2024 Craft Awards

INTRODUCTION TO THE AWARDS

The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers is one of the historic Livery Companies of the City of London and is unusual, if not unique, in being involved with three distinct crafts – Bricklaying, Roof Slating and Tiling, and Wall and Floor Tiling – for which we present awards today.

The Company can trace its history from as early as 1416 and at that time and during the subsequent 250 years, it exercised almost total control over the three crafts within the London area. Liverymen were responsible for training the future generation of craftsmen through an apprenticeship system and it presided over disputes within the trades, monitored levels of craftsmanship and enjoyed draconian powers over members of the Livery who fell short of the required standard. It was, simultaneously, a cartel, an employers’ confederation, a trade union, a trading standards authority and, through the fraternity which existed between its members, a source of welfare and support to those who fell on hard times and to their families. Over the succeeding centuries the Company’s powers diminished with a substantial loss of influence following the relaxation of the craft monopolies which had to be sanctioned following the Great Fire of London in 1666.

A significant part of the Company’s role today is in the fostering of the crafts it represents within the construction industry through the giving of awards and prizes. In this way the Company seeks to encourage the development of these crafts and the training of aspiring craftsmen and craftswomen, giving

recognition to individuals at the outset of their careers and ultimately conferring Master Craftsman status on those who can demonstrate the very highest standard of craftsmanship over a range of work. Following a change of format from Worldskills to the recently formed Skillbuild. The Skillbuild National Finals, supported by The Construction Industry Training Board, took place in November 2023 following their regional heats. This event, which precedes our awards, provides us with the Craft Award Winners in our 3 trade categories and we recognise the skills of these young crafts people here today.

The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers has a long serving bond with the Corps of Royal Engineers and make annual awards to outstanding Class 1 and Class 2 construction trainees from the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham.

We present two further awards annually, known as The Cadet Force Awards, to the best London based Army Cadet and Adult Volunteer Instructor.

From time to time, and as the strict criteria are met, we confer the status of Master Craftsman on individuals from our 3 different crafts

Finally, the Company’s gratitude is expressed to all those who assisted with the arrangements, assessment, and presentation of the 2024 Craft Awards and welcome our Principal Guest Lt General Sir Mark Mans KCB CBE DL, he is also a Liveryman in The Company of Tylers and Bricklayers.

THIS YEAR’S AWARDS

The Stokes Royal Engineers Awards, Class 1 The

Stokes Royal Engineers Awards, Class 2 Cadet Force Awards, Best Cadet Cadet Force Awards, Best Adult Volunteer

The E & R Fuller Award for Bricklaying

The Mason-Elliott Award for Roof Slating and Tiling The Montgomery Award for Wall and Floor Tiling

CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS AFFILIATION

THE 1 ROYAL SCHOOL OF MILITARY ENGINEERING REGIMENT

The 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment was formed in 1812 and since its creation the Regiment has undergone many changes. It has served as a school, a depot regiment, a training regiment and a specialist equipment regiment. It has provided highly trained soldiers to the Corps of Royal Engineers, for deployment across the globe for over 200 years. Presently it trains our Royal Engineer soldiers in construction, engineering, and watermanship. The school normally provides the third and final phase of a Sapper’s training package before they are posted to their first Field Army operational unit.

The name “Sapper” is derived from the French word sappe meaning “spadework,” or “trench” and became connected with military engineering during the 17th century, when attackers dug covered

THE ARMY CADET FORCE

The Army Cadet Force (ACF) can trace its beginnings to 1859 when there was a threat of invasion by the French. The British Army was still heavily involved abroad after the Indian mutinies, and therefore had very few units in this country. The Volunteers were formed to repel the possible invasion. Immediately following the formation of the Volunteers came the start of the Cadets. In 1860 at least eight schools had formed Volunteer companies for their senior boys and masters, and a number of volunteer units had started their own cadet companies.

trenches to approach the walls of a besieged fort. They also tunnelled under those walls and then collapsed the tunnels, thus undermining the walls. These trenches and tunnels were called “saps,” and their diggers came to be called “sappers.” In modern armies, sappers serve three functions. They provide tactical support on the battlefield by installing portable bridges, tank traps, and other construction; they build major support facilities, such as airports, supply roads, fuel depots, and barracks; and they are assigned additional tasks, including the construction of schools and other facilities, throughout the world.

