £500. It’s up to each Group to generate there votes for their Group. I must add the Number of Charities applying Nationally exceeded 4,000 so being chosen is indeed some recognition in it’s self for our Area.
Please Text 61119 Type the word “Vote” space RWM then send, you will receive an acknowledgment recording your Vote.
Thanks in anticipation of your Vote for West Telford VIP Group.
so please Text 61119 then the Word “Vote” rwm
Finally if you ask friends & family, you will help us tremendously.
Ken Whitcombe
email k.g.whit123@btinternet.com
Some stats for our web site
Published on Tuesday, 2nd September 2014
In August 2014, there were 601 users over 986 sessions. 4,232 pages were viewed, an average of 4.21 per session. 90% of the sessions were viewed in the UK.
For monthly use this year click here
Downloadable documents
Dates for your diary. Book now
Published on Tuesday, 2nd September 2014
Sample Plumbers’ Fellowship. Early booking is recommended to ensure a place.
28th September St Michael’s Day Service The service of veneration to the Patron Saint of the Company, St Michael the Archangel, will be held this year at 11am on Sunday 28th September 2014 at St Magnus-the-Martyr Church, Lower Thames Street, EC3 followed by lunch in the crypt. Book here
29th September Election of the Lord Mayor Alderman Alan Yarrow, the Alderman for Bridge Ward, in which the Company Church sits, is standing for election this year. Click here
14th October The Imperial War Museum & the New First World War Galleries Click here.
22nd October Installation Day Come and be a witness at the Installation of the next Master. Click here
8th November Bonfire Night Cruise on the Thames Click here
Have you remembered your Quarterage? Click here
Downloadable documents
Election of the Lord Mayor 29th September
Published on Wednesday, 27th August 2014
Exercise your right as a Lveryman and participate in the Election of the nect Lord Mayor. Alderman Alan Yarrow, the Alderman for Bridge Ward, in which the Company Church sits, is standing for election this year.
The election will be followed by lunch in Paiter Stainers’ Hall. For details and booking click here.
She has done it!
Published on Thursday, 14th August 2014
Wendy Hamilton, accompanied in part by Joe Sibthorpe, has completed her walk round the Isle of Wight in support of the Plumbers’ Museum at Singleton. She is very foot sore having walked the complete 74 miles in two days. Click on the heading for details from Wendy. Now is the time for those of you who sponsored her to pay up. You can still add your support. Click here.
Well done and thank you Wendy. PS She has raised over £4,000
Just to let you know “WE DID IT”!! Yep, 74 miles around the island in 2 days (actually plus a bit where the costal path signage was lacking and our instincts let us down). Very exhilarating and the most fabulous collection of blisters between us! Support over these two days was supplied by Past Master Hamilton wielding water and energy bars.We started at 4.10am on Saturday morning the 9th of August from West Cowes link ferry and walked 47 miles from there to Ventnor , staggering in at 8.45pm that evening, and on Sunday 10th, back on the trail Ventnor to East Cowes link ferry, a further 27 miles, despite being caught up in the awful weather from the tail end of hurricane Bertha, the walk was completed around the Isle of Wight at 8.00pm, a little slower but ………….. and then, rather like a Phoenix arising out of the ashes, there was the Clerk’s Assistant, Sharon, standing on the finishing line waving a bottle of bubbly – blisters, what blisters!!
To those of you who have already sponsored the walk around the costal path of the Isle of Wight, on behalf of the Plumbing Museum and Court Barn at Singleton, thank you so very much, and for those of you that might have missed our publicity and would like to sponsor the successful completion of the event a form explaining our appeal with details of how to sponsor is attached – please forgive the hard sell but it is such a good cause and the unique experience of the museum is only made available by the commitment of those who give their time and skills so freely.
The exhibits, tools and equipment at the Court Barn at Singleton are rather like us, the older we get various bits need maintaining or replacing – the funds raised by this walk will go towards achieving this with particular reference to the furnace and Health and Safety regulations.
Please, if you have not already donated to this historic and educational side of the plumbing craft may we urge you to consider completing the attached sponsorship form, no matter how great or small every £1 is gratefully received and put to a very good cause within the Court Barn.
Fondest wishes to you all from an elated and exhausted
Wendy Hamilton and Joe Sibthorpe
Downloadable documents
A Grandstand View
Published on Thursday, 7th August 2014
Tickets are now available for a Grandstand seat at the Lord Mayor’s Show on 8th November 2015. Please note that those wanting to buy Grandstand Tickets must apply direct and not through the office. For flier and booking form click here.
Downloadable documents
A New Livery Year approaches. Installation of the New Master 22nd October
Published on Tuesday, 5th August 2014
The new Master and Wardens will be installed in St Magnus-the-Martyr Church, Lower Thames Street, followed by the Installation Service on Wednesday 22nd October 2014. After the Service, the Master-Elect, Steve Hodkinson, and his wife Jane invite you to join them for a champagne and canapé reception at Vintners’ Hall, Upper Thames Street. This will be followed by a served 2-course lunch with wine in the historic main hall, to which they would be delighted if you could join them.
For further details and booking form click here.
Downloadable documents
Visit HMS Sultan, the home of Royal Navy plumbing training
Published on Tuesday, 5th August 2014
The Plumbing Workshop
“HMS Sultan will be holding its annual Livery Companys’ Visit Day on Thursday 2nd October 2014, to which all Liverymen are invited. It is the Royal Navy’s Engineering training base and the Plumbers provide the annual prize to the top trainee in metalwork. Located on the south coast in Gosport, it is a fascinating and informative visit. This year they are fortunate to have the Royal Navy Presentation Team as well, so it promises to be even better. The visit lasts all day and includes all the Livery Companies with links to the unit. If you would like to attend please let the office know by Monday 15th September 2014. Full details will be sent out once the numbers have been confirmed.” Click here to read the invitation letter.
Downloadable documents
Have you got Plumb Parts on your iPad?
Published on Monday, 4th August 2014
News from the Plumbing Industry. Download the Plumb Parts app free. Click here. Yes it is commercial but the mamgazine has somme interesting articles. Read what Julie Spinks, the MD of WRAS, has to say in the Summer 2014 edition.
New Livery Golf Champion
Published on Saturday, 2nd August 2014
Champion Court Assistant Graham Setterfield, The Master, Liveryman Don Munro
Liveryman Stephen Kay, The Master, Liveryman Don Munro
Other Winners
Thirty Golfers, Liverymen and their guests, enjoyed a great day at New Zealand Golf Club in Surrey. After a cup of coffee and bacon roll to fortify everyone, we all set off in pairs in great golfing weather – no wind, warm and not too sunny. The Club laid on a very welcome drinks station half way round the first 9 holes and the Master joined us on the course in his chauffeur driven buggy to watch us coming in – thank you to John Demont, our Chairman and the driver, who had a shoulder injury and couldn’t play.
Click on header for more details
New Zealand laid on a wonderful buffet lunch for us and the Master then presented the prizes: The Livery Champion for 2014 was new Court Assistant Graham Setterfield and runner up was Liveryman Stephen Kay; the overall prize for the best round on the day went to one of our guests, John Sweeney and another of our guests, Nick Jury, was second; the prize for the longest drive went to Michael Munro, the son our golf society secretary and the nearest the pin prize went to another one of our guests, Tony Peters.
Unfortunately, our Society Captain, Liveryman Richard Wigg, couldn’t be with us on what would have been his last outing as Captain and our thanks to him for his support. Past Master Chris Sneath has kindly agreed to take over as Captain and we welcome him and look forward to him driving us forward (and chipping and putting!) Those who still felt up to it and hadn’t eaten too much then went out for a further 9 or 18 holes! Well done to Don Munro for organising such a successful day and to New Zealand for hosting us so warmly. Our next event is the Painter-Stainers’ Inter-Livery Competition at Wildernesse Golf Club, near Sevenoaks in Kent. If you would like to join the Plumbers’ Golf Society, its only £10 a year and we really do have a lot of fun. Contact Don Munro, his details are in the membership section of the website, if you are interested.
For those of you who came on the Master’s Mid-week break to the Ribble Valley and saw Arthur Conan Doyle’s name as a pupil at Stonyhurst College, he was also a member at New Zealand Golf Club in later life – and his name is still on his locker – now of course crossed through as he no longer plays!
Reflections from a first time participant.
Although a liveryman for 17 years and a golfer slightly longer, the two interests had not come together until recent weeks when I made contact with Don Munro, who is the golf event organiser. So my visit to The New Zealand Golf Club for the Summer Meeting on 1st August 2014 was my first experience of the Plumbers and Golf combined and my first visit to this venue. The course is well known and is rated among the top 50 in England. It is all old-fashioned charm, each hole separated from its neighbour by tall trees and woodland. Each fairway protected by dense heather. Designed to blend into the Surrey heathland and woodland, the course is not long, but straight hitting is essential. The greens are superb, fast and true without manufactured breaks, but subtle and designed to trick the unwary – and needless to say the bunkers are where they need to be!
On the day there were 24 players, of these 12 were liverymen and the remainder guests, not forgetting the Clerk. The competition took place in the morning in pairs, which meant that lunch was sensibly early and for those who wished there was time in the afternoon for more golf. Lunch was very traditional, old fashioned golf club style and excellent. Conversation with old and new acquaintances from the Livery and among guests was relaxed and easy. The Master watched some golf in the company of the golf chairman, John Demont, and was suitably both impressed and unimpressed with what he saw, as always with golf societies a wide variety in skill was present. The Master presented the prizes after lunch to those who were fortunate enough to be on form on the day. It was a very enjoyable day, good company on course and at lunch, a superb golf course, good food and very well organised.
Same time, same place next year?
Graham Setterfield
Five New Liverymen
Published on Thursday, 31st July 2014
James Quiggin, Malvern Tipping, Barbara Abraham, The Master, Trevor Wilson, Kingsley Poulton
At the meeting of the Court on 29th July, James Quiggin, a Building Services Engineer, proposed by UW SL Hodkinson and seconded by PM DJ Hamilton, Malvern Tipping, a Chartered Surveyor proposed by PM CG Sneath and seconded by IPM CJ Yuill, Barbara Abraham, a Tax Adviser proposed by Snr Asst EFM Stary and seconded by PM JAN Lockyer, Trevor Wilson, a Retired Policeman, proposed by Past Std RJ Harvey and seconded by Snr Std D Attwood and Kingsley Poulton, a Property & Technology Consultant, proposed by Asst PD Flatt and seconded by PM MS Samuel were clothed in the Livery.
Two New Court Assistants
Published on Thursday, 31st July 2014
Nick Jones and Graham Setterfield
The Court welcomed Nick Jones and Graham Setterfield as new Assistants at their last meeting. Nick brings financial expertise and Graham experience of the water industry to the Court.
