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Registered Charity No 1073475

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Contents

Page 4 President Profile

Page 6 Past Presidents, Life Members and Trustees

Page 7 National Officers

Page 8 The Guild of Bricklayers

Page 9 The National Conference

Page 13 Editorial

Page 14 The National AGM

Page 17 Thanks to the Guild of Bricklayers Sponsors

Page 18 Competition Reports

Page 29 Invitation to the 2013 National Competition Final

Page 30 Guild of Bricklayers Regions

Page 31 Membership Applications

Page 32 Invitation to the National Conference

Page 33 Knick Knack Corner

Page 34 Master Bricklayer Certificate

Page 35 A Tribute to Peter Roberts PPGB

Page 36 A Remarkable Story – Thomas Linge

Page 37 The Rescue of a Brick Kiln

Page 39 Did You Know

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Profile of the President

Mr. Andrew Cainen PGB, B.A (Hons) B.Arch RIBA

My career in bricks started in November 1984 when I joined Ibstock, based in the North West. I had qualified as an Architect in 1979 working in private practice on a number of varied projects, requiring specification of facing bricks and special shaped units, which helped me to develop a keen interest and affection for the products and the industry. At the time, Ibstock operated a number of Design Centres in major city locations including Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, London, and Manchester (where I was based), promoting not just the products but successful brickwork to Architects and specifiers, backed by in-depth technical and design support. Towards the end of the 1980’s I moved to Redland Brick Limited, as a Regional Architect offering technical support to customers alongside the field sales force covering the North of England and Scotland, with an occasional trip to Ireland. My involvement with the Guild goes back to the early 1990’s by which time I had joined Salvesen Brick, a smaller but developing manufacturer based in my home town of Stockport (famous as the source of the River Mersey, for hat making, the railway viaduct - the largest brick built structure in Western Europe - and of course the football team ‘County Nil’..!). The Company was keen through the then MD Brian Kiely to be involved with the Guild, hosting the North West Meetings, and I got to know a number of Members and Tutors including Past President John Trueman, who helped to arrange training days for the Company (for mainly sales representatives) at Stockport college. Salvesen were one of the first manufacturers to invest in CAD technology (rather basic at the time), but this helped in providing drawings for the Guild competitions, coordinated by the legendary Ben Bradbury PPGB who always arrived to meetings on his trusty bicycle. Some twenty years ago it was predicted that there would be three main manufacturers in the UK in the new millennium, with a handful of small independent operations. I have personally seen the changes with Salvesen Brick sold to venture capitalists and renamed Chelwood Brick, later to merge with Ambion Brick to create ‘The Brick Business’ in 2002. TBB was sold outright to Wienerberger Limited (the largest manufacturer of clay bricks and blocks worldwide) – pronounced ‘Veenerberger’ as ‘Wien’ is the Austrian spelling for Vienna, where the Group headquarters are based - who also acquired Baggeridge Brick in 2007, to confirm the position as third largest UK manufacturer. In the meantime, Hanson Brick (formerly London Brick and Butterley Brick) have maintained their second place market share, behind Ibstock (following the merger with Redland). Even through the transitions, the ‘core’ company continued to supply bricks for the Regional Guild competitions and although my career path changed in 2011, and I now operate as an independent consultant to the industry, I am pleased that Wienerberger have agreed once again to provide the much needed support of bricks for the 2012 competition programme. Clearly the training programmes at colleges are vitally important in maintaining a high level of craftsmanship for the next generation of bricklayers, but at the same time adapting to new products and systems (such as larger formats, thin joints, and prefabricated elements). I have always thought it important for sales personnel to gain a sound knowledge of products and applications, and indeed limitations, to appreciate detailing issues on site, and I was involved in

