WCoBM welcomes new Master and Liverymen

Kevin Fenlon has been installed as Master of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM) for the ensuing year, to be supported during his year in office by Senior Warden Steve Durdant-Hollamby, and Junior Warden Julian Milligan. The ceremony, which took place at Fishmongers Hall in London on Friday 23rd October, also saw Rav Singh Sumal installed as Keeper of the Roll, and Rachel Fryers as a new Court Assistant.

Eight new Liverymen were clothed during the ceremony: Martin Armour, David Berry, Jonathan Boland, Martin Culley, Victoria Elliott, Neil Hickman, Ian Murphy and Kevin Williams.

Following the Installation Ceremony, almost 200 members and guests joined the Master and Consort for a celebratory dinner. The Principal Speaker was James Thomson CBE, Deputy Chair of Policy and Resources for the City of London Corporation and non-executive Chairman and former Chief Executive of MJ Gleeson plc, as well as Common Councillor for the Ward of Walbrook and Board Member of the City Bridge Foundation. He is also former Chair of both the City of London School and the City of London Police Authority Board. Thomson spoke about the close links between WCoBM and the City of London Corporation, and the charitable works that the Livery movement carries out each year.

Fenlon’s career in the building materials sector has spanned almost 40 years, working across a number of businesses including Graham Builders’ Merchants, Bradford Building Supplies, Durox Building Products and, latterly, 25 years with RGB Building Supplies.

He said: “It’s an honour to become the 64^th Master of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants. This is especially meaningful as the Company celebrates the 50^th anniversary of being granted Livery status next year. We will continue to explore ways to showcase the diverse career opportunities our industry offers and raise awareness of issues such as mental health and cancer, which are especially close to my heart. Together, we can focus on helping and supporting as many worthwhile causes as possible. Thank you for giving me the honour of becoming Master of this fantastic Company. I promise to do everything I can to help it  flourish and prosper.”

The Master also thanked Immediate Past Master Lucia Di Stazio, and her Consort Mike Tattam, for their tireless work promoting the Company over the past year.

Built in 1835 following earlier halls being destroyed by the Great Fire of London and cleared for the construction of London Bridge, Fishmongers’ Hall is a Grade II* listed building that is home to the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers, the fourth of the Great Twelve Livery Companies.

WCoBM was founded in 1961 and plays a key part in supporting training and education for builders’ merchants as well as raising funds for a number of charities. The Company is also a premier networking platform for the industry with key social events organised throughout the year for members to attend.