Masters & Clerks Luncheon – 30 April 2025

Reflections on the Master’s Speech

Among the many highlights of the day was the address delivered by our Master, Charles Brooks. His speech was both warm and thoughtful — a blend of respect for tradition and a clear focus on relevance and inclusion in today’s world.

He began by acknowledging the many Livery Companies represented in the room, including the Wax Chandlers, Carpenters, Painter-Stainers, Tylers & Bricklayers, Blacksmiths, Plaisterers, Musicians, Clockmakers, Gardeners, Wheelwrights, Makers of Playing Cards, Furniture Makers, Lightmongers, Chartered Surveyors, Chartered Architects, and Water Conservators. This set the tone for what was to follow: a message of shared values, collaboration and commitment.

The Master expressed his heartfelt thanks — on behalf of all Livery Masters — to the Clerks of the Companies for their tireless efforts. In return, our own Clerk, Debbie, replied on behalf of her peers, thanking the Masters for their leadership and support. It was a moment of mutual appreciation that truly captured the spirit of the event.

A Focus on Youth and the Future

The Master then turned to the core theme of his year: youth. He spoke passionately about the need for the Livery — and particularly the plumbing profession — to support and encourage young people from all backgrounds. “Our young professionals,” he said, “are the future of plumbing and heating — we need to promote and nurture them so that they can lead a ‘low-carbon’ revolution.”

He reminded us of the stark statistic that 70,000 new plumbers will be needed over the next decade to meet the demands of both a growing population and the Government’s ambitious housebuilding targets.

He shared stories that brought this challenge — and the opportunity — to life. Just the day before, he had attended the HIP Women’s Skills – Plumber of the Year Final in Leicester, which was won by a young apprentice from Cornwall College. A month earlier, our Upper Warden had represented the Company at the Learner of the Year finals, won by a rising talent from New College Durham. The skill, maturity and determination shown by these finalists left a strong impression.

The Master also spoke of our partnership with Monument Tools to deliver the Company’s Annual Bursary Competition. This year’s contest drew over 160 applications from apprentices nationwide. Six outstanding winners will each receive £1,000 worth of tools, with the awards to be presented at the Installer Show at the NEC Birmingham in June.

Finally, he praised the Plumbing Professionals Development Scheme (PPDS), delivered in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering. He described it as “brilliant” — not just for its technical mentoring, but for the business, financial, HR and legal support it provides. It was clear how proud he was that five students from the first PPDS cohort will shortly be admitted as Freemen of the Company at our Annual Lecture.

The Master’s address was heartfelt, forward-looking and inclusive. It reminded everyone present why the Livery continues to matter — and why its mission is as relevant today as ever.

Guest Speaker: Roger Cassidy, Chairman of Aquabox

The luncheon’s guest speaker, Roger Cassidy, Chairman of Aquabox, delivered an inspiring address on the vital work of his organisation. Founded in 1992 by members of the Wirksworth Rotary Club, Aquabox is a volunteer-led charity that provides safe drinking water and humanitarian aid to disaster zones and conflict areas worldwide.

To date, Aquabox has distributed over 125,000 water filters and aid boxes to more than 50 countries, converting an estimated 2 billion litres of contaminated water into safe, clean water. Roger shared compelling stories of Aquabox’s impact in regions such as Syria, Nepal, and Ukraine, illustrating how simple, robust water filtration systems can save lives in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters. He also spoke of the charity’s ambitious Aquaboost project, which aims to double production capacity and reach more communities in need.

The Company was honoured to host Roger and to learn more about Aquabox’s mission, which aligns closely with the Plumbers’ longstanding commitment to public health and access to clean water.

Admissions: Welcoming New Freemen and Liverymen

A highlight of the luncheon was the formal admission of new members into the Company:

• AS1 Isaac Cook, accompanied by Squadron Leader Thom Brown, was admitted as a Freeman of the Company, recognising his exemplary service within the Royal Air Force and the Company’s ongoing affiliation with the armed forces.

The following distinguished individuals were clothed in the Livery:

• Sharron Trisk, Director of a building company for over 35 years and a frequent attendee of Company functions. Proposed by Jane Palmer, seconded by Danny Flowers.
• Nicholas Stoneham, with a long career in City of London financial services. Proposed by John Wilson, seconded by Andrew Ross.
• Adrian Mumford, Past Clerk of the Company and a long-standing supporter and well-known figure within the City and the Company.
• Eraj Shirvani, a retired senior banker with Credit Suisse, now dedicated to charitable work. Proposed by John Wilson, seconded by Chris Murphy.
• Louchavan Lemard, a Gas Safe engineer and founder of Think Big Developments, focused on apprenticeships and youth mentoring. Proposed by Jason Clark.
• Ilirjan Mazzreku, a gas engineer keen to support the Company’s charitable endeavours. Proposed by Jamie Fisher (with Janet covering until arrival).
• Air Cdre Wendy Rothery, a specialist in Defence Policy and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) across the armed forces. Proposed by Barbara Cooper, seconded by Paul Nash.

L to R Eraj Shirvani, Nicholas Stoneham, Sharron Trisk, Master Charles Brooks, Air Cdre Wendy Rothery, Ilirjan Mazzreku, Louchavan Lemard & Adrian Mumford