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developing an industry wide training programme some years ago with the Refractories and Building Products Training Council (RBPTC) resulting in both technical sessions and practical bricklaying skills (in addition to company events arranged locally). My links with the industry have also involved attendance at Brick Development Association technical meetings for over twenty years, contributing to technical articles and publications including the ‘Achieving Successful Brickwork’ Manual well received by College Tutors. I now attend the Brick Working Party held periodically, as representative of the Guild. I was invited to join a BDA Panel some years ago investigating bricklaying skills and qualification routes and over a series of meetings met the late Bob Baldwin PPGB, a much respected member and contributor to the Guild, a thoughtful, knowledgeable and pleasant man, with a relaxed style yet great enthusiasm. Although my appointment as President does not follow the traditional route, I nevertheless feel extremely honoured to hold the Office, and be part of the Guild, and will do my utmost in the year ahead to strengthen links with brickwork trainers, and industry sectors. Clearly we are in difficult uncertain times, and we are unlikely to see an increase in manufacturing output, sales, or skill demand for some time, but we must continue to focus on the future development of our construction skills base, and the promotion of a versatile, cost effective, durable, and attractive form of construction. I believe it is equally important for architects and specifiers to appreciate the material and potential of brickwork, and to continue to specify bricks, both in traditional construction and modern adaptation, and I hope to continue promoting the cause through CPD Seminars to private practices and organisations, and presentations to Schools of Architecture. Guild Officers are elected at the Annual General Meeting, usually held over a weekend in April or May. I should perhaps apologise to those Members who have stayed on the preceding Friday night over the last ten years and been subjected consistently to probably the worst jokes possible as part of the now traditional quiz night (but I feel I must maintain my reputation!). Seriously, and sincerely, may I wish you all success in the year ahead. Andrew Cainen

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Past Presidents 1932-33 W Blaber 1933-34 A T Winstone 1934-35 T Howarth 1935-36 F Taylor 1936-37 G A F Clarke 1937-38 G A F Clarke 1938-39 W F Clarke 1946-47 W F Clarke 1947-48 W F Clarke 1948-49 J C Hodge 1949-50 J Olney 1950-51 E A Davies 1951-52 W G Nash 1952-53 T Whitmore 1953-54 E L Braley 1954-55 C E Outen 1955-56 T Pickering 1956-57 G E Clayton 1957-58 S Smith 1958-59 J E Jeffrey 1959-60 D Bradford 1960-61 N C Sidwell 1961-62 E L Braley 1962-63 E L Elmes 1963-64 W F Wadge 1964-65 G A F Clarke 1965-66 J S Bradbury 1966-67 H F Turner 1967-68 R M Edwards 1968-69 N Bradley 1969-70 B Bradbury 1970-71 D McArthur 1971-72 J E Jeffrey 1972-73 H Timlin 1973-74 E H Fawcett 1974-75 G E Clayton 1975-76 T D Clarke 1976-77 E Johnson 1977-78 W F Elliott 1978-79 G H Fox 1979-80 N Bradley 1980-81 E Robson 1981-82 R J Baldwin 1982-83 R J Baldwin 1983-84 A Capewell 1984-85 B Bloodworth 1985-86 J Monaghan 1986-87 D Treece 1987-88 A Beesley 1988-89 D Carver 1989-90 J Rippon 1990-91 M Thorpe 1991-92 R A Daniel 1992-93 J Rippon 1993-94 M W Pearce 1994-95 P Roberts MBE 1995-96 S Rutter 1996-97 J Gordon 1997-98 A J Glen 1998-99 J Offless 1999-00 R J Baldwin 2000-01 R J Baldwin 2001-02 J Brown 2002-03 J Trueman 2003-04 G Evans 2004-05 D Westwood 2005-06 G Pellatt 2006-07 M Kelliher 2007-08 A Tucker 2008-09 S Barlow 2009-10 J Walden 2010-11 P Elmes 2011-12 A Glen

Life Members M Thorpe E Robson M W Pearce B Bradbury

Long Serving Members J.T.Butler G.A.E.Haye B.Bradbury E.Preece R.P.Baker J. Rippon D.J. Lee J.G. Nettle P.D. Butler D.A. Downs A.P. Adkin D.W. Davies

Trustees of the Guild M Thorpe LMGB M Pearce LMGB A J Glen PGB T Callaghan MMGB D Westwood PPGB G Evans PPGB S Barlow PPGB Julian Walden PPGB Tony Tucker PPGB

Honoury Members C Boulton, J Brandon, R Brotherhood, J Campbell J Hall, A Edwards, Brian Garratt, Chris Gosden, D Lepla J Moorhouse S Morton, G Parkinson, L Pearson, M Rose CBE P Shuker

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National Officers President Vice President Junior Vice President A Cainen PGB ac@wallconsultancy.com

Mr V Scrivens VPGB

National Secretary Education Committee Trust Fund Manager S L Barlow PPGB 19 Southcote Grove Kings Norton Birmingham B38 8ED stevebarlow@live.co.uk

T Tucker PPGB G Evans PPGB J Walden PPGB S Barlow PPGB D Westwood PPGB M Kelliher PPGB

M Thorpe LMGB Kirkstede Church Street Sutton-in-Ashfield Nottinghamshire NG17 1EX Tel: 01623 554582