If you are Company Liveryman and you log in, you can access a report of the Court procedings in My Company:From the Master & Clerk.
Do not spend all your holiday money. Quarterage time approaches
Published on Wednesday, 30th July 2014
The Court agreed the Quarterage for next year at their meeting on 29th July. Details can be found by clicking HERE. It is important that all Liverymen read this and take the appropriate action.
Downloadable documents
Lord Mayor’s Charity Golf Day
Published on Tuesday, 29th July 2014
the Golfers
On the 28th July, the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants organised a Charity Golf Day on behalf of the Lord Mayor to raise funds for her various charities. 19 teams took part, mainly Livery Companies, and some City institutions such as the Old Bailey.
Click on header for more details.
The Lord Mayor was very concerned because a number of her recent events had been affected by bad weather and the forecast for this day indicated heavy thunderstorms. We traveled to the course in some trepidation because at 8 am there was indeed a torrential storm which had been rolling around the London area for some time. However, when the golf started at 11 am we had sunshine ,as you can see from the attached photos (courtesy of John Carnaby). The good weather lasted throughout the golf and the conditions were ideal. The Plumber’s team of Past Master Chris Sneath, Stephen Kay, Anthony Lowe and Don Munro performed well and were only a few points behind the winning teams. Everyone enjoyed a pleasant day on an excellent golf course.
After a 3 course dinner an auction was held with some very interesting lots. For instance there was the opportunity to bid for Dinner, Bed and Breakfast for 4 people with the Lord Mayor in the Mansion House. Following that there was an entertainer, Nicholas Einhorn, a magician who astounded us with his incredible trick. All in all, a memorable day – enjoyable companionship, successful fundraising and dry golf. I believe that this is the first time a golf event has been held on behalf of a Lord Mayor!
Don Munro
The Lord Mayor visits the Plumbers’ Museum at Singleton – History & Craftsmanship in action.
Published on Sunday, 27th July 2014
The Lord Mayor
The Planter with the Lord Mayor, the Master and the Craft Team
Lunch in The Gridshell
The Lord Mayor, Alderman Fiona Woolf, Court Assistant of the Plumbers Company accompanied by consort and husband Nicholas, were welcomed by the Master at the Weald and Downland Museum in Singleton. The highlight of the trip round the various buildings showing crafts of yesteryear was to be found in the Court Barn – the Plumbers’ Workshop. Decorative lead work was produced under The Lord Mayor’s watchful eye. She then visited exhibitions of other Livery Companies and saw active examples of their crafts.
Nearly 120 Liverymen with families and friends sat down for a very enjoyable lunch in the magnificent Gridshell Building. Food consumed, the Master Plumber welcomed The Lord Mayor, her consort, Fellow Masters from the Builders Merchants, Constructors, Fuellers, Glaziers, Lightmongers, Masons and Tylers & Bricklayers, Liverymen and all their families and guests. He then made a number of presentations to The Lord Mayor culminating in a magnificent example of decorative lead work: a lead planter commemorating her year as Lord Mayor and decorated with her coat of arms and that of both the City and the Plumbers’ Company. A limited edition of smaller lead planters will be fashioned at Singleton and sold with the profit going to the Plumbers’ charities.
All in all a great family day out demonstrating not only the craft of plumbing but also that of other Livery Companies and all with our special guest, The Lord Mayor of the City of London.
For more pictures click here. Support the Museum by sponsoring Wendy Hamilton on her walk round the Isle of Wight. Details click here.
Downloadable documents
The Lord Mayors Ball 17th October 2014 Guildhall
Published on Thursday, 24th July 2014
On Friday 17th October, Alderman Fiona Woolf CBE, The Rt. Hon The Lord Mayor of London, is hosting a gala ball for 700 special guests in the Great Hall of Guildhall. This prestigious event, chaired by Lady Barbara Judge, is the inaugural Lord Mayor’s Ball and promises to be a memorable occasion of great food, fine wine and dancing. Music will be provided by the Earthlights Boogie Band and funds raised will go to four community based charities benefiting from the Lord Mayor’s Appeal 2014; Beating Bowel Cancer, Raleigh International, Princess Alice Hospice and Working Chance.
7pm Canapé Reception | 8pm 3-Course Dinner | 10pm The Earthlights Boogie Band |1am Carriages
Dress Code: White or Black Tie
Click here
Downloadable documents
Reusing sewage effluent
Published on Wednesday, 23rd July 2014
Establishing a Robust Case for Final Effluent Reuse – An Evidence Base
A report from UKWIR (UK Water Industry Research) Details click here
Published: 2014 Treated effluent is widely re-used as a resource for agricultural irrigation, urban non-potable use, industrial use and drinking water supplies around the world. Water stress and environmental regulations in the UK are driving UK water companies to consider reuse as a strategic supply option and so require evidence on the array of risks and opportunities this brings.
This study examines evidence from over 200 relevant case studies of both successful and abandoned treated effluent reuse projects. Real (and perceived) risks associated with different reuse scenarios are identified considering their applicability in the UK. Risk to human health is a primary concern, closely followed by the risks to the environment from changes in water flow and composition.
This report sets out existing frameworks for managing and mitigating risk, governance issues, and the factors that influence the energy and carbon demands of reuse systems as well as the cost implications.
A bit of culture and supporting the Red Cross
Published on Monday, 21st July 2014
Throughout 2014 the British Red Cross International Fundraising Committee will be holding ‘ART for LIFE’. This exciting project includes three different art events. The Art for Life launch party & auction of donated artworks; an exhibition of Joan Miro’s iconic ‘Tapestry of Tarragona’ and the fantastic art collection of the Catalan Red Cross; and the Children 4 Children art competition.
Some wonderful pieces have been generously donated including a signed Picasso etching, a first edition (1863) Francisco de Goya etching; and artworks from: Turner Prize-winners Grayson Perry CBE and Tracey Emin CBE RA; Arne Quinze, Ken Howard, Fabrizio Plessi, Maximilian Wiedemann, Luc Waring, Kate Shaw, Nasser Azam, Edward Burtynsky and many other works.
For details click here.
Downloadable documents
Chains of Office and Badges – Sheriffs Elect
Published on Saturday, 19th July 2014
You are invited to contribute towards these important Chains of Office and Badges. Details can be found by clicking on the relevant name Alderman and Sheriff-Elect Dr Andrew Parmley , Sheriff-Elect Fiona Adler. Your chance to support the City.
Downloadable documents
The Fellowship of the Company at it’s best
Published on Saturday, 19th July 2014
A Happy Master!!
The Master’s Weekend (or as for this year the Master’s Mid Week Break) is one of the highlights in the Plumbers’ Company year. This year was no exception as 66 Liverymen and wives thoroughly enjoyed a few days of Lancastrian hospitality organised by Gales Incorporated – that is the Master and his family. Click on the heading for al writeup and look at a few pictures by clicking here.
It was raining in Preston as a number of Liverymen and their wives stepped on to the railway platform – some from the 1st Class carriage the others at the back of the train. Then the sun came out as we were met by the Mistress Plumber and were taken to our hotel – either the Northcote or the Inn at Whitewell. Time to drink a cup of tea or a pint of beer and to meet those who had travelled by car. Into “smart casual” and those from the Inn were coached to the Northcote. Champagne on the terrace, lots of chat and then into dinner prepared by Head Chef Lisa Allen , a winner of the BBC 2 Great British Menu show. Twice Baked Shorocks Lancashire Cheese Soufflé followed by Real Lancashire Hotpot. The wines were good as well.
Next morning bright and early we were taken to Stonyhurst College where the young Gales have and are being educated. The oldest Jesuit College in the English speaking world it has a magnificent collection of treasures with books going back to 1400 – not quite as old as the Plumbers’ Company but almost. We were shown round by the Archivist David Knight who took us through the school life of perhaps the most well known old boy – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This was complimented by the Curator Jan Graffius, who had prepared a display of some of the College treasures. It was truly like a history of England.
Then to Browsholme Hall, home of the Parker family since 1507. Following a lunch we toured the house and played croquet on the lawn. Tuition was provided free of charge by the young male Gales. Some Plumbers quickly learnt how to knock an opponents ball away from the hoops so that they could then knock their ball through the hoop. Not cheating but was it really fair play? The answer depends on whose side you were on!
Back to our place of rest for a short break then into black tie or posh frock for the Gala Dinner in the Great Hall of Stonyhurst College. The pre-dinner reception was particularly enjoyable for the Clerk’s wife, Sue; it was her birthday and she received a surprise bouquet of flowers and a hearty rendition of “Happy Birthday”. What a great dinner it was with fantastic entertainment from soprano Jennie Marsden BMus (Hons) Royal College of Music. The dinner progressed smoothly with some special guests of the Master including his sister and her husband. On one table sat a very attractive blonde lady who really enchanted her neighbouring liverymen. Then attention was called and a black tie dressed Italian waiter announced that a diamante studded hand bag had been found in the gentlemen’s toilet. Shortly afterwards he followed this up by stating that the owner had been found and that he (that is the owner) was very happy. The laughter had hardly subsided before this waiter burst forthwith an operatic aria. This was followed by a French waiter stating that the Italians did not know how to sing and promptly launched into a French operatic aria. Pandemonium reigned followed by peace as the two “waiters” decided that they needed some help. They enticed the blonde guest, seemingly highly embarrassed, to the front whereon she displayed her magnificent vocal range with her operatic performance. The trio of “unexpected guests” then entertained us in brilliant fashion. What an evening, topped by the auction of a gourmet meal and bed & breakfast at the Northcote. It was won by Brian Wadsworth who bid £1,000 which will be donated to our main charity.
An even earlier start on the Friday, going first to Dunsop Bridge, which has been calculated as the exact geographical centre of Great Britain. Duly impressed , it was off to Queen Street Textile Museum in Burnley. The Mill represents the last commercial steam powered textile weaving mill in the world. We had a conducted tour round the mill and saw working looms. Memories of Blaster Bates came back as we saw the working steam engine, a well oiled piece of machinery that has been working for a century.
Lunch back at the Inn at Whitewell, the fish pie was highly recommended then, for those fit enough or not catching a train south, the Hobbits short walk along part of the Tolkein Trail led by Wendy Hamilton. The average energy expended by PM David Hamilton and PS Mike Horwood amounted to 262 calories. The competition to guess the number of calories was won by Ann Marsh who closely pushed Shelia Samuel into second place! A further £145 was raised and this will be split between each of our two charities.
A really great few days of Plumbers Fellowship thanks to the Master and his family team. Thanks for the weekend were expressed by PM Geoff Marsh and continue to be heartily endorsed by all those present.
This short write up would not be complete without telling about one Past Master who tried to buy the Sunday Times on the way home because he was so used to a Master’s Weekend and never did work out which day of the week it was.
