The Plumbers Sign the Armed Forces Covenant – 2 July 2025
The Worshipful Company of Plumbers has joined a prestigious group of companies and organisations which recognise the outstanding contribution our Armed Forces make to the country and our community.
In a fine ceremony in front of all our members and guests at the Summer Festival in Barber-Surgeons’ Hall, The Master, Charles Brooks, signed the Armed Forces Covenant. Sadly, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent GCVO, Commodore-in-Chief Maritime Reserves, who had been due to witness the signing, was unwell and was unable to join us, and sent The Master a personal note which he read out to everyone. His place was taken by his escort, Commodore Jo Adey ADC, Commander Maritime Reserves, ably supported by Prince Michael’s Equerry, Lieutenant Commander Jacob Ball, one of our Company Stewards.
The ceremony began with a Guard of Honour provided by all three of our affiliated Cadet Units: Richmond Sea Cadets, 23 Army Cadet Detachment (Royal Engineers) Islington, and No 1147 Squadron Air Cadets, Barking.
Master Mistress and Guard of Honour
Following a reception for all military guests, new Liverymen, The Master, Wardens, partners and spouses, with main drinks in the Hall garden, everyone then moved into the dining hall to receive The Master, Mistress, Cdre Adey, and the Summer Festival Guest Speaker. The Master and Cdre Adey each signed two copies of the Covenant, one of which will reside in the Ministry of Defence and the other with us. In signing, we are formally recognising something we have done informally for many years—our commitment to support the Armed Forces and recognise the contribution Service personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans, and military families make to our organisation, our community, and to the country.
The Master and Commander Maritime Reserves signing the Covenant
Signing Complete!
The Armed Forces Covenant – See the whole document here Signed Armed Forces Covenant
As an aside, two military officers joined us as new Liverymen at the Court meeting earlier that day, one of whom, Air Vice-Marshal The Hon David Murray CVO OBE DL, was one of the originating authors of the Armed Forces Covenant when he served in the MOD; a fitting coincidence. A separate section will be created on the website covering all aspects of the Covenant for everyone to see.
Commodore Jo Adey Speaking
The Master Speaking
With all three of our affiliated Cadet units present, we took the opportunity to present the 2025 Cadet of the Year Awards to the three cadets nominated by their respective Commanding Officers (CO), sponsored by our Charitable and Educational Trust. The Plumbers Charity also makes an annual donation to each Cadet Unit to help fund all their activities for the cadets, and we were delighted to present these to each CO too. A great practical demonstration of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
The signing was followed by a splendid Summer Festival. Separate posts will be published covering the admission of the new Liverymen and the Summer Festival; there’s too much to combine into one!
Past Master Paul Nash