National Competition Secretary

Public Relations/Media Officer

Historian and Inventory Officer

D Westwood PPGB 19 Pye Green Road Cannock Staffordshire WS11 2RY Tel : 01543 505375 dwestwood1943@tiscali.co.uk

Julian Walden M Kelliher PPGB

Membership Secretary Charity Trustee Journal Editor G Evans PPGB Tegryn Croes Y Llan Llangoedmor Cardigan SA43 2LF GarethTegryn@aol.com

M W Pearce LMGB 62 Wood Street South Hiendley Barnsley South Yorkshire S72 9BJ Tel: 01226 711379

M J Walden PPGB The Old Bus Station 16 Northfield Road Messingham N Lincolnshire DN17 3PG julian.walden@wnc.ac.uk Tel: 07814181933

Auditor to the Guild Technical Officer Mr D Westwood PPGB Mr V Scrivens MGB

A Cainen VPGB

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The Guild is an association founded in 1932 with the aims of promoting and maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship n Brickwork. Membership consists of Journeymen and Master Members, who have served an apprenticeship or an approved period of training and have obtained the relevant qualification, are practising bricklayers, site foremen, managers, clerks of work, lecturers, tutors or instructors on approved courses. Trainee membership is encouraged and there is an Associate class of membership for those in industry or education who are sympathetic to the aims of the Guild.

As a national organisation the Guild has a President, a National Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Secretary as its main officers. The Guild covers the whole of the United Kingdom through its thirteen geographical regions, called Sections. Each section elects from its members a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer and is responsible for organising the activities of the Section, work and site visits and other activities which promote the aims of the Guild.

Each year the Guild, through its network of sections, organises regional brickwork competitions at Senior, Junior and Schools levels with a National Final bringing together the winners of the senior competitions from each of the regional events. The Guild is pleased to acknowledge the sponsorship of brick, mortar and tool manufacturers and valued contributions from local firms at regional events.

Guild members serve on the advisory panels of all the technical education institutes and supervise competition stands at local and national exhibitions.

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THE GUILD OF BRICKLAYERS 20th ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2012

Achieving the Olympic Values In Construction

INTRODUCTIONS The 2012 Guilds conference was held at the NHBC headquarters, an excellent and fitting venue for the Olympic year and the guilds twentieth year of organising conferences.

Tony Tucker PPGB seen here showing delegates just how big the fish are off the coast at Padstow acted as MC and outlined the day’s activities discussing some of the issues facing brickwork lecturers in the current climate of austerity, which clearly linked to the Olympic and Paralympic values which became a theme for the day’s activities. He also made thanks to the NHBC for their excellent support in preparing for the days conference and in the days plenary for their exceptional hospitality throughout the day.

Andrew Glen PGB seen here deep in thought at the conference welcomed delegates on behalf of the guild and anecdotally looked back over the previous conferences including some of his long journeys up to the Stoke Rochford venue as well as some of the exploits from when he president in 1997/98, he also thanked the NHBC for welcoming the guild to their headquarters.

Richard Hartshorne of the NHBC and host for the day gave an introduction to the NHBC which, formed in 1936 and celebrated in 2011 its 75th anniversary (only four years after The Guild of Bricklayers) and has become a household name and a successful brand. This presentation and guided tour of the facilities, for those who chose to do so, was very informative for those who like the editor have known about the NHBC for many years but never appreciated the full scope of the work that they carried out, which include building control, health and safety, acoustic services, air tightness testing, research, and quality management services. The presentation went on to discuss common faults in construction and in

brickwork and showed that there is a great deal in common between the guild and the NHBC in their quest for quality improvement and the betterment of the trades.

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Workshops The Professional Discussion including NVQs and the move to the QCF Ian Harrison from Accrington and Rossendale gave feedback from the professional discussion workshop delivered by Tony Tucker, the workshop which spent time discussing best practice in generating evidence for NVQs and in particular how the professional discussion can help to meet the changes of the prescriptive structure that occurred during the migration to the QCF qualifications. The group had also discussed the different routes to gaining a VQ and the merits of each route and how these could be adapted and used with the wide variety of candidates

that require brickwork qualifications Interactive Resources

Tony Moore seen here explaining his innovative new initial assessment tool (honestly he isn’t making rabbit pictures on the screen) delivered a session on Interactive Learning Materials, which Robert Harrison (below) from Stoke-on-Trent college gave feedback on, Robert said that the learning resources looked good value for money and thought that more colleges would want to purchase and could benefit from using the resources. During the workshop Tony had asked that a partnership could be built up that would encourage the guild to participate in the updating of question banks to ensure that they had a technical