On completion of their training, Sappers will be able to use both traditional and modern brick and block laying techniques, set out buildings and erect scaffolding.

The cadet movement continued to grow over time encouraged by pioneers of their time, such as Miss Octavia Hill, who had done a great deal to establish the National Trust and was certainly not a militarist! She formed the Southwark Cadet Company in order to introduce the boys of the slums of that area to the virtues of order, cleanliness, teamwork and selfreliance.

The present concept of the Army Cadet Force as a voluntary youth organisation, helped and inspired by the Army, really stems from that time, and has continued

throughout the ACF’s history.

OUR AFFILIATION

The early fostering of the relationship between our Company and the RSME was sponsored by Past Master Sir Idris Pearce and was formalised on 28 June 2000 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea by an exchange of adoption scrolls. The adoption recognised the mutual skills, shared values, and long histories of both organisations. In 2008 the Lord Mayor invited livery companies to support youth organisations and Past Master Ian Mitchell Grimshaw seized the opportunity to adopt the Royal Engineer Cadet Detachments in the Greater London Region, further strengthening the relationship between the Company and the Corps.

Two significant events preceded this Affiliation, firstly the establishment of

the Stokes Awards, generously funded through a trust set up by the Stokes family. And secondly, a joint venture to design and construct 3 polar sundials that were presented to the City of London in the Millennium year. One is located on the North Bank of the River Thames adjacent to the Millennium Bridge, one is located on the South Bank of the River Thames close to the Millennium Dome Ecology Park and the third is displayed in the Royal Engineers Museum in Chatham. All three sundials were constructed at the Royal School of Military Engineering based on a concept developed by Past Master Piers Nicholson and each contains a time capsule enclosing the Company and Royal Engineers Lists.

THE STOKES ROYAL ENGINEERS AND CADET FORCE AWARDS 2024

THIS YEARS CLASS 1 WINNER – LCPL NICHOLAS CARR

LCpl Carr is 35 years old and was brought up in Salford, Manchester. Prior to joining the Army, he worked in many roles including a stint in the bricklaying industry.

LCpl Carr enlisted into the Army in the Royal Military Police before transferring to the Royal Engineers. LCpl Carr completed his ME B&C Class 2 course at 1 RSME Regiment, 16 weeks before the course completion date.

LCpl Carr completed his Advance Combat Engineering course and was successfully selected for the rank of LCpl in 2020. LCpl Carr was posted to 5 Armed Engr Sqn

where he became a Bulldog Commander and deployed on multiple exercises within this role including to Germany on Ex CABRIT TEMPEST.

Three years later, LCpl Carr returned to 1 RSME Regiment to complete his Class 1 B&C Course. Throughout the course, he showed a willingness to learn, always adopted a positive attitude towards trade training, and was focused on producing good quality practical work. His practical bricklaying skills were excellent from the start, demonstrating finesse resulting in him finishing his work to a remarkably high standard; reinforced with a sound understanding of brickwork theory. This was demonstrated with a score of 95%

on his final assessment. LCpl Carr also excelled during leadership roles in both scaffolding and concreting.

LCpl Carr has a very bright career ahead of him in the Corps of Royal Engineers. He became an excellent role model while on course to the Class 2 students as a tradesperson and soldier. He will be an asset to any unit and is more than deserving of this award. LCpl Carr completed his Class 1 B&C Course 23 days early and earns a strong recommendation for Clerk of Works due to his high standards, leadership skills and trade skills.

THIS YEARS CLASS 2 WINNER – SAPPER TYRONE HARRIS

Spr Harris is 22 years old and he hails from Bristol, joined the Army after completing the Uniformed Public Services course at college.

Spr Harris enlisted into the British Army in 2021 and completed his Basic Combat Engineer Training at 3 RSME Regiment in 2022. Following this training he was selected to become a Bricklayer and Concreter by trade.

Spr Harris successfully completed his ME B&C Class 2 Course from 1 RSME Regiment on 3 Nov 23. Throughout the course, Spr Harris took a very proactive approach to his training.

Having no prior experience, Spr Harris’ ability to learn the skills of a bricklayer were highly impressive. In the latter part of

the course his positive attitude and drive to learn saw his bricklaying abilities start to exceed the standard required due to his hand skills, finesse, and attention to detail resulted in him surpassing his peers.