What an achievement!
Published on Saturday, 19th July 2014
Past Master Hamilton manning the tombola stall
A small band of Plumbers who manned the Bottle Tombola stall in the yard of the Guildhall on the Lord Mayor’s Gift Day raised the magnificent sum of £1,632.48 for her charities. See www.LordMayorsAppeal.org
Did you buy a ticket at the Company Tombola Stand? If so click here to ascertain if you are a winner.
Downloadable documents
Cityview
Published on Tuesday, 15th July 2014
Cityview
Cityview is the magazine of the City Corporation and keeps you up to date on our current work and plans for the future.
It is published twice a year (December and June) and supplemented by Cityview Online, a web-based magazine also published twice a year, for viewing online or to download. Click here for the latest issue.
A new email address?
Published on Saturday, 12th July 2014
If you change your email address please change the details in your record in the membership database. Only you and the office staff can change your details. When you make any changes please send an email to the Clerk at clerk@plumberscompany.org.uk
Failure to notify the office about a changed email address will mean that you will miss out on important information.
Water Hygiene Webinars Free
Published on Saturday, 5th July 2014
For details click here.
Downloadable documents
Welcome to our first Spanish International Member
Published on Wednesday, 2nd July 2014
Past Master Rodney Cartwright welcomes Esteban Delgado
The Clerk performs the Ceremony
Signing the Register
In Palma Mallorca, Dr Esteban Delgado was welcomed into the Company by Past Master Rodney Cartwright. The Clerk administered the oath for Freedom of the Company using Skype.
Esteban is the Chairman of Preverisk, a company that provides a safety and food and water hygiene programmes for the hospitality sector. http://www.preverisk.com
A short video of the ceremony can be found by clicking here. It may take some time to dowload.
Encouraging excellence in vocational training
Published on Tuesday, 1st July 2014
The Clerk reports on our Charity. Click here or on more news below.
One of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, in its early years the Plumbers’ Company was responsible for setting and maintaining the standard for all plumbing apprentice training within London and it also ran the voluntary National Register of Plumbers. Today that falls within the remit of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), with whom we have close links, but the company through its Charitable and Educational Trust still plays an active role in education, training and other charitable causes.
PAUL NASH, clerk to the PLUMBERS’ COMPANY, says: If you travel into London by train (for work or pleasure) through Cannon Street Railway Station you will see a large green man (boy actually) standing on the concourse opposite platform 4 and the ticket office. The Plumbers’ Apprentice Statue was unveiled by HRH the Duke of Gloucester in 2011 to mark the 400th anniversary of the Royal Charter of the Plumbers’ Company and to recognise the company’s support for the training of apprentices.
In case you are wondering why Cannon Street Station was chosen as the location, it also marks the former site of the company’s hall, which was demolished in 1863 to make way for the station!
One of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, in its early years the Plumbers’ Company was responsible for setting and maintaining the standard for all plumbing apprentice training within London and it also ran the voluntary National Register of Plumbers. Today that falls within the remit of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), with whom we have close links, but the company through its Charitable and Educational Trust still plays an active role in education, training and other charitable causes.
We run a bursary scheme to help support young plumbing apprentices if they need financial help to complete their training up to S/NVQ Level 3. Supported by the individual’s training college and employer, the decision on whether or not to give a bursary is made jointly with CIPHE and we have been hugely grateful to City and Guilds which have also provided matched funding for recent awards. The panel that makes the decision is drawn from qualified members of the profession within the company and we ask for feedback to see how the young trainee is progressing.
One of the challenges we face is publicising our bursary scheme. We have had very few applications recently and work is in hand to spread the word. Sadly higher level vocational training today in the plumbing sector is not as readily available as it used to be and we applaud and support recent initiatives to reinvigorate training in this area. Many colleges and organisations now only provide training to NVQ Level 2.
The Charitable and Educational Trust is supported by our Technical and Education Committee, which also helps with a number of awards we give to recognise those who have excelled in their training. Its members are drawn from those who have a wealth of experience in the trade and profession. Again we work closely with the college or training organisation and often the decision on who receives an award is given over to them entirely. We draw on their experience and expertise.
One award, “The Wilkinson Shield”, is a joint annual award to the best student and college in the North East Region of England. They are selected by the Newcastle and County Durham branch of the CIPHE and the competition is fierce – it is probably unique in that both the trainer and trainee at the institution must excel to win. Named after one of our Past Masters who inaugurated it, it celebrated its Centenary Award last year. In this region a strong tradition of vocational training continues.
PAUL NASH of the PLUMBERS’ COMPANY continues: Whilst we recognise the importance of supporting training in the modern plumbing profession which we represent, you can see from our history that it is also an ancient craft – and lead working on which much of it was based is one of the traditional crafts we support.
An offshoot of the company is the Plumbers’ Workshop Charitable Trust, located at the Weald and Downland Museum at Singleton, West Sussex. Here you can see demonstrations of, and learn about, ancient lead working skills – skills we cannot afford to lose, as they are still needed today and in the future to repair and maintain our fine heritage of ancient buildings, palaces, churches and cathedrals across the country.
The Plumbers’ Company and its charity also support a wide variety of other causes, including city farms in London, musical education and awareness through the St Paul’s Cathedral School Choir, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Apollo Music Project at Columbia Primary School in Tower Hamlets, and rehabilitation and training for ex-offenders through the Old Bailey.
We are also proud of our association with the Armed Forces, to whom we provide an annual award to the best plumbing and hydraulic students in each of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. We also support the Richmond Sea Cadet unit with the training it gives to young people, who repay us by kindly providing a Guard of Honour for our formal banquet in the Mansion House each year.
Black tie, Posh Dress, Great Company – The Autumn Festival
Published on Saturday, 28th June 2014
The Master and Mrs Debbie Gale are delighted to invite you, your partner and any other guests you would like to bring to join them for the Autumn Festival Dinner to be held this year in Skinners’Hall. The Skinners’ Company is one of “The Great 12” Livery Companies of the City of London with a history going back 700 years. The current Livery Hall is one of the oldest in the City and is by-and-large the one rebuilt in the 1680s after the first one was destroyed in the Great Fire of London.
Click here for flier and booking.
Downloadable documents
A visit to Allington Castle
Published on Saturday, 28th June 2014
A party of Plumbers were priviliged to vist Allington Castle near Maidstone. Tha castle, not normally open to the public, is the home of Sir Robert Worcester KBE DL. Click on header for fuller details.
On Thursday 26th June, twenty members and friends gathered in the courtyard of Allington Castle for tea & biscuits prior to our tour.
We were welcomed by the estates manager Jonathan Davies and members of his staff for what proved to be a very special day.
As many of those in attendance had travelled a significant distance, Jonathan felt it appropriate that refreshments should be served before the tour began.
Master Nick Gale and Mrs Debbie Gale, along with a number of past masters, wives, liveryman and friends, set off at 11:45am accompanied by head gardener Adrian, whose brief was to show as much of the forty six acres of gardens and grounds as possible before our lunch.
Adrian prove to be an extremely accomplished guide, as he directed our attention to the most significant aspects of the gardens along with a number of the external features of the castle walls.
We were to return for our lunch at 1.15pm, which was served in the Great Hall. Our chef Paul, who is also the castle electrician and had reached the last sixteen in TV’s Masterchef, had prepared a superb lunch; we were waited on by Jonathan, his wife Trudy and the trainee gardener Sam.
After lunch our party assembled in the main courtyard, where Jonathan began our tour of the castle, directing our attention to the priest hole located in the entrance and to the numerous pieces of antique furniture, which had been purchased by agreement with auction houses around the UK .
Jonathan advised us that Sir Robert had entered into the agreement to purchase furniture that had been sold by previous owners.
Sir Robert, who chaired a number or steering committees, regularly used Penchester Hall to hold the meetings.
During the next hour and half we were privileged to view the more prominent castle rooms, a number of which remained in use, these included the library, children’s bedroom and sitting room, many of which had open fireplaces.
The guest room, had been recently, used by a several of Sir Roberts guests, including the Japanese Ambassador and his wife and Professors from Kansas University.
We were then taken to the tower where two bedrooms were located, one of which is said to be haunted.
Jonathan told us that the castle was used during a recent article in Tattler, which featured Kiren Knightly, photographed in various rooms.
Our tour ended in the Great Hall, where The Master thanked Jonathan and his staff for a most enjoyable day and to pass on our thanks to Sir Robert and Lady Margaret Worcester for affording The Worshipful Company of Plumbers the hospitality of their home.
Senior Steward David Attwood
Liveryman installed as the next CIPHE President
Published on Sunday, 22nd June 2014
Kevin McCallister, President
Terry Stephenson, Vice President
On Saturday 21st June a Liveryman of the Plumbers’ Company, Kevin McCallister was installed as the President of the CIPHE for the ensuing year. We offer him many congratulations. Kevin follows Dr Steve Ingle as the holder of this prestigious post. Terry Stephenson was elected as Vice president.
Kevin McCallister has been a member of the Institute for nearly 46 years. He served as a member of the Wolverhampton Branch Committee from 1970 to 2008. Currently, Kevin represents the Institute on the Construction Industry Diversity Panel and supports the ‘Get Girls Plumbing’ campaign.
In his address, Kevin said his theme for the year was Progression. He said he’d had a very interesting and varied career and hopes that he can use his expertise to help others.
“I want to share my experience with our membership wherever I can. Many of our members are creating their own career paths; whether it is setting up their own businesses, looking to expand their business, moving off the tools into management or are in management and looking to move to the next level. I will do all I can to help them.”
The Master at Large
Published on Wednesday, 18th June 2014
The Master at Blist Hill
At the Palace. Did the Master put the plants in the Planter?
Studying our Craft
The Master recently visited the Plumbers Workshop based at the Blist Hill Victorian Village at Ironbridge in Shropshire. Many of the Livery crafts are represented here as part of the Ironbridge World Heritage Site. Thousands of people visit the Ironbridge site each year including many schoolchildren, where they can learn about the origins of today’s modern craft’s. The Workshop is run by the CIPHE and, together with the Worshipful Company of Plumbers Museum at Singleton in Sussex, represents a valuable record of our craft’s heritage. In the picture with the Master is Hugh Brown, who at 82 fondly remembers working with the tools displayed in the workshop. Hugh is one of a small team who volunteer to manage the facility. PS Why not visit Sinleton with the Lord Mayor on 27th July. Click here.
A Royal Occasion
The Master and Mistress Plumber were privileged to inspect the two lead planters this month, which were presented by the Company to Her Majesty the Queen in 2002, to commemorate her Golden Jubilee. The two planters were made by Liveryman Terry Fillary MBE, and are positioned in the Rose Garden at Buckingham Palace; where they are looking good for the next 50 years! The Queen was also presented with a large lead planter at Sandringham in 2013 to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee, a party from the Plumbers Company led by the Master were personally thanked by the Queen in the Sitting Room.’
