Page 30 - Microsoft Word - The Constructor 2016 A5V28

The Company

Jason Farnell joined the Company as a Freeman in July 2016. He writes “Over the
last few years I have had a growing interest in the ‘shadowy’ organizations that were
known to me only as ‘the liveries’. More recently I have attended events by
invitation from friends to the Painters & Stainers and the Joiners & Ceilers which
raised my interest level and informed me a little about the history and purpose of
the trade guilds, to the extent that I made tentative enquiries about membership.
My father was a painter & decorator and my childhood was filled with the smell of paint, but it is not
what I do and for me there had to be a personal connection and reason for wanting to belong, which
is why after guidance from a distinguished Past Master (!) the prospect of applying to become a
freeman of the Worshipful Company of Constructors appealed greatly. The construction industry is
itself a small community, rich in variety of work, of projects, professions and occupations and being a
member of an organization which is effectively a microcosm of that community seemed fitting.
The real clincher for me happened when Cheryl and I attended a Constructors’ event at the University
of Westminster when the current Master introduced himself and enthusiastically told us that we
should both join and that we would be very welcome. We are both very interested in the history of
the livery companies and the City of London and the opportunity to attend events and participate in
the work of the Company seemed ideal and the decision was made then and there that we would
apply to the Clerk the following day.
We very much enjoyed being brought into Court in the Tallow Chandlers Hall, the formal lunch and
the afternoon which followed and we are looking forward to becoming Freemen of the City and
hopefully progressing to become Liverymen.”

Georgina Craig is one of our Companions. Her husband, Bob, was our Master in 2005/6
and he organised a very successful Master’s Weekend in Glasgow, one of our first
forays to our northern land. Unfortunately, Bob passed away in 2010. Since then,
Georgina has been a stalwart amongst our much respected and valued Companions,
attending many of our functions as well as Master’s Weekends. She writes “To be a
Companion of the Worshipful Company of Constructors is to greatly enjoy the company of fellow
Constructors and their partners, people whose association has been much valued over many years.
To have the opportunity to annually visit varied and interesting locations for a long weekend in the
early summer, visiting places one would not necessarily associate with a holiday location but being
surprised and delighted by the unexpected, Sheffield being a case in point! The huge effort that
goes into organising the weekends is very much appreciated by all and especially the Companions
who attend. June Olley and I have become very great friends as we have ‘roomed together’ on these
special occasions since both being widowed. This year’s Livery Company visit to Edinburgh will stay
in our memory for quite some time, the highlight obviously was the banquet on the Royal Yacht
Britannia. Thank you, Graeme and Kirsteen.
It is very special to attend the various functions in our own right but it also helps to continue the
connections and memories of our husbands/partners. It is a much appreciated thank you from the
Company who allow us the honour of being Companions. An Honour not shared by many other
Livery Companies in the City of London.
It is very gratifying to witness the Company succeeding and carrying on the traditions. To see so
many young people joining the ranks of the Worshipful Company of Constructors and enjoying the
benefits offered is marvellous. May they also continue to flourish root and branch.”

30 | Autumn 2016 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors