Page 17 - The Constructor A5V24 V1

The Master’s Year

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT VISITS

We also visited two significant construction projects in London. Without the influence and contacts
that the Company and its Members have these visits would have been almost impossible to
organise. We will be seeking to arrange more such visits in the future, which we hope will
particularly give our younger members the chance to see and hear about some of the most
prestigious construction projects in the world.
In March, through the kind auspices of Court Assistant David
Sheehan, we visited the Crossrail works at Paddington where
we descended to tunnel bore level. As limited numbers could
be accommodated on this trip, and numbers far exceeded the
places available, the organisers held a draw – something that
we may well do again in the future. Those that went on the
visit found it both informative and enjoyable. The Master, who
had not been lucky enough to have her name drawn out of the
hat, met everyone afterwards for supper at ‘Gyngleboy’ in
Paddington.
In April, through the kind auspices of Honorary Court Assistant John
Sayers, we were lucky to be invited to the new ‘Walkie-Talkie’
building in Fenchurch Street. The Project Manager gave us a talk on
the various challenges (including the melting car) that they had
experienced whilst constructing this iconic landmark skyscraper and
then gave us access to the Sky Garden – the impressive rooftop
garden that was an aspect of the planning permission for the building
that was imposed by the City of London. As there are extensive
waiting lists to experience the Sky Garden this was an opportunity
not to be missed.
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LUNCH CLUB
One of the new initiatives that the Company started in 2013 was that of
a regular informal lunch club to be held 5 times a year in Ironmongers
Hall. This has proved to be a very popular event which is almost always
fully booked and provides a splendid opportunity for regular networking
and outreach. Many members also take the opportunity to invite guests
as we keep the cost of the event as low as possible. We do this by a
careful selection of location (Ironmongers Hall, who hold a fixed price
lunch every Monday and allow us to join them “en-masse”) and leaving
members and their guests to decide and pay for whatever type of
beverage they want to accompany their lunch. This allows people who Ironmongers Hall, London
work to return to work after the lunch and those who do not have to do so to enjoy a glass of wine
with their meal and if they wish, continue to network in a nearby hostelry. The highest attendance
during the last year was at our festive lunch club, held on 15 December 2014, when 59 members
and guests joined together to celebrate the forthcoming festive season. It really was a splendid
occasion and the Master kindly provided wine for all who attended. One of the advantages of the
Lunch Club is that it has attracted some members who might otherwise not attend a function
probably because – as its name suggests – it takes place during the day and therefore does not
require people to travel home late at night.

Autumn 2015 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors | 17