Powerful Women
Published on Wednesday, 18th June 2014Enjoy a wonderful evening in the Old Library and the Great Hall of the historic Guildhall for a celebration on Powerful Women in Opera portrayed in some of the most wonderfully tuneful arias, choruses and orchestral interludes ever written by Verdi, Bizet, Berlioz, Bellini, Saint Saens and Ciliea. The Chelsea Opera Group, under the baton of Gianluca Marcanó, will be joined by two spectacular singers, Nelly Miricioiu (soprano) and Nino Surguladze (mezzo soprano), both of whom have sung with the Royal Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. The opera scenes will be narrated by the well-known actress Hannah Gordon. The performance will be a powerful operatic feast sandwiched between delicious bowls of food and lubricating wines that will transform a stellar evening into something quite out of the ordinary. Afterwards you can linger over wine and cheese – a perfect end to a busy week!
Downloadable documents
For details click here. Read a new letter fromm the Lord Mayor
Guildhall Friday 19th September
Tea, tombola, cakes, food stalls, beer, celebrity judges and fun!
Published on Tuesday, 17th June 2014Guildhall Yard, Friday 11TH July 10.30am – till 10.30pmMore details click here
Downloadable documents
The 11th July will be a great celebration of the hugely positive e ffect the City has in transforming lives through philanthropic and responsible business activities. It will also raise money for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal 2014 which this year supports Beating Bowel Cancer, Princess Alice Hospice, Raleigh International and Working Chance.
Please join in the celebrations and help us raise money for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. The Plumbers’ contribution is a tombola stall for numerous cases and bottles of wine, kindly organised by Diana Paterson-Fox
The City’s Giving Day
What you missed – The Plumbers’ Afloat having fun
Published on Wednesday, 11th June 2014
The end of the evening
What a great evening of fun and fellowship as a party of Plumbers sailed down the Thames, had a very enjoyable evening then let their hair down. For pictures click here. For a full report click on the header above.
Plumbers Afloat – A Celebration of Our Lord Mayor Alderman Fiona Woolf CBE
Late on a sunny summer’s afternoon, “Team Gale” under the direction of The Master, the Clerk Paul and Senior Steward David (with Marilyn) assembled on “The Millennium City”, a Thames Cruiser, at its Bermondsey base to transform the vessel from an ordinary day trip boat into a sparkling “red and white” celebration of our Lord Mayor’s year of office. By the time we had sailed up the Thames from Bermondsey to Westminster Pier, the transformation was complete with the vessel bedecked with red and white balloons and bunting throughout.
Waiting on the quay side at Westminster were over 120 guests eager to start their river experience. The weather could not have been better, enabling guests to collect their glass of sparking wine on boarding the vessel and go straight onto the open upper deck, bathed in beautiful sunshine. So pleasant were the conditions that the guests lingered longer than planned, to the extent of slightly delaying the meal!
The cruise commenced by going upstream whilst the starters were served and consumed, before turning in mid-stream and sailing back to their base in Bermondsey to bring the hot main course and desserts on board.
We then headed on downstream to turn again just before the Thames Barrier. As soon as the meal was finished, Darryl Edwards (our special DJ for the night) soon had the dance floor packed, playing music from “our collective era”.
The ambience was enhanced by Darryl distributing a wide range of strange artifacts and, of course, the obligatory prizes.
Just before 22.30 hrs, the vessel returned to Westminster Pier to disembark the guests, who by all accounts had had a very enjoyable evening, aided and abetted by the warm weather, good food and wine, an excellent disco and of course typical Plumbers’ “hospitality”.
Finally, my thanks to all those who made the evening a success, “Team Gale”, The Clerk and Sharon, Senior Steward David, Disco Darryl and last but not least the vessel’s crew under the leadership of Gabriel.
Steward Ian Smith
Evening Vespers in our Church
Published on Tuesday, 10th June 2014
Our Chaplain and the Cardinal Rector of St magnus the Martyr, the Revd Philip Warner SSC writes
“It is not so well known, but during his long incumbency, Fr Fynes-Clinton had the Church of St Magnus the Martyr rededicated under the co-patronage of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Because of the late date of Easter this year, we were unable to keep the Feast of St Magnus on the appointed day, so we will be celebrating that of The Most Sacred Heart on Thursday, June 26th at 6.30 pm with: VESPERS FOR A SUMMER EVENING. The music will be the Vespers in D by Saverio Mercadante (1795 – 1870)
I am writing in the hope you will be able to attend this First Vespers of the Solemnity and the party that follows.”
Click here for flyer.
Downloadable documents
Uniting the Livery, promoting fellowship for 100 years
Published on Tuesday, 10th June 2014
The Plumbers’ Company congratulates the City Livery Club on their celebration of their centenary that was recognized by 700 persons attending a banquet in the Guildhall. Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal presented the first City Livery Club Root and Branch Award to Mr Thomas Llube and a lifetime award to Mr Geoffrey Bond OBE DL
The find out more about the City Livery Club click here.
An important element in the celebrations of the Club’s Centenary has been the establishment of an annual award, the Root and Branch Award – so named to reflect the familiar phrase used by Livery Companies and the City Livery Club to toast the health of the Company with the words ‘may it flourish root and branch’.
The award process was launched in November 2013 with a notification to the Livery Clerks. In early March a Reviewing Committee chaired by Past President Alderman Alison Gowman reviewed the twenty-four excellent applications and passed these to the Judging Panel, which included two Livery Masters, a representative from the Livery Committee, a Sheriff and the Club’s President. A winner was selected, and a special Lifetime award also agreed. The Club is delighted and honoured that these two Award winners will be presented with their Awards this evening by HRH The Princess Royal, who is herself an active Liveryman and Past Master.
Thomas lIube – Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists. Tom has an outstanding record of service to education and young people. He helped transform a failing school into one rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, and was the prime mover on the part of the Information Technologists in their relationship with the Mercers’ Company who together founded the Hammersmith Academy. It was Tom’s recognition of the key role that education plays that has led him to work so tirelessly for young students.
Geoffrey Bond aBE DL – Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Glaziers. Geoffrey has a long history of commitment to the Livery and the Judging Panel considered that he deserved a special Lifetime Award to recognise this in our Centenary Year. Geoffrey has been involved in many initiatives working across the Livery companies, including the ‘Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker’ exhibition and a project to mark the anniversary of the King James Bible that included a major literacy initiative for school children.
The Plumbers go Global
Published on Tuesday, 10th June 2014
Sudhakaran Nair the current Chairman of the World Plumbing Council and Chairman of the Indian Plumbing Association (accompanied by Liveryman Kevin Wellman)
Henry Hung , Past Chairman of the CIPHE in Hong Kong
‘The first International Members were sworn in last month. Using the latest technology the Master and Clerk were able to successfully conduct the ceremony for two members in Hong Kong and one in Singapore. The Clerk reading the Oath over a skype connection was fully present as the Master congratulated our first three Members and handed over their Certificate together with the new badge and tie. Shown in the pictures are Henry Hung , Past Chairman of the CIPHE in Hong Kong and recent WPC Member and Sudhakaran Nair the current Chairman of the World Plumbing Council and Chairman of the Indian Plumbing Association (accompanied by Liveryman Kevin Wellman); the Clerk can be seen on the screen in the middle! International Membership was introduced recently to recognise significant individuals who operate at senior level in the industry worldwide, all applications are submitted to the Admissions Committee.
A conversion kit!
Published on Monday, 9th June 2014
Conversion Kit
Not the work of a Liveryman or a member of the CIPHE
Congratulations to the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales.
Published on Monday, 9th June 2014
Processing in Wales
The Upper Warden and the Clerk process in Cardiff. In May 2013 the Welsh Livery Guild was granted a Royal Charter, to be recognised as the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales. To celebrate the granting of the Charter the Company held a Charter Banquet in the City Hall, Cardiff on Saturday 7th June 2014 in the presence of First Minister of Wales, Lord-Lieutenants and High Sheriffs, Lord Mayors and Mayors of the Cities of Wales, Vice-Chancellors of Welsh Universities, Senior Service Officers, and Masters, Wardens and Clerks of Livery Companies from London, York, Shrewsbury and Worcester. The Banquet was preceded by a Service of Dedication with an Address by the Archbishop of Wales.
Book now
Published on Thursday, 22nd May 2014
The Workshop
The Lord Mayor, Alderman Fiona Woolf is coming to the Master’s Day at the Weald and Downland Museum at Singleton on Sunday 27th July. All children under 10 years of age can attend FREE. Spend a great day in good company at a venue that has attractions for all ages. In particular there will be a live demonstration of lead work in the Plumbers’ workshop – not to be missed. To top it all, lunch with the Lord Mayor. For further information on the venue click here.
Liverymen will have received a hard copy of the details by post (we are aware of the mistake in the hard copy booking form and any who have overpaid by 50p will be reimbursed on the day; the correct price is £39 a head), click here to view on the screen. Act now, do not file.
Downloadable documents
Court Assistant co-authors Tate Britain Catalogue
Published on Wednesday, 21st May 2014
St GilesCripplegate 1941
Kenneth Clark
Kenneth Clark – Looking for Civilisation Tate Britain: Exhibition. 20 May – 10 August 2014.
Court Assistant Dr Peter Rumley FSA is co-author of the Kenneth Clark: Looking For Civilisation exhibition catalogue. This large and important exhibition showing a whole range of Lord Clark’s art collection and those British modern artists he personally supported, including Henry Moore, Graham Sutherland, John Piper, Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell, William Coldstream and Victor Pasmore. There are also works by Reynolds, Cézanne, Renoir, Seurat and much more, which reflected his life. A third of the exhibition has come from Saltwood Castle, which the Company visited a few years back, and the rest from private collections and museums around the world. The exhibition is at Tate Britain and runs until 10th August. An exhibition not to be missed.
It is not known by many that when much of the City of London was destroyed during the WWII blitz it was Clark’s idea for the bombed City churches to be kept as war memorials; for if these ruined churches had all been rebuilt, the letter to The Times (15 August 1945) stated, there would be “no trace of death from the air” and the story of the Blitz may begin to seem unreal, not only to visiting tourists but to a new generation of Londoners”. The letter also suggested, “whilst being kept as gardens suitable for meditation or relaxation in the heart of the city, each could act at the same time as a specific war memorial”. So, when looking around the city at the ruined churches and those peaceful havens it was all through Kenneth Clark. A full account of this episode in Clark’s life is published in the SPAB Summer magazine, shortly to be published. Copies may be obtain through the SPAB, 37, Spital Sq, London, E1 6DY. St Giles Cripplegate was restored and forms a centre piece to the Barbican complex.