Spr Harris is a highly competent tradesman who has delivered a consistently high standard of work. He demonstrates a good understanding of his trade and completed the course with ease. His abilities, approach to training, and his attitude has seen him complete ME B&C course well above the standard required.

Spr Harris is extremely competent in trade and skills have already been utilised during a construction tour to Cyprus on Ex PINESTICK. During his time in 1 RSME Regiment, Spr Harris earned the respect of his instructors and peers as a soldier who was a team player and often put others before himself. Spr Harris is an exemplary soldier and tradesperson and has a bright career ahead of him.

BEST CADET WINNER – CADET CPL MAX MANSON

Cpl Manson has over the last year shown his worth to the unit, He has taken on the role of a senior cadet in the unit and has grown in confidence in this role, taking on all the challenges and opportunities that have been given to him. Cpl Manson has been an active role model and has taken on the mentoring the younger NCO’s and assists with the1 star training, He takes his instructing role very seriously and excelled on his JCIC with a very good grade and recommendations. Cpl Manson is a valued and well-respected member

of the unit by both cadets and staff alike, This Award would be well received at the unit and is a fitting recognition for his professionalism and hard work.

Cpl Manson Is a very focussed and determined young man. He is well liked and respected not only in the detachment but also within the company. He is a very practical cadet who has entrepreneurial tendencies which he wants to develop. Cpl Manson has a bright future ahead of him.

This was demonstrated by his display today of his practice fire arms. Being disappointed with the quality of the equipment that had been provided by the Ministry of Defence, he believed he could do better made his own superior training aid. We understand that he is producing replicas to assist training in other detachments.

BEST ADULT VOLUNTEER WINNER – PI SUE STRANGE

Potential

Instructor (PI) Sue Strange joined Greater London SouthEast Sector in February 2018 as a NonUniformed Volunteer (NUV). Since joining she has shown her commitment to the Army Cadet Force (ACF), and specifically 92 Detachment, by parading twice a week, without fail. PI Strange is an integral part of the detachment; her flexibility and enthusiasm are evident from the positive feedback received from the cadets and potential cadets she welcomes to the unit, when they express and interest

to join the ACF. Her ability to manage the accounts, weekly administration, NAAFI and company camp documentation is of a high standard.

After 5 years, as an NUV, PI Sue Strange decided to apply to become a uniformed Cadet Force Adult V, she is now instructing cadets at a basic level. A move that has been the making of her in terms of developing her confidence and personal skill set. This is borne out by PI Strange taking on the role of CVC BTEC Assistant Officer for 9 Company. She has also passed the adult First Aid at Work (FAW) course and assists with the 1* FAW training within the company. PI Sue Strange has remained positive and motivated, despite experiencing tough times and overcome personal adversity and challenges.

SKILLBUILD UK

SkillBuild, delivered by CITB, is the largest multi-trade skills competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices.

A series of competitions sees the very best compete against each other to be crowned a winner in their chosen trade. From bricklaying to furniture and cabinet making, stonemasonry to painting and decorating, plastering to carpentry, SkillBuild is a platform that showcases the incredible skills that define the industry.

Much like the Olympics, as each level of competition progresses, competitors will be tested not only on their technical abilities, but on their time management, character and commitment, and the competitions can help build confidence, self-esteem and vital life skills.

SkillBuild is not just a display of craftsmanship; it’s a celebration of the future of the construction industry. Previous winners and competitors have gone on to become experts in their field, forging long and fulfilling careers in construction.

SkillBuild not only helps young people grow personally, increasing their confidence and social skills, but it’s also proven to assist them professionally by developing their technical and employability skills. By covering the breadth of the UK and showcasing a variety of trades, the competition brings construction to life to new audiences.

Culminating in the Final National held at the Marshall Arena Milton Keynes 22nd – 24th of November 2023 the event was attended by the Master and the Chairman of the Craft Committee.

