Page 3 - A4 Journal 2020

The Master’s Year

EDITORIAL

This year has been a challenge to us all, and much of our been doing over the year; how we have embraced new
Company business has been virtual. Our members have technology to move into a virtual world, and how we are
therefore had to adapt to modern technology - quite difficult thinking about preparing ourselves for the future beyond
for some. Covid-19.

The lockdown arrangements have also had a massive impact As the editor of the journal this has all caused me some real
on the Master, who had planned a much more interactive challenges and it has been impossible to put together a
year. Journal that doesn’t reflect the exigencies of lockdown,
The arrangements for the incoming Master’s year may also be because we cannot ignore what is perhaps the most drastic
similarly blighted by government regulations designed to limit event in all of our lives, be we young, or not so young.
the spread of Coronavirus. Lockdown has to some extent also resulted in us not being
However, despite the effects of Lock-down this year’s Journal able to include the normal photographs.
is intended to give all our members, and the wider Livery Roger Lilley - Editor
audience, a snapshot of what we, as a livery company, have

A Message from the Master
The newly elected Master, Arthur Seymour gives his thoughts on the year ahead

Dear Fellow Constructors,
It is with great pride and humility that I don the Master’s Badge and Gown.

I follow an illustrious line of Masters and extend my gratitude to them all, especially the last two who
sorted out the finances of the company in a professional and effective manner.

The coming year is not as everyone expected, as indeed the second half of last year was not. Our IPM
demonstrated what can be done under these difficult circumstances and I am very pleased to see that
he intends to ‘go around again’ in 2028-9, the first Master Constructor to do so.
We have plans for the coming year which may or may not be fulfilled. We hope and plan for the best
but are prepared for the worst.
Our industry has been, and will continue to be, sorely affected by the present pandemic.

As a company I am resolved that we focus our efforts on the welfare of our members and of the Industry at large. Our
Charitable Trust has set aside a fund to support Covid-19 related charitable endeavours both within and without the
company and I urge all members to make contact if they feel we can help in any way.
In anticipation of the restrictions easing soon we have arranged an Installation Dinner in February, a Livery Dinner in April and
the Sir Christopher Wren Banquet in June. I also hope to have a Master’s weekend in Tunbridge Wells in May, a Charity Dinner
at the Reform Club in September and possibly a Charity Bike Ride to Amsterdam in September as well. We shall also
continue our social gatherings where and when allowed.
My sincere best wishes to you all and I look forward to seeing you all in person, eventually.

Stay safe.
Arthur Seymour
Master Constructor

Autumn 2020 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors | Page 3