Allington Castle Visit. Enjoy the splendours of yesteryear.
Published on Monday, 19th May 2014
Allington Castle is a Grade I listed building. Much of the stonework was laid in an intricate herringbone pattern which is still visible today. It was the birthplace in 1503 of the English lyrical poet Sir Thomas Wyatt and in 1521 of his son the rebel leader Thomas Wyatt. It is currently the private residence of Sir Robert Worcester and Lady Worcester and is not open to the public. We have been given this unique opportunity to visit the castle and experience a guided tour of the extensive grounds and castle, followed by a three course lunch served in the great hall.
Click here for details and booking.
Downloadable documents
Food for thought
Published on Monday, 19th May 2014
From Past Master Geoff Marsh
There is a persistent tendency by some who work in the consultancy area of plumbing to describe our activity as a “craft” occupation. During my apprenticeship, about 50% of the work could probably be labelled craft. By the time I had finished my wage-earning career, 90% of plumbing could more accurately be described as engineering. That is why Terry Fillary received a Master Craft Certificate in Leadwork as a reference to what is still a hand-forming operation. The study that I am involved with relates to recognition of plumbing engineering as a reality today and we need to attach relevant titles to the work being carried out by CIPHE members. The process of plumbing engineering has overtaken the necessary educational pathway and that is what I am concentrating on at this time. The first step is to provide relevant engineering titles for current plumbing occupations. That is where we can use the LCSC system of awards, eg Apprentice, Journeyman and Master leading to engineering definitions, eg Domestic Plumbing & Heating Engineer. This technique identifies the reality of the situation and we then have to back it up with an educational strategy that meets the requirement of today’s industry.
City Livery Yacht Club Race
Published on Sunday, 18th May 2014
The Winning Team
The Clerk at the Helm!
The Loyal Supporters
The Plumbers were successful again in the Inter-Livery City Yacht Club Regatta at Cowes on the Isle of Wight over the weekend 16/17/18 May 2014.
The boats, crews and spectators all gathered on Friday evening for an informal meal at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club on Friday evening. The weather forecast was for a hazy start, then hot and sunny, but with very little wind, perfect for all those who went out in the spectator boat to watch the race, but not for the competitors. It proved to be correct and at the briefing at 1000am on the Saturday a minimum delay of one hour for the start was announced in the hope that the sun would burn the haze off and create a breeze. After a further delay of another hour the race started just after 1.00pm in very calm conditions with all the boats struggling against a strong tide. There were 9 Livery Companies competing and a total of 17 boats. The race course took us round 4 buoys in the Solent and the Woolmen and one of the Lightmongers’ boats quickly established a small lead, with the Plumbers third. The wind started to pick up and as we approached the third buoy we slowly edged into the lead. By the time we rounded the last buoy, we had a comfortable lead and the home leg saw us forge ahead running with the tide and wind and we crossed the line first, but we had to wait for the evening presentation of the cups to see whether we were first on handicap.
The presentation dinner was in the Cowes Royal Yacht Squadron on Saturday evening, with a glorious setting sun and beautiful views over the Solent. The Plumbers received The Millennium Cup, awarded at the discretion of the Commodore of the City of London Yacht Club, in recognition that we were first across the line. On handicap, the first 7 boats were all very close and given a time within 12 minutes of each other. The overall winner was judged to be the Worshipful Company of Woolmen- our congratulations to them.
Once again, our thanks go to Past Master Mike Samuel for making all the arrangements for another excellent and thoroughly enjoyable weekend on the Isle of Wight and in particular to Honorary Liveryman Martin Gratte who once again provided the boat.
Bridge Ward Club has a Viking Luncheon!
Published on Thursday, 15th May 2014
The Plumbers – Liveryman Michael Cooper, PM John Lockyer, Viking Stephen Wagstaffe, Viking Liverymen John Carnaby, David Aggett and Ivan Whitting.
On Wednesday 14th May, the Bridge Ward Club held their annual Civic Luncheon at Fishmongers Hall.
This was a particularly important luncheon with over 100 attending, not only to celebrate the Chairman, Alan Downing’s last event for his term of office, but the also the clubs participation of a float in this years Lord Mayor’s Show in November.
Prior to the lunch, theatrical designer Alison Wagstaffe gave an interesting presentation of her work on the float model and explained that as our Ward of Bridge was on the River Thames, closely associated with St Magnus the Martyr and Norwegian Business Scholars’ Trust, it was agreed that we should have a Viking theme for the show, the model was on show throughout the lunch.
The clubs principal guest was their President, Alderman Alan Yarrow, followed by His Excellency Mr Kim Traavik, Ambassador for Norway, Mr Geoffrey Bond Chairman of the Bridge Ward Club Norwegian Scholars Trust, Mrs Claire Anstee (past Lady Mayoress) and Major Geoffrey Berry TD, President of the United Wards’ Club. We were also very pleased to welcome Mr Gordon Ridgeon, Director of Ridgeons Timber and Builders Merchants, who are kindly supplying the vehicle for the 2014 Lord Mayors Show.
Lunching with the Master and the Mistress Plumber
Published on Tuesday, 13th May 2014
Ironmongers’ Hall
In response to popular demand the fourth “Plumbers’ Table at Ironmongers’ Hall” was held on 12 May. The Master accompanied by his wife Debbie welcomed 27 Liverymen and their guests to a sparkling wine reception held in the Hall’s Drawing Room – a room noted for the country’s largest William Morris tapestry hung in place of wall paper. From there we moved into the magnificent Banqueting Hall for a delicious three course lunch with plentiful wine and coffee. Needless to say the event held in such glorious surroundings was judged a great success.
The “Plumbers Table at Ironmongers’ Hall seems to have become a regular feature in the Company’s social programme. The objective was to create a modestly priced, relaxed and informal social event which enhanced the Livery’s reputation for outstanding fellowship. Moreover it was to be open to all Liverymen, their partners, friends and business associates and provide a way for new comers to find out more about the Livery.
Given the numbers that the event regularly attracts it is clear that the formula works. More “Plumbers’ Tables” are planned. Look out for the flyers, and if you have not been along do come and join us.
City Bonuses at Risk
Published on Sunday, 11th May 2014
Masters on the prowl for Bonusers
It is a tradition each year that during Red Cross Week, Masters from the Livery Companies take to the London Streets of the City to collect from Londoners. Faced with a fully gowned Master and a large red collection bucket, the City bonuses were clearly not safe. The Master is seen here with other Masters at the Mansion House, after a successful day, with all proceeds going to the British Red Cross.’
Liveryman appointed as CEO of EngTechNow
Published on Friday, 9th May 2014
Liveryman Blane Judd
Liveryman Blane Judd, the former Group Chief Executive of the Building & Engineering Services Association, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of EngTechNow. EngTechNow is a campaign focused on raising awareness of the importance of Engineering Technicians to the economy and daily life, it aims to encourage the registration of 100,000 Engineering Technicians by 2020.
The Plumbers support Academic Research in Plumbing and Building Services
Published on Thursday, 8th May 2014
Professor Lynne Jack, Mrs Jean Swaffield, Court Assistant Robert Burgon, the Master and Professor Gareth Pender, Head of the School of the Built Environment at Heriot Watt University.
Heriot Watt University inaugurates John Swaffield Laboratory
Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh has recognised the enormous contribution made by the late Professor John Swaffield by inaugurating a Building Services Engineering Laboratory in his memory. John, who was one of the world’s top experts in drainage research and was well-known throughout the global plumbing industry, led some ground- breaking research in this lab prior to his retirement in 2008. He died in 2011.
The event was followed by the Inaugural Lecture by Professor Lynne Jack, who had worked as part of Professor Swaffield’s team. The lab was opened by Professor Swaffield’s widow, Jean.
Click on underlined words.
Plumbers Afloat – Join us to celebrate the Mayoralty of Fiona Woolf, only our 7th Lord Mayor
Published on Tuesday, 6th May 2014
We are holding a river party on a privately chartered City Cruise boat along the Thames, cruising past London’s famous sights. The evening will start with a sparkling wine reception (weather permitting, on the upper viewing deck), followed by choices for a three course dinner with coffee. The ticket price also includes a half a bottle of wine per person. There will be music and entertainment provided by our very own Darryl Edwards from the Ribble Valley in Lancashire — he is guaranteeing to get the Plumbers dancing.
For colured flyer and booking form click here. For B&W Form go to download here.
Downloadable documents
WaterSafe Update
Published on Monday, 5th May 2014
The Chairman Past Master Chris Sneath reports
“It is now 5 months since WaterSafe, the new National Plumbing Assurance Scheme was launched in October last year and has already signed up 55% of its overall target for business registrations.
The Industry has to rid itself and isolate those rogue tradespeople who bring the sector into disrepute.
It has already been established that the British public have spent an alarming £2.6 billion on fixing plumbing disasters.
Homeowners must be educated about the cost of using unqualified plumbers and to use the website where competent and skilled companies can be found in their area.
WaterSafe current strategy is to increase membership, move the UK National Water Companies to promote the scheme more wisely and encourage stakeholders to “Specify Only” businesses that are WaterSafe approved and belong to a WaterSafe Scheme Operator
Visit the WaterSafe Website for further information and advice”.
Plumbers can make a healthy difference
Published on Sunday, 4th May 2014
Plumbing for Health
A basic requirement for a good standard of public health is access to safe drinking water and an efficient and hygienic sewage disposal system. This is lacking in may parts of the worls including some townships in South Africa. A recent project in Diepsloot , a suburb of Johannesburg, brought together two WorldSkills champions in plumbing to help rectify the situation. Shane Trevitt was the winner of the WorldSkills Gold Medal for Plumbing and Heating in 2011 is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers. Ciaran Coady was the winner in 2013.
Read a an illustrated account of the project in which they took an active and very practical role by clicking here.
The project aims to improve the health of the residents and reduce the ongoing maintenance work for the local WASSUP team by upgrading 10 toilets, taps and drains and installing better hardware. Ten more toilets will be monitored to compare their performance to the improved toilets. Using water use data to prove the effectiveness of the work, means future works can be extended to cover the 120 toilets currently maintained by WASSUP and then further work to other areas of Diepsloot.
In mid 2013, a submission assembled by Healthabitat, Sticky Situations and WASSUP was supported by the WorldSkills Foundation. This support included funds for the upgrade and monitoring of 20 toilets and the assistance of two WorldSkills trades for 10 days during the construction phase of the project and a WorldSkills co-ordinator in Australia. The work is also supported by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology – Australia) and the World Plumbing Council.
Shane Trevitt from the UK, a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers, and Ciaran Coady from Ireland both Gold Medal winning plumbers in the WorldSkills championships worked in partnership with the local WASSUP team to make significant changes in Diepsloot.
