Alan Hawkins has been installed as the Master of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM).
The installation took place recently at Drapers’ Hall, one of London’s most historic Livery Halls. During his year in office, the Master will be supported by Senior Warden Stephen Boyer and Junior Warden Lucia Di Stazio (pictured).
The ceremony acknowledged the role of other Court Assistants including Kevin Fenlon as the new Keeper of the Roll whilst Julian Milligan was appointed as a Court Assistant. Four new Liverymen were clothed during the ceremony – Jamie Fisher, William Dodds, Rachel Fryers and Mike Murphy.
Following the ceremony, the Master and his wife Madeline were joined by around 200 Liverymen, Freemen and guests at a formal drinks reception and dinner to celebrate the occasion. Entertainment included a performance by the 3rd Battalion Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment Corps of Drums and musical accompaniment from the PWRR Ensemble.
The principal guest and Speaker during the dinner was The Honourable Sir Nicholas Hilliard, former Recorder of London at the Old Bailey, currently serving as Judge of the High Court of Justice and Presider of the North Eastern Circuit.
During his Installation speech, the Master said he wanted to spend his year focusing on how trust and friendship leads to good business. He said: “The Company’s events are a good way of building and cementing relationships. If you like someone, then you build trust, and working together is so much better and more pleasurable.
“Becoming Master is a great honour that I do not take lightly, and I am to fulfil the obligations to the best of my ability. I aim to champion diversity, equality and inclusion within the Company, and to support green policy agendas through the Livery Climate Action Group and Pollinating London.”
The Master’s year is sponsored by Alumasc, Lawsons, NMBS, Keystone Group, TradeKart, H+H, Encon Insulation, Reisser, Thor Hammer, BMF and Marsh Industries.
For more information about the work of the WCoBM, visit www.wcobm.co.uk
