Fellowship, Faith and Frivolity: the Master’s priorities for the Golden Jubilee year

The Worshipful Company of Constructors is marking 50 years, and Henry Lamb, its 50th Master, has set out what he wants the year to achieve. After 21 years in the Company, watching and learning, he takes office with a clear theme: Fellowship, Faith & Frivolity.

Fellowship: bringing members together

Friendship is at the heart of the Company, and Henry wants this year to make it stronger still. Whether it’s catching up with old friends, getting to know new Freemen, or sharing a table and a good conversation, the Golden Jubilee year will be an opportunity for members to build bonds and enjoy each other’s company.

Faith: trust in one another

The second pillar is about the confidence members place in each other and in the Company. The Company runs on volunteers, and Henry, a volunteer himself since leaving school in 1983, knows what motivates people who give their time freely. He can’t reward that service financially, but he will recognise it, and enjoy it with members at events through the year.

Frivolity: celebrating 50 years

A Golden Jubilee is a moment to enjoy. Henry wants members to celebrate fifty years of growth and stability in membership, engagement and, above all, the work of the Charitable Trust.

Backing the Charitable Trust

The Trust is Henry’s main practical focus. It gave £78,000 in grants this past year, its highest ever, and its work includes:

• supporting an apprentice stone mason at the York Heritage Skills Centre for three years
• acting as principal funder of Building Heroes for the last two years, with one to go, helping service leavers into a second career in construction
• funding Primary Engineers to go into schools for three years and inspire young people to consider careers in construction and engineering

This year the Company is making it easier to support the Trust. The website now has a Donate button for one-off or regular gifts, QR codes link straight to the donation page, and Gift Aid envelopes will be available at events, so members can give a little and often, entirely as they wish.

Building support for the year ahead

The Company is keen to welcome more corporate sponsors, particularly for a planned Gala Charity Dinner Dance next September, in aid of the Charitable Trust, to round off the Golden Jubilee year. If your business would like to get involved, please get in touch with Chris Breiner (chris.breiner@preconvision.co.uk)