WASSUP (www.theglobalstudio.com)
Sticky Situations (www.stickysituations.org/wassup-diepsloot/)
WorldSkills Foundation (www.dsf.org.au/current-projects/340-worldskills-foundation)
Healthabitat (www.healthabitat.com)
Downloadable documents
Looking to the Future
Published on Wednesday, 30th April 2014
The Master & Upper Warden saying “Now which of these points are really important?”
Eleven Court members led by the Master met for a day to consider future strategic plans for the Company. The Aims and Objectives of the Company were subject to a detailed SWOT analysis. (For those not used to this business tool it means we considered our strengths and weaknesses in achieving our As & Os together with Opportunities and Threats to us in the future. Seven priority strategic action headings were presented to and accepted by the Court the following day.
New Liverymen Admitted
Published on Wednesday, 30th April 2014
William Thomson, Nicholas Garniss, The Master, William Davies, Nicholas Garai, .
Murray Craig, The Master, The Master Currier
At the meeting of the Court on 29th April, William Davies (Director Maintenance Company), Nicholas Edward Garniss (Head of UBS Property Services), Nicholas Thomas Garai (Hotel Head Concierge) and William David Thomson (Ret’d Policeman) were clothed in the Livery.
Further photos click here.
Following the Court meeting a luncheon was held at which the guest speaker was Murray Craig, the Clerk of the Chamberlain’s Court. Other Company guests were Graham Stow Esq CBE DL Master Currier, Ms De Bradshaw Master Plaisterer, John Nokes Esq Master Tobacco Pipe Makers, Miss Elizabeth Edwards Master Chartered Surveyors, Robert Prentice Master Watermen & Lightermen and Duncan Barker Head of Development at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
What does the Master do?
Published on Tuesday, 29th April 2014
The Master leads the Company during his year and represents the Company at many City and Craft functions. If you would like to see the 113 engagements in his diary for the last 6 months click here and I am sure that you will get a big surprise. Thank you Master.
Downloadable documents
David Aggett – 30years of a new heart
Published on Wednesday, 23rd April 2014
David Aggett
David with the Plumbers’ Master and Mistress backed up by the Clerk
The Raffle winners with the model of Fishmongers’ Hall
Past Steward David Aggett celebrated the 30th anniversary of a transplanted heart with 120 friends, including twenty Plumbers and their wives, at a luncheon held in Fishmomgers’ Hall on Friday 11th April. The winners of a raffle in aid of the Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Charity received a model of Fishmongers Hall made by David.
Free food for the kids!
Published on Wednesday, 16th April 2014
Weald & Downland Museum
Plumbers’ Workshop
The Lord Mayor, Alderman Fiona Woolf is coming to the Master’s Day at the Weald and Downland Museum at Singleton on Sunday 27th July. All children under 10 years of age can attend FREE. Spend a great day in good company at a venue that has attractions for all ages. In particular there will be a live demonstration of lead work in the Plumbers’ workshop – not to be missed. To top it all, lunch with the Lord Mayor. For further information on the venue click here.
Details to follow but put the date in your diary NOW.
A tasting trip up the Rhône Valley
Published on Wednesday, 16th April 2014
A group of Liverymen and guests were led by Chris Davey, the Managing Director of OW Loeb Ltd on a trip up the Rhône Valley thorugh the medium of wine tasting. Three white wines and six reds were sampled with a full explanation given for each.
A light finger buffet followed in what was a very enjoyable evening of Fellowship.
New HSE ACoP Part 2: The control of legionella bacteria in hot and cold water
Published on Monday, 14th April 2014
This latest advice is on the web. Click here.
Presentation by HSE at the Royal Society for Public Health 15th May. Details here.
Exercising your right as a Liveryman – Election of Sheriffs
Published on Monday, 14th April 2014
Liverymen who were admitted to the Livery before 31st May 2013 and who wish to vote for the Sheriffs and other Officers should note that you are summoned to meet at the Guildhall on Tuesday 24th June 2014 by 11.45am. The Lord Mayor will take the chair at 12 noon precisely. Lunch following in Pewterers’ Hall.
Details and Booking click here.
Water Safety Plans need Plumbers
Published on Thursday, 10th April 2014
The challenges related to drinking-water supplies in rural areas and small towns are of notable concern across the entire European Region. The Protocol recognizes that improving the situation of small-scale water supplies is thus a priority area of work. This particularly includes continuing advocacy for adoption and scale-up of WSPs and ongoing capacity building, as well as providing tools – such as this field guide – to support local WSP uptake and implementation. For your copy click here.
The evidence shows that the WSP approach works effectively in community-managed supplies. This field guide is designed to be used by community members working with this approach. It contains short explanations of the water safety planning process and practical templates that support WSP development and implementation on the ground. Local government authorities, health and water supply offices and nongovernmental organizations can also use it to support community members in implementing their WSPs.
This field guide aims to support the implementation of the WHO (2011) Guidelines for drinking-water quality. For your copy click here.
Downloadable documents
Legionnaires’ disease – exploring the implications of the new HSE ACoP
Published on Monday, 7th April 2014
An essential update following the new Approved Code of Practice on the control of Legionella from the Health and Safety Executive at the Royal Society for Public Health on Thursday 15th May 2014.
This one day conference, discussion and networking opportunity to meet the authors of the ACoP.
For details click here.
Downloadable documents
The Livery gathers in St Paul’s Cathedral
Published on Monday, 7th April 2014
It is one of the high lights of the Livery Year and this year’s United Guilds’ Service was no exception. The Company pew was again filled for this celebration and reminder that we are a Worshipful Company.
It is one of the high lights of the Livery Year and this year’s United Guilds’ Service was no exception. The Service has its origins in 1943 when the Masters of the Great Twelve Companies decided to hold a service in St Paul’s cathedral for the Livery Companies and Guilds of the City of London. The idea behind the Service was to help lift the spirits of the City following the Blitz. Since then it has become an annual event and remains one of the few occasions at which Livery Companies can gather together as a whole.
Because so many people attend the service (normally in excess of 2000) it is necessary to be seated in good time. But this is no great hardship as it enables one to enjoy the magnificence of St Pauls and the superb organ music before the service. The service itself starts promptly at 11.15 with a fanfare to announce the arrival of the Lord Mayor. This year the service was conducted by the Dean of St Pauls, the Very Reverend David Ison.
Following the service Liverymen met up with their partners and walked to Painters’ Hall where after reception drinks, an excellent 3 course lunch was served with wine and coffee. The Plumbers were one of the largest guest liveries sitting down to lunch, occupying nearly 2 tables.
The United Guilds’ Service is a truly wonderful occasion – definitely not to be missed. However seats in the Company’s pew are limited so mark your diaries now with the date for next year’s service on 20 March.
Past Masters’ Lunch
Published on Sunday, 6th April 2014
The first Past Masters’ Lunch was held in Wax Chandlers’ Hall on 2nd April 2014. Twenty two Past Masters were in attendance, including some of those who had taken Emeritus Status, together with the Master, the Upper Warden, the Senior Assistant and the Clerk. The Father of the Company PM David Thomson was accompanied by his wife Patience. The total time served on Court by those present was 486 years.
Left to Right Standing
UW Steve Hodkinson, PM Antony Paterson-Fox, PM Rodney Cartwright, PM Mike Swallow, PM Alec Moir, PM Edward Hopkinson, PM Charles Smith, PM Peter Brunner, PM John Mayfield, PM Mike Samuel, PM Chris Sneath, PM John Lockyer, PM Charles Yuill, SA Erica Stary, The Clerk Air Cdre Paul Nash
Seated
PM George Banks, PM Geoff Marsh, Patience Thomson, PM Father David Thomson, The Master, PM John Rae, PM Sir John Lea, PM Jack Jeffery
A lunch not to miss!
Published on Monday, 31st March 2014
Join the Master for lunch at Ironmongers’ Hall on Monday 12th May for a great time of fellowship and an ideal time to introduce friends and colleagues toi the Livery
Downloadable documents
Conservation of Historic Leadwork
Published on Sunday, 30th March 2014
Inspecting Leadwork on the roof of Canterbury Cathedral. Master’s Weekend 2007
The Course Participants
A very successful Conservation of Historic Leadwork CPD course took place at Norman & Underwood, Leicester, on Friday28th March , with Court Assistant Peter Rumley (2nd Left), Liveryman Jon Castleman (5th Left and CEO of Norman & Underwood) and Liveryman Peter Cheesman (7th Left); with other delegates, standing in front of the sand bed for casting sheet lead. The course is supported by the Company, CIPHE, The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, The Historic Houses Association, The Institute of Historic Building Conservation and Norman & Underwood. The morning was given over to the problems of historic leadwork conservation by Dr Peter Rumley, followed by a demonstration of sand casting of sheet lead, as it was done centuries ago, such as the leadwork on St Paul’s Cathedral cast by Matthew Roberts (Master 1701) and his son Joseph Roberts (Master 1711 and Serjaunt Plumber to the King’s Works). Lunch was kindly provided by Norman & Underwood and practical sessions of wiping lead joints, mould casting and lead welding continued afterwards. Further CPD course’s will be conducted to cover this fascinating and neglected area of historic building conservation.
One of the participants has commented to Peter Rumley
“May I first say what a fantastic presentation you gave, it certainly highlighted what the industry is up against. It is great shame that the architects do not understand what is being lost and how to maintain what lead we have. The venue was outstanding, to see lead cast was amazing.
Would you be good enough to let me have the names of the products that you showed us and the proportions that I would need to reproduce the plumbers black. Also the products that are used for gilding. And where I may be able to purchase these products.
I will be trying out painting lead, gilding, tinning and am very interested in having a go at the fret work. Do you have any good patterns that I could start of with?
Thank you very much for a fantastic day. I look forward to your next course.”
A Peal Board in St Magnus the Martyr Church
Published on Saturday, 29th March 2014
The Plumbers’ Company Peal Board in the tower.
Peter Rumley with the 18th century Peal Board
The Plumbers’ Company peal board to commemorate the 400th anniversary of our 1611 Charter was installed today in the tower of St Magnus. The specially composed peal of 5,400 changes of Stedman Cinques was rung on 16th April 2011, the nearest date to the anniversary, and took 3hrs 40min to ring, with Court Assistant Peter Rumley ringing the Tenor. It should be noted that to qualify for a peal only 5040 changes need to be rung, but an extra 360 changes were rung to make the length 400. The peal board was a gift of Past Master Antony Paterson-Fox and Court Assistant Rumley. The later made and gilded the Plumbers’ Company peal board in 2011; and gilded the 18th century centre peal board also by the Ancient Society of College Youths, Britain’s premier bell ringing society based in the City of London, of which he is a member.
