On Monday 6th March 2017, an unexpectedly bright, warm and sunny day, Trinity House was once again the spectacular setting for our annual Craft Awards and Court and Livery Luncheon. The current building was completed in 1796, but the Corporation of Trinity House dates back to 1514 when Henry VIII granted its Royal Charter. It is now a charity dedicated to safeguarding shipping and seafarers, providing education, support and welfare to the seafaring community with a statutory duty as a General Lighthouse Authority.
Over 100 Freemen, Liverymen, Court members and guests of the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers attended this important annual celebration, with luncheon taken and awards presented in the Library enjoying fine views over the Tower of London.
The Master extended a warm welcome to everyone present and thanked our guests and particularly our award winners, their families and tutors. He introduced our guests of honour, including Mr John White, Group Chairman, McCarthy and Stone, and Capt Ian Sullivan, 1 RSME regiment, Chatham.
Following a fine luncheon, the Master proposed our traditional toasts to the Queen, the other members of the Royal family, the Lord Mayor and the City of London Corporation, and our guests. Principal guest Mr White responded on behalf of the guests, and gave a fascinating address concerning the building trade and, in conclusion, flourished a large ceremonial silver trowel which had been presented to him whilst an apprentice and still clearly provides much pleasure and inspiration.
The Toast to the Company was proposed by Junior Liveryman Michael Simpson.
Whilst the assembled party were reaching for coffee and chocolate truffles, the Master and Mr White presented the awards which were announced from the lectern by Craft Committee Chairman and Upper Warden, Mr Jeff Fuller.
The awards were presented as follows:
The E&R Fuller award for BricklayingJemuel Chamos, South Eastern Regional College, Northern Ireland, course tutor Terry Holland.
The Mason-Elliott Award for Roof Slating and Tiling William Emerton, Leeds College of Building, course tutor Chris Messenger.
The Montgomery Award for Wall and Floor tiling Gordon Cook, City of Glasgow College, course tutor Andrew Pollock.
The Stokes Royal Engineers awards Class 1, Lance Corporal Lewis OwensClass 2, Sapper Jack Fullard.
Finally, we were delighted to award Master Craftsman status to two exceptional individuals who have advanced their skills beyond the measure of conventional qualifications and are seen as mentors and role models within their trades. These are Master Craftsman Roof Slater and Tiler Andrew Rowlands and Master Craftsman Bricklayer Neal Cooper. Their names were inscribed in our new ledger of Master Craftsmen recently commissioned and on display for the first time at the ceremony.
A wonderful celebration, and much enjoyed by all who attended.