On the 27th October 2011 Graham Ballinger was installed as the new Master for the Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants (WCoBM). Graham joined the Livery company in 1995 and was invited onto the Court in 2002 – the route to becoming Master. The evening ended with a superb dinner at Fishmongers’ Hall, one of the...Read More

On the 15th September the annual Inter Livery walk took place, with 21 Masters and their associates taking part in an eight and half mile walk around the City of London, visiting 40 Livery Halls. The total number of walkers was 45, the highest attendance yet. The walk started at 9am from the Armourers Hall...Read More

The WCoBM Newsletter has been given a facelift and a new title, The Builders Merchant, to emphasise the Company’s intention to communicate more clearly with the industry. The first revamped issue was printed in April 2011 and is packed with information on new developments, coverage on recent events, interviews with the Master Gary Hopkins, Senior...Read More

The Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary at the Guildhall in London. Set up in 1961 the Livery Company enjoyed a convivial evening on Friday 13th May 2011 in the spectacular Old Library at Guildhall. Current Master, Gary Hopkins, Past Masters, Wardens, Liverymen, Freemen and Guests attended to commemorate the half...Read More

WCoBM sponsors Practical Skills Event for merchants The Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants sponsored the Institute of Builders Merchant’s second ‘Practical Building Skills Event’. The Company donated £500 to the event, which took place at The Johnson Building at Derby College. Teams from Travis Perkins, Wickes, Keyline, MKM, Buildbase, Ridgeons, EH Smith and J.A. Stephens...Read More

The Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants held its Annual Divine Service on Monday 18th April 2011. The Service took place at the Tower of London in the historic Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula. The Reverend Roger Hall, Chaplain of the Chapel Royal and Honorary Chaplain to the Company, conducted the Service. The Chapel’s...Read More

The Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants (WCoBM) was among the many Livery Companies to attend the 69th Service of the United Guilds of the City of London. The Service took place on the 1st April at St Paul’s Cathedral with The Very Reverend John Hall, Dean of Westminster giving the Sermon. Over 1,000 people representing...Read More

The annual Carol Service was held on the 10th December at the Tower of London in the historic Chapel Royal of St Peter Ad Vincula, conducted by the Reverend Roger Hall. Queen Anne Bolyen and many others are buried in the Chapel and the impressive pipe organ is decorated in wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons....Read More

Up to 6,000 people gathered to take part in the Lord Mayor’s Show on the 13th November, including the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants. Many thousands more lined the streets of Central London to watch it. The show featured 71 floats, 21 carriages, 150 horses and 20 marching bands. One of the oldest military bands...Read More

On 28th October 2010 Gary Hopkins, Managing Director of Turnball & Co, became the 50th Master of The Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants. Gary’s installation as Master coincides with the Company’s 50th anniversary in 2011. Gary became a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Company in 1997. He is also...Read More