The photograph shows the Fishmongers’ peal board for when the Queen and Duke had lunch at Fishmongers’’ Hall and that was donated by the Fishmongers’ (board on the left). The centre peal board is the c18th one and the board on the right is the Plumbers’ 400th board anniversary of the Charter
It is hoped a peal will be rung to mark our 650th anniversary in 2015 at St Magnus.
A Fantastic Visit
Published on Wednesday, 26th March 2014
An early morning Walk
The Castle
Outside the Chapel
Inside the Riding School
The Master, the Mistress, the Upper Warden, his Lady and a goodly number of Liverymen and Ladies had a privileged private visit to Windsor Castle including the Mews.
It was a cold morning when just after 7.30 am we showed our identity documents to the police at the entrance to the grounds of Windsor Castle. First to the pavilion of the Royal Household Cricket Club for a cup of coffee. A walk to the castle accompanied by three staff members who stayed with us for the whole visit explaining many facets of the building and the contents of the rooms. We were left speechless by the grandeur of many of the rooms with their priceless works of art. Through parts open to the public then to rooms that are used by the Royal Family on their frequent visits to the Castle. The Queen, we understood, likes to be there most week ends. The history of our country could be seen portrayed in many of the displays including the bullet that killed Horatio Nelson. Armour including swords, pikes, pistols and rifles – all standard army issue, adorned many of the walls.
From the castle we visited the Chapel of St George which independently owns the freehold of the land on which it stands but is protected by being in the castle walls. The ornate decorations and many of the tombs of monarchs that have deceased over the centuries, were another reminder of our history over the centuries.
From the chapel we descended to the Castle Mews not normally open to the public. Horses and ponies used by the Royal Family for bot private and public occasions were petted. Carriages, landaus and cars were viewed as was the grand Riding School.
The sun had warmed the air as we returned to the Cricket Pavilion for an enjoyable lunch. How fortunate we are to have a Master who plays for the Royal Household Cricket Team!
Photography is not allowed inside the castle.
The Worshipful Livery Company of Wales Royal Charter Banquet: 7th June 2014
Published on Wednesday, 26th March 2014
In May 2013 the Welsh Livery Guild was granted a Royal Charter, to be recognised as the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales. To celebrate the granting of the Charter the Company is to hold a Charter Banquet in the City Hall, Cardiff on Saturday 7th June 2014 in the presence of First Minister of Wales, Lord-Lieutenants and High Sheriffs, Lord Mayors and Mayors of the Cities of Wales, Vice-Chancellors of Welsh Universities, Senior Service Officers, and Masters, Wardens and Clerks of Livery Companies from London, York, Shrewsbury and Worcester. The Banquet will be preceded by a Service of Dedication with an Address by the Archbishop of Wales.
You are invited to partake. For flyer and booking details click here. Those wishing to attend the Charter banquet must contact the Livery Company of Wales direct to book and make their own travel and accommodation arrangements.
Downloadable documents
The Plumbers support the City
Published on Monday, 24th March 2014
Read about the City of London here or look at their You Tube here.
Supporting the Right Honourable Lord Mayor Alderman Fiona Woolf CBE and an Assistant in the Court of the WorshipfulCompany of Plumbers.
Read some of her speeches by clicking here or watch her speaking on YouTube at the annual Trade & Industry dinner here.
Still pumping thirty years later!
Published on Wednesday, 19th March 2014
Past Steward, David Aggett is still going strong and celebrating the 30th year of his heart transplant on Friday 11th April 2014 at the Fishmongers Hall, London Bridge.
David’s celebration luncheon will be open to all his Livery, Ward Club and City friends; everyone will be most welcome to attend. Click here for booking details.
If you are unable to attend but wish to support David you are encouraged to give a donation to the Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Charity. Click here for details. Do not forget to fill in the Gift Aid form
Downloadable documents
Annual Banquet confirms Plumbers Key Role in Public Health
Published on Thursday, 13th March 2014
The Master and Principal Guests
The Banquet in the Egyptian Hall
What a great evening entertaining our guests. Over 100 Liverymen, led by the Master and Upper Warden, hosted over 200 guests in the magnificent setting of Mansion House. This was the occasion of our Annual Banquet. Our principal guests were the Right Honourable The Lord Mayor, Alderman Fiona Woolf and her husband Nicholas, and the Deputy Governor of the Bank of England Dr Andrew Bailey.
The Banquet is the highlight of the Company’s year. The Egyptian Hall of the Mansion House is a spectacular venue and offers those who wish to attend the chance to dine with their family, friends and business associates at the official residence of the Lord Mayor. The evening started with a sparkling wine reception, with the opportunity to have a photograph taken with guests (click here for pictures) followed by a four course dinner with wine and port and concluded with a stirrup cup.
As guests made there way to the reception they passed a carpet guard provided by cadets for the Richmond Sea Cadet Unit that is supported by the Company. We are very grateful to them and their Commanding Officer Lt Cdr John Porter RNR, for providing this service.
The Master in his speech stressed the importance of plumbing for public health. Plumbers have an active and very important role in societies throughout the world. These sentiments were echoed by the Lord Mayor. The guests were welcomed by the Upper Warden and what a list – Masters from other Livery Companies, Senior Military Officers overseeing the training of plumbers in the Navy, Army and Air Force, City guests and many others.
Our principal guest, Dr Andrew Bailey was welcomed by the Master (they played cricket together in their school days!). Dr Bailey gave a fascinating insight into some of the challenges facing the Bank of England and financial institutions in the City.
All together an evening of friendship and learning in a magnificent setting.
Would you like to take part in the future? If so click here.
We thank Gratte Brothers Ltd, HurleyPalmerFlatt Ltd, John Guest Ltd and Pegler Yorkshire Group Ltd for sposoring the event.
Lots of photos . Click here
A Livery Visit to the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Published on Wednesday, 12th March 2014
On Thursday 27 February, the Master, Nick Gale, his wife Deborah, together with twenty five Liverymen and their friends met at the London gate of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, which is home to more than three hundred Chelsea Pensioners including Liveryman Ray Pearson.
We were welcomed by our Tour Guide Michael Allen and our own; Liveryman Ray Pearson.
Michael imparted to us a fountain of knowledge and enthralled us with his anecdotes of both past and present events, whilst also explaining the wonderful surroundings.
Currently the Hospital is undergoing major refurbishment which is making a huge change to the lives of the residents at the Royal Hospital. On completion of the work, each resident will have their own en-suite facilities, an improvement that arose from women being accepted into the hospital.
Michael directed our party through the grounds, explaining how the Royal Hospital was founded by King Charles 11, in 1682 “as a place of refuge and shelter for such land soldiers as are or shall be old or infirmed in the service of the Crown.”
The Chapel and Great Hall, which were both designed by Sir Christopher Wren, were most impressive, with some time allowed for us to appreciate the beauty of the Chapel and the carving of Grinling Gibbons. Battle honours adorned the walls of the very large Great Hall, where The Duke of Wellington lay in State. Tables are laid for the Pensioners meals who are served with due respect.
One amusing anecdote refers to a visit by a French President, who having been invited to lunch was seated under the French flags which were captured at the Battle of Waterloo. It is said that the President was unaware of this honour.
We next visited the Museum, which featured many artefacts and items of memorabilia; we ended the tour by browsing through the numerous souvenirs in the adjacent shop.
We were discretely directed to the final resting place of Margaret & Dennis Thatcher, which is located in the grounds opposite the new Infirmary.
On completion of the tour, a cream tea was served in the new cafeteria. The party then withdrew to the newly refurbished club lounge, where the Residents of the Hospital can enjoy a tipple throughout the day. A champagne reception, which was arranged by resident, Sandy Gordon Sanders, ended a most enjoyable, enlightening and edifying visit. The Master, Nick Gale, gave a vote of thanks to Michael Allen for this most enjoyable visit and to Liveryman Ray Pearson for assisting him.
Report from the Senior Steward David Attwood
Wines of the Rhone on 15th April at Wax Chandlers’ Hall
Published on Tuesday, 11th March 2014
Following the success of last year’s event, we have again been fortunate to secure Chris Davey, the Managing Director of OW Loeb Ltd, for our another wine tasting. The evening will feature red and white wines of the Rhone region and Chris will be giving a tutored wine tasting.
For details and booking click here.
Downloadable documents
THE Pancake Race
Published on Wednesday, 5th March 2014
The Plumbers’ Team
A Higher calling?
The InterLivery Pancake Race was held in the yard of Guildhall on Tuesday 4th March. Where did the Plumbers’ come? Watch this space.
A short video. Click here
Liveryman Ian Raine appointed to lead Malaysian Project
Published on Sunday, 2nd March 2014
The State Government of Selangor in Malaysis, through various state owned companies, undertakes many property development and infrastructure projects. The practice has been largely to engage external organisations to undertake the management and delivery of these projects which include residential, commercial, retail and infrastructure.
The decision was taken to establish a self-sustaining property development and construction business within the group with the aim of changing the current practice of outsourcing to third parties and building in house expertise to deliver these projects in the future. Liveryman Ian Raine has been engaged to establish and lead this business. Among the first projects to be undertaken will be a 69 storey tower incorporating residential units, hotel, offices and a retail mall. Plans are also underway for a 1,000 hectare mixed use island development and a 5,000 hectare mixed use development. He will be working closely with other companies within the group, the Board of the new company and the State Chief Minister.
Wet 10 City Water Debate
Published on Saturday, 1st March 2014
City Water Debate
The 6th Annual City Water Debate chaired by Past Master Chris Sneath MBE took place at Glaziers Hall on Monday 24th February.
This was sponsored by the City Related Livery Companies, the Basketmakers, Gardeners, Farmers, Air Pilot and Navigators, Tobacco Pipemakers, Scientific Instrument Makers, Launderers, Environmental Cleaners, Constructors, Water Conservators, Firefighters, WaterMan and Lighterman and the Plumbers.
Speakers were Professor Adel Sharif, Director, Centre for Osmosis Research and Applications, University of Surrey and Professor Jeni Colbourne MBE, Chief Inspector, the Drinking Water Inspectorate. Also having strong connections with the University of Surrey.”
The title of the presentations was ‘ Beyond floods and drought: can demand management deliver water security’
Worshipful Company of Plumbers Newsletters 2005-2013
Published on Friday, 28th February 2014
If you go to About us:Our history you will be able read our Newsletters published between 2005 – 2013
The Livery at Large at the United Guilds Service 4th April
Published on Wednesday, 26th February 2014
Join the Master and Wardens at the United Guilds Service on Friday 4th April. 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.
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.
One of the highlights of the Service itself comes at the start with The Procession which includes St Paul’s Cathedral Choir, the Beadles of the Grocers’ and Mercers’ Companies, Masters of selected Livery Companies including this year our own Master, Officers of the City, Members of the Clergy including the College of Canons and the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, Alderman Fiona Woolf CBE.
