Page 21 - The Constructor A5V24 V1

The Company Officers

This may sound an odd challenge, given that at grace and in services I have such a high profile. But
that is the mystery of the role. To be visible enough that people know who I am and where to find
me, but to be invisible when they do find me. It is a privilege I take seriously. In the City there is still a
high tradition of Chaplaincy and this needs handling carefully and nurturing. It is a God given gift.
St Lawrence Jewry has the by-line: ‘Bringing the light of Christ to the City of London’. My ambition is
to be Christ-like to you and to each and every person I meet. May God bless you and our Company.”
David Parrott

There another post within the company that interfaces directly with you, the members. That is the
post of Senior Steward, which is currently held by Roger Lilley, who is responsible to the Master and
the Court for arranging steward cover for our various events and supporting the Gallant Clerk and
the Beadle in performing their duties. Whilst stewards try to perform their duties very much in the
background their key role is to be front facing ambassadors for the company be it for the guests at
formal functions or for our new Freemen and Liverymen when they are presented to Court. Roger
says “We always try to be as welcoming as we can and to be the fount of all knowledge about the
event for our guests. Despite trying I think that we are quite good about the former, but, in the
famous school report phrase – ‘could do better’ about the latter. However as we use more and more
venues we are beginning to learn where everything is and this goes a long way to making our guests
(and members) feel at home in any particular venue. We always try to make the “Constructors’
experience” one that people will remember (for all the right reasons) and as Senior Steward I
manage, on behalf of the Publicity, Events and Membership Committee, the feedback process”.

We also rely on a number of other honorary officers to make sure that we are seen as a well-oiled
machine. They work very much behind the scenes, but without them we wouldn’t function as well as
we do. Omissions are always odious, so the Editor craves indulgence if this piece doesn’t mention
you – perhaps we can put things right next time?
Money is always important to a Livery Company. Our Honorary Treasurer is Arthur Seymour, who
spends much of his time officially administering our financial records and maintains the Yearbook.
Without his efforts we would not be able to function or satisfy the requirements of the auditors or
HMRC.
In modern times we all rely on the internet – and there is no Livery Company that does not have a
website – so our Webmaster is another key member of our management team. PM Roger Adcock
has undertaken this task for several years now, and our web site is very much a product of his
endeavours. It is a fundamental source of information on the Company and it has evolved over time
to provide a valuable resource for members and non-members alike. Roger was our Master in
2008/9 and he gives much of his time to supporting the Company and its charitable works.
We also rely on the efforts of our historian and Almoner, PM John Burrell. John, who was Master in
2000/1, maintains the history of the Company and looks after the best interests of our members
when they need support or assistance for whatever reason.

Autumn 2015 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors | 21