Plaisterers’ Company Training Awards Lunch
The beautiful livery Hall of the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers’ played host to the annual Training Awards Luncheon on 20thNovember 2018. Awards were presented to colleges, trainees and apprentices. A lifetime achievement award was also presented.
The event was hosted by Master Plaisterer and awards presented by the Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor Peter Estlin. MC for the event was Alan Deadicoat who was presented with his own copy of the Plaisterers’ Company “bible” on plastering as a souvenir of the occasion.
Lord Mayor’s Address
All Livery Masters were called to Mansion House on 21stNovember to hear an address by the Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor Peter Estlin.
Rather than an address, this year’s event took the form of a question and answer session hosted by Chairman of the Livery Committee Vicky Russell. Also taking part was the Town Clerk.
The Lord Mayor talked about his hopes for his term of office. He said he would promote his 'shaping tomorrow's City today' programme, which promotes three key areas – innovation and technology, digital skills, and addressing social inclusion.
A New Freeman of the City
Malcolm and I were invited to attend the installation of John Szymanski as a Freeman of the City of London on 22 November.
This is a very special ceremony that takes place in the Chamberlains Room at Guildhall. John Szymanski had been a Freeman of the Company for quite some time, but living in Melbourne Australia meant arranging the Ceremony a bit difficult. John has now returned to the UK and we joined Deputy Master David and Hilary Szymanksi, Upper Warden Michel and Maureen Saminaden, family and friends.
After swearing an Oath and signing the declaration John was given an introduction to other Freemen of the City past and present.
The Circle of Life!
Whilst it may be only two months since the Sheriffs were installed, the election process for their replacements is already underway. Chris Hayward, Past Master Pattern Maker, had announced he would seek election as Non-Aldermanic Sheriff at Common Hall in June 2019.
The first of his Hustings took place at Armourers’ Hall where Chris, his wife and chairman of his election team spoke to all present.
As I write this piece for the blog there are rumours of a second person seeking election; time will tell!
Building Crafts College Prize Giving
Immediately after the Hustings I departed for Carpenters’ Hall to attend the annual Graduation and Prize Giving for students from the Building Craft College.
In the past eighteen months a bricklaying course had been re-instated so the Company had donated a prize of £250 to the College for one of their bricklaying students. Naseem Larosi was awarded Bricklaying Apprentice of the Year and Chris Causer, Chairman of the Craft Committee, were delighted to meet Naseem after the Ceremony. Naseem told us that he was already working as a Bricklayer, but hoped to complete NVQ Level 2 very soon, and return to BCC to take NVQ Level 3.