Page 13 - The Constructor 2017

The Master’s Year

academics as well as outside organisations. To this end the research will also become a teaching
and training tool.
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On 11 May the Court met at Trinity House, across from the Tower of London. They and other
members of the Company then joined a number of our Companions (June Olley and Georgina Craig
being the stalwarts here) at a most enjoyable luncheon at which we were very pleased to introduce
our two new Companions, Jenny Tomsett and Anna McPeake. We also welcomed Rod and John
Taylor, the sons of our late former Master Ronald G Taylor whose courageous exploits as a Captain
with SOE during the second world war had recently been commemorated by Brighton and Hove
Council when they awarded him blue plaque status. The food and splendid surroundings were
thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.
The last formal dinner of the year was the Sir Christopher Wren Banquet, which was held on 8 June
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in the magnificent surroundings of Merchant Taylors’ Hall. We were privileged to have as Principal
Guest the Lord Mayor, Alderman Dr Andrew Parmley and his wife as well as Alderman Sheriff Peter
Estlin, and his wife. Some 180 members and their guests including the Masters of the Apothecaries,
Builders’ Merchants, Carpenters, Chartered Architects and Glass Sellers, accompanied by their
Partners & Consorts, sat down to a splendid meal served in a correct, but relaxed, fashion. The
musical entertainment reached a high point (literally - the organ loft) when the Lord Mayor played
the organ as an accompaniment to the leader of the Harrow Symphony Orchestra string ensemble.
All in all, a successful and enjoyable evening which again showed the Company off in a very good
light.
On 5 July, the Court met at Vintners’ Hall. Following that meeting there was a champagne
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reception and the annual Court Luncheon. The Master entertained John Skarratt (Master Joiner and
Ceiler), James Lee (Master Painter-Stainer) and Capt Martin Reid (Master Mariner). We were also
pleased to have with us some of our newly admitted Freemen together with other members of the
Company and their guests.
Our final formal event was Common Hall, which was held on 20 September and was attended by 39
members of the Company. The Master thanked all the members who had supported him during his
year and announced (God Willing) the Officers who had been elected for 2017/18. They were the
Master – Anthony Ward, the Senior Warden – Michael Parrett, the Middle Warden – Sir Vivian Ramsey,
the Renter Warden – Arthur Seymour and the Junior Warden – David Sheehan. By the time this issue
of the Journal is published they should all have been installed at the Installation Service in October.

TEAMBUILD 2016
As usual, the Company was a co-sponsor of
Teambuild, the final weekend of which was held
in November 2016. Teambuild issued the
following press release after the event:
“This year’s competition challenged teams with a
rapidly-developing scenario based on a high-
quality healthcare and biomedical research
facility. The result was a series of outstanding
proposals from 9 inspiring teams, demonstrating
true excellence in communication: and finally,
triumph for ‘Lighterman’, a team from Eckersley
O’Callaghan, Hawkins\Brown, Hoare Lea, Kier Construction and WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff.

Autumn 2017 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors | 13