The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers recognises and rewards the winners of the finals at WorldSkills UK, in our 3 crafts and bestows upon these winners the following awards: –

• The E & R Fuller Award for Bricklaying

• The Mason-Elliott Award for Roof Slating & Tiling,

• The Montgomery Award for Wall and Floor Tiling

SKILLBUILD – EVENT FINALISTS

The Master with this year’s Bricklaying finalists

The Master presents a certificate to Jacob Blight

The Master and Mistress “see the sign”

A Wall and Floor Tiling test piece underway

THE E & R FULLER AWARD FOR BRICKLAYING 2024

This year’s E & R Fuller Award for Bricklaying is presented to Joseph Shingler. His tutor Steven Wainwright from Shrewsbury College wrote;

Joe commenced his brickwork level 2 standard apprenticeship course in September 2021 having already completed a 12-month traineeship in the workplace with his employer, which evolved spending 3 months in each trade area. At this point Joe decided that brickwork was his preferred trade area to go into and Joe enrolled onto his apprenticeship course, which was a 30-month programme. To achieve this qualification Joe needed to produce a portfolio of evidence from the workplace, pass his online exam, as well as passing a professional discussion based on his portfolio with an external assessor

from the assessment centre, he then also had to pass a two-day practical end point assessment. Joe achieved an overall Distinction grade across all elements of his course, which he completed in two years, which was six months early.

Joe’s work ethic whilst on his course was fantastic, he was self-motivated, and he wanted to achieve the highest possible standard in everything he did. Joe was also interested in the wider aspect of the construction industry and the whole building process. In my 27 years of teaching to bricklaying apprentices and full-time students I can say that Joe is the most talented bricklayer I’ve ever had the privilege to teach. Even as a first year I could see that he had a natural talent for the job. Joe showed exceptional brickwork skills in his first year and I believed he would be a prime candidate to enter for the SkillBuild competition in his second year.

Joe always conducted himself in a professional way throughout the competition and his time at the college, he was respectful towards the other competitors and judges, he was a credit to his employer, myself, and the college in the way he conducted himself.

Since finishing his bricklaying apprenticeship course Joe has now enrolled on the HNC course at the college which will further develop his skills and knowledge of the construction industry.

THE MASON-ELLIOTT AWARD FOR ROOF SLATING AND TILING 2024

This year’s Mason-Elliott Award for Roof Slating and Tiling is presented to Jacob Blight. His tutor Steve Dowell from South Devon College wrote;

Jacob Blight is a Roofing Apprentice who worked for Kevin Mason Roofing based in the South Hams area of Torbay and Devon. Kevin the employer was always an excellent Employer for Jacob, always supporting him in his role as Apprentice and ensuring that he understood the works required, Kevin always made sure that the appropriate PPE was always worn and Jacob was always working in a safe environment being supervised by Kevin himself, passing on his excellent knowledge and time served skills to Jacob.

Kevin as an Employer is an outstanding tradesman within the Roofing Industry and has taught Jacob all roofing aspects to an extremely high standard and level.

After the first year of Jacobs Roofing Apprenticeship, he had the opportunity

of moving to Stormforce Roofing based in Plymouth to further develop his good roofing skills, he also had the benefit of being taught and developing his lead burning skills as well as challenging roofing projects which developed his skill set tremendously.

Jacob as an Apprentice here at South Devon College always had the attributes and skills on becoming an excellent roofer and was always keen to achieve his qualification in a timely and efficient manner.

Jacob liked being challenged at various levels within Roofing and was always supporting his fellow colleagues here at college, he has the amazing ability to turn any job specification into some outstanding roofing works on a job either in work and or in college

Jacob became an entrance for the Skill Build competition in 2022 and won the silver award, he then felt he would like to be re-entered into the 2023 Skill Build competition and knew what he had to do and felt he was more than ready to take the risk as he wanted to set his heights higher, Jacob always likes a challenge and thrives in this situation and because of his hard work and determination he achieved the Gold for Skills Build.

I have no hesitation in stating that Jacob will become an outstanding roofer within our Industry and will seek to take other apprentices on this Roofing journey.

We have pleasure in presenting Jacob with a copy of The Pattern of Traditional Roofing, this is donated by Liveryman

Gerald Emerton, who unfortunately cannot be present today.

THE MONTGOMERY AWARD FOR WALL AND FLOOR TILING 2024

This year’s Montgomery Award for Wall and Floor is presented to Patryk Niedoba. His tutor Peter Farrelly from Southern Regional College wrote;

Patryk Niedoba is a wall and floor tiling student from the Southern Regional College in Northern Ireland. He was born on 5th July 1999 in Poland, later moving to Belfast at the age of six with his mother, stepfather and sister.