There then follows a very dignified Service in the most wonderful surroundings and majesty of St Paul’s .
Last year Charles Yuill , who was our Master, wrote “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.”
Lunch will follow at Painter- Stainers’ Hall.
Click here for booking form.
Downloadable documents
350th Anniversary of the Royal Marines
Published on Wednesday, 19th February 2014
On Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th June the Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines will be joined by the Royal Netherland Marine Corps, the United States Marine Corps and a Ceremonial Guard to perform Beating Retreat on Horseguards Parade, London to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of the formation of the Royal Marines.
Taking the Salute on the Tuesday is the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas KCB DSC ADC and on Wednesday, the Captain General of the Royal Marines, his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh will do so. Both performances will run from 1800 to 1955 with guests requested to arrive by 1700.
The Royal Navy and Royal Marines’ Charities have just advised us that they are offering Livery Companies an exclusive opportunity to make bookings in advance of this event going on public sale. This offer is only available to the end of February 2014. Proceeds are going to their charities.
If you would like to take advantage of this special offer, please contact the Worshipful Company of Plumbers office by 25th February 2014 stating the performance date and the number of tickets that you would like to book. Tickets cost £22.30 each. Please make your payment by BACS to bank sort code 16:00:15 account number 23161144 using the reference “RMJun14” and ”Your surname” and send an e-mail to clerk@plumberscompany.org.uk to inform us of your booking and number of tickets you would like. Alternatively you can send a cheque to “The Worshipful Company of Plumbers” with a note telling us how many tickets you would like. Any applications received after this date cannot be accepted.
Past Steward climbs high for our Charity
Published on Monday, 17th February 2014
Past Steward Mike Horwood has raised £840 in sponsorship for our Charity. What did he do? He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. If you were not a sponsor you can still donate to our Charity. See Our Work:Charity Work
A New Senior Assistant and Three New Liverymen
Published on Thursday, 6th February 2014
Senior Assistant Erica Stary & Daughter
Lvymen Swarbrick, Malik,& Capstick
At the recent Court Meeting Erica Stary was admitted as the Senior Assistant. Simon Malik (Business Consultant), Anthony Capstick (Business Technology Company) and John Swarbrick (Head-Business Growth Fund) were clothed in the Livery
Senior Assistant Erica Stary
“Retired judge, was solicitor specialising in commercial tax and tax litigation. Wearing tax hat lectured, wrote, and edited British Tax Review, also council member Chartered Institute of Taxation, and president of Association of Taxation Technicians 95-96. Founder member and court assistant of Tax Advisers livery company, Master 05-06. Mother company Solicitors.
When younger keen dinghy sailor. Now avid reader, reluctant gardener, bon viveur, cruciverbalist, traveller, enthusiastic cyclist and classic car owner. Love seeing friends, music, theatre, connexions with the livery, and life generally.
Widowed after long happy marriage. Family: one daughter, some step children (all older than self) and their children and grandchildren.”
Plumbing and Public Health Engineering saved London
Published on Thursday, 6th February 2014
Throughout the 19th Century London had outbreaks of Cholera killing thousands of the population. Two men were largely respoinsible for controlling this scourge and establishing the public health infrastructure of the capital. Click here.
Good wholesome drinking water is essential for good health. John Snow, a physician, in 1854 suspected that cholera in Soho was associated with the drinking of water obtained from the Broad Street pump. He arranged for the pump handle to be removed requiring water to be obtained elsewhere and the outbreak was brought under control. The recognition of the need to supply clean drinking water was one of the factors leading to safe public water supplies in London.
At the other end, so as to speak, Joseph Bazalgette, a civil engineer, designed and built the first comprehensive sewage system in London. Still in use today the main sewer runs underneath the Embankment. Bazalgette is recognized by his statue near Embankment tube station.
Read more about John Snow, Joseph Bazalgette by clicking on the relevant name.
Downloadable documents
The Use of Active System Control when Designing Sewerage Schemes – A Guide
Published on Monday, 3rd February 2014
This project has delivered a report which summarises the work carried out to produce an industry guide on Active System Control (ASC) for sewerage. A guide from UKWIR for those practioners designing sewerage systems. Click here for further information
This Guide provides a practical document, covering the issues needed for design of Active System Control (sometimes called Real Time Control) of sewerage systems. It outlines the opportunities ASC provides, ACS Principlelists the aspects which must be considered, gives methods for assessing scheme options and the potential pitfalls that need to be avoided.
During the previous150 years of designing sewerage systems it has been commonly assumed that passive systems (i.e. no information being provided as to the system performance) are normal, acceptable and possibly even desirable. However, with the overloading of sewerage networks, the need to meet customers’ increasing service aspirations and the capability of modern technology mean there is a need to do things differently. There is a current perception that ASC is complex and risky, however the Guide aims to correct this view and show that ASC can be simple and robust.
The Guide (13/SW/01/5) may be purchased alone for £200, or, together with the background Project Report (13/SW/01/4), for £300. Click here for purchasing details.
The Annual Lecture – Food for thought
Published on Wednesday, 29th January 2014
Dr David Kennedy addresses the audience
An enjoyable post lecture dinner
Over 180 Liverymen, friends and guests listened to a fascinating lecture by Dr David Kennedy the Chief Executive of the UK Committee on Climate Change.
For further details and pictures click here.
Dr Kennedy was introduced by a Court Assistant of the Plumbers’ Company, the Lord Mayor, Alderman Fiona Woolf. She summarized his illustrious career in the economics of energy at an international level. Dr Kennedy entitled his presentation ‘Opportunities and Challenges in the Low Carbon Economy’ . Starting with a challenge to us on the use of electric cars, we were taken through the production and use of various energy types and their effect on global warming. The importance of a world wide approach to reduce the way we all live our lives and the role of governments in reducing the use of hydrocarbons was emphasized. He led us through some of the difficulties and apparent duplicities of our own government on energy production and usage. We need to work towards a low carbon economy with a greater use on natural resources such as wind and tide power generation and the use of nuclear power. Yet the government is strongly supporting the exploitation and use of shale gas. Dr Kennedy sounded a note of caution and the need to separate the perceived advantages form the actual facts. Gas prices may have come down in the USA with the use of shale gas but there is no evidence that a similar fall would follow in the UK.
Whatever happens he warned us that all our energy bills will increase over the next few years.
The evening continued with a reception and dinner when discussions continued and many friendships were rekindled and made.
In 2015, the 650th anniversary of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers the lecture will be given on World Plumbing Day, 11th March, by Prof Jamie Bartram, Professor and Director of Water Institute at UNC Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Many photographs were taken and they can be ordered on line. Click on Michael O’Sullivan view all the pictures. Go to Livery Companies:Plumbers Co/30th Annual Lecture.
A not to be missed visit to the Royal Chelsea Hospital on Thursday the 27th of February 2014
Published on Tuesday, 14th January 2014
Click here for further details and booking form
Downloadable documents
The Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers is 50 years old!
Published on Tuesday, 14th January 2014
From Tony Wilson, Senior Warden, The Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers , Professor of Engineering Science, University of Oxford
“Our company celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of our grant of livery this year. As part of our celebrations of this milestone Warden Emeritus Seton Bennett has organised what promises to be a fascinating and forward looking day — Instrumenting the Future — to which we extend an invitation to your Master, Wardens and Livery. An outline is given below and full details are available in the attached flyer and web site – http://events.wcsim.co.uk”
Downloadable documents
The death of Robin Eve OBE
Published on Wednesday, 8th January 2014
We announce with deep regret the death of Robin Eve OBE, Deputy for the Ward of Cheap and long serving Member of the Court of Common Council. The Plumbers’ Company extend sympathy to his family.
Our office is situated in the Ward of Cheap.
Technical Committee Report
Published on Sunday, 5th January 2014
As part of the initiative to provide better information to the Livery about the work of our various committees via the website, this is the first of what will be regular Committee Reports. Click here for the first Technical Committee Report.
The Technical Committee has a fairly broad remit and although rather confusingly, very little of that remit could really be described as ‘technical’, there are certainly elements of its work that Liverymen will be familiar with, the Annual Lecture being the most obvious.
The committee is made up of both Court members and Liverymen and is chaired by the Upper Warden Steve Hodkinson, For full membership click Committee Members
The committee meeting is organised primarily as a reporting meeting for the three sub-groups that constitute the core of the committee’s work, these sub-groups being; awards and bursaries, annual lecture and industry. There is also a reporting section for interface with other Livery Companies and for liaison with the Plumbing Museums, along with an occasional ‘guest slot’ for topical discussion, often at the request of a Past Master.
At our last committee meeting held early last December, the meeting started with just such a discussion, instigated by PM Geoff Marsh regarding the dumbing down of training qualifications for plumbers and their designer counterparts, the public health engineers. This discussion concluded with the Master agreeing to host an informal discussion between appropriate heads from trade and industry to see if a resolution to this issue can be found, so watch out for an update in one of our future reports.
The awards and bursaries sub group was first to report. This group has been working for some time on providing a more intuitive order and set of requirements for our programme of awards and bursaries and a Livery leaflet describing this is planned for publication later this year. The intention being that if we can showcase an accessible range of awards and bursaries to the outside world, we will increase our prospects of finding suitable recipients, which isn’t always as easy as you may think.
With the proximity of the Annual Lecture, the report from this sub-group was short and to the point. The point being that everything was in place and that the flyer had been issued – meaning all that was left was the agonising wait to see if we had enough takers to make the event a success for our charitable fund raising. So if you are reading this post the 28th January and attended then a pat on the back is in order. If you didn’t make it, then do please try next year as a good turnout is essential if we are to support our charitable aims.
The headline news from the Industry sub-group was the public launch of the WaterSafe Installers’ Scheme last October. The working group of this scheme is chaired by PM Chris Sneath, who paid special thanks to Liveryman Kevin Wellman for his media publicity work as part of the UK wide launch. WaterSafe is the plumbing equivalent of GasSafe, albeit a voluntary scheme at the moment and is intended to make identifying suitably qualified and experienced plumbing installers easier for consumers.
Regarding our interface with Livery Companies, the next presentation of Master Plumber’s certificates will take place at Carpenters’ Hall in February and also the WET 10 group of Livery Companies will be holding their next City Water Debate later the same month at Glaziers’ Hall. More on these two aspects of the Technical Committee’s work next time.
In closing, the two plumbing museums at Singleton and Blist Hill are both supported by the Company and it was announced that the Master’s Day at Singleton will be on Sunday 27th July and that the Lord Mayor will be attending. For those whose haven’t been along before, this is an informal day out which all Liverymen and their families are encouraged to attend, so watch out for the flyer!