Our Livery goes from strength to strength with the recent admission of seven new Liverymen. Among the new members are familiar faces in the industry. They include: Tim Allen, NMBS; Jamie Atkinson, JT Atkinson; John Newcomb, BMF; Tony France, Ibstock; Malcolm Aldridge, previously SELCO; Erica Smith, previously MPS; and Tim Statham, retired WCoBM Clerk.
The installation of the new Liverymen took place on the same evening in which Stephen Turner BA was installed as WCoBM’s new Master. The formal ceremony took place at Drapers’ Hall, which is one of the City’s Great Twelve Livery Companies in the City of London. The Hall doubled as the interior of Buckingham Palace in the film ‘The King’s Speech’, and provided a magnificent setting to celebrate the occasion.
The installation of a new Master is one of the main events in the our social calendar, making it a very special evening for the new Liverymen. A champagne reception and black tie dinner followed, enjoyed by the 250 members and guests that attended. Entertainment by Karl Loxley, who first appeared on BBC One’s ‘The Voice’, wrapped up the evening perfectly with his outstanding tenor voice.
The Master says: “My installation ceremony and dinner was an unforgettable occasion and an honour to share with family, friends and guests. It was also fantastic to welcome new members to the Livery and celebrate the evening with them. Membership is by invite only and I hope all our new Liverymen take full advantage of the key networking events organised throughout the year, and actively support our Livery’s objectives.”
The WCoBM plays an important part in the builders’ merchant sector, promoting training and education for builders’ merchants and fundraising for a number of charities. It is also very active in supporting the Mayoralty and raising the profile of builders’ merchants in the City.
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