Patryk attended school at Avoniel Primary School and then moved on to Ashfield Boys’ High School. Upon leaving High School, Patryk worked at Belfast City Airport before realizing that he wanted to

pursue a career in Construction. Patryk’s mother highlighted a Facebook post in which a company called Serious Tiling were looking for a wall and floor tiling apprentice. This is where his desire to pursue a tiling career began. Patryk has faced challenges along the way. One of the biggest he feels was at the age of 19 discovering he was going to be a father whilst starting a new career and buying a house all at the same time. It is safe to say, however, he has successfully embraced all of these.

In September 2021 Patryk enrolled in the Southern Regional College and in June 2023 completed his NVQ Level 2 in Wall & Floor Tiling. He has since progressed magnificently and is currently working on his Level 3 Qualification. During his time in the College, Patryk has competed in the Regional and Northern Ireland SkillBuild Finals. He was placed in both competitions and therefore progressed to the UK finals where he achieved gold! This outcome clearly demonstrates Patryk’s exemplary skill set in his chosen trade area. He has great ability but also shows adaptability, creativity and efficiency in problem solving. He works well under pressure and manages his time effectively. He is committed and determined to succeed. He has been supported by family, college and his employer along the way.

Bricklaying contestant in action

Winning roof slating and tiling entrant in action

Winning

OTHER CRAFT AWARDS, GRANTS AND CHARITABLE DONATIONS

Throughout the year The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers acknowledge, support and reward many other craft events, trusts and charities, including: –

• The Prince’s Foundation Craft Programme (apprentice craft training towards Master Craftsman)

• Weald and Downland Living Museum (conservation and repair of historical buildings)

• Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust (Jackfield Tile Museum)

• Building Crafts College (bricklaying)

• Bursledon Brickworks Museum

• The London Careers Showcase

• St Edmunds Society

• Skillbuild

• Youth Build

• SPAB – Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF TYLERS AND BRICKLAYERS CRAFT BURSARY SCHEME

In the spring of 2023, the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers launched its Craft Bursary Scheme. The scheme provides financial support and mentoring to students undertaking craft training with a recognised training provider. It is open to anyone between the ages of 16 and 66 who will be undertaking, from September of each year, a recognised form of either modern or heritage craft training, relating directly to one of our three crafts.

Training may be full time or part time and can be for either modern or heritage craft training. The Scheme is open to employed, self-employed and unemployed students. Each successful applicant will receive

£1,000 and help and support from a Craft Mentor, provided by The Company.

The following students were the 2023 recipients of the award: –

Fahim Arif Abdul – Bricklaying

Ryan Cox – Bricklaying

Ryan Marsh – Bricklaying

Ryan Clark – Roof Slating and Tiling

Fraser Cameron – Roof Slating and Tiling

Applications for the 2024 awards scheme open this spring and we are looking forward to receiving applications and providing support to the most deserving applicants who wish to pursue a career in one of our 3 crafts.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The E&R Fuller award is supported by the Fuller Family in memory of Past Masters Edward Fuller (1954) and Robert Fuller (1962).

The Montgomery Award is funded by the Montgomery Trust set up by Past Master Bryan Montgomery (1980).

RE-UNITED AFTER 100 YEARS

The year was 1770 when the then Master Mr Henry Wallis, Upper Warden

Mr Henry Holland and Renter Warden

Mr John Watkins commissioned master silversmith William Plummer to produce two unique pudding trowels bearing the coat of arms of The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers. The trowels were modelled with large triangular blades pierced with foliate scroll work and flower heads. The reverse displayed the arms of the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers in addition to an inscription

The Mason-Elliott Award is supported by funds made available by Past Master Newlyn Mason-Elliott (1997).

The Stokes Awards are made available from a trust fund established by Past Masters Christopher Stokes (1984) and Jeremy Stokes (1989).

on the stem “The Gift of Mr Henry Wallis Master, Mr Henry Holland Upper Warden, Mr John Watkins Renter Warden 1770”. At some point during the early 20th century the trowels went missing from the Company’s collection of silverware, it was thought, never to be seen again. However, thanks to the eagle eye of Past Master Ian Mitchell Grimshaw these trowels were rediscovered and have since been returned to the Company for safe keeping and to be reunited with a third silver trowel existing in the collection.

The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers

Clerk: Heather Smith

25 Glenferrie Road, Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 4JT

clerk@tylersandbricklayers.co.uk

www.tylersandbricklayers.co.uk