accuracy and currency. One of the key aspects of the workshop was Tony’s passion for initial assessment which generated some thought provoking debate on how we use initial assessment and how these can be developed. Thre was some interesting notes on the need to ensure that we can show individualised learning and ensuring that learners are directed to appropriate programmes which offer appropriate support to ensuring routes to progression and success on programme can be achieved. Robert pointed out that an interesting observation of Tony’s was that often training providers have a robust initial assessment and guidance process, but they fail to give appropriate feedback particularly to those who were not accepted on to a programme as to why they were not accepted. He also went on to explain how the detailed information generated has been used and that for those who do then go on to access the programmes how this is then used to formulate individualised learning plans and to ensure that the teaching and learning sessions meet the needs and learning styles of individuals

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Developing National Occupational Standards

George Swan spoke about the development of National Occupational Standards (NOS), something that the Guild of Bricklayers Education Committee have supported on behalf of its members, like the morning session this proved to be an excellent explanation to something that delegates had tended to take for granted, when in reality many had never given any consideration as to how the NOS are developed and how qualifications are derived from these standards.

The Wet Trades and Reducing the Carbon Footprint of new buildings. Owen Gallagher discussed how the masonry trades can continue to meet the requirements of Part L of the building regulations and particularly to the major changes that occurred during the change to

the regulations in 2010. Owen’s presentation was very visual and gave delegates an excellent understanding of changes to regulations and also in working towards zero and low carbon building and the government targets for 2016. Perhaps the most important aspect of Owen’s presentation answers delegates concerns over the lost work of the bricklayer to timber frame and to other modern methods of construction. This presentation gave an excellent introduction to modern methods of heating buildings explaining how and where savings can be made through new developments and also how these new developments can reduce their carbon foot prints .

Past Masters Well, people come to the Guild of Bricklayers conference for education and who better to give it than the three wise men Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar, or in our case past presidents (L-R) Steve Barlow, Dennis Westwood and Gareth Evans, seen here having a rest from their hectic schedule during the day, thanks from the education committee for your support in managing the delegates during the event.

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Please write any additional comments here. All sessions relevant and well presented, good venue. More functional skills at future conferences. Another very interesting and informative meeting, particularly enjoyed the Plasmor presentation. Interesting day, updates, building regs very useful. Venus pretty central and local hotels and amenities prove easy to get to. Quality straight talking information, what these meetings need.

What further training or development needs in this area (or any other areas) can EMFEC help meet? Development of the end tests for Diploma Learning resources/QCF Building Regs all new technologies Producing excellent lessons Interactive materials Sustainability and energy Air Tightness, U valves, future of Bricks Standardising teaching packs Use the collective to discuss and review current awarding body standards, and to collaborate these issues to lobby the awarding body with the collective ideas.

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Editorial Like most of you out there, I am starting to edit this year’s journal and wondering where the last twelve months have gone, the pace of life in education becomes more frenetic with every year and the constant change creates a turbulence that we somehow seem to manage whilst still holding on to those values that originally brought us in to the sector. Looking back over the past year the conference at the NHBC Headquarters in Milton Keynes was a memorable event with some excellent and informative guest speakers who enlightened delegates about problem solving in construction both from the experience of the NHBC in solving faults and from those such as Owen Gallagher from Plasmor who are looking at futuristic building solutions. Looking forward the move to short notice inspections and the new Common Inspection Framework for further education and skills is likely to be a key discussion point amongst colleagues and something that will no doubt cause a lot of trepidation in the centres. Along with the new units from the CAA and the improved pedagogical practice in the chase to ensure that learning and teaching are outstanding next year’s conference at the Ceram Research Centre in Stoke on Friday 1st March will again be one of the key CPD event for bricklaying tutors. The national competitions of the Guild have been hugely successful and the National Final at West Nottinghamshire College really was a showcase event. The standards of work were exceptionally high, a credit to the companies that are engaging in training and the tutors and colleges for maintaining such high standards during the current period of austerity. It was great to see some of the new competition judges gaining experience under the tutorage of expert judges Dennis Westwood PPGB and Malcolm Thorpe LMGB and those such as David Anwar who have judged for several years now working at competitions on their own, showing that the future for the Guild and the competitions are in excellent hands and very well organised. On behalf of all the Guilds members I would like to wish Andrew Cainen PGB who has worked tirelessly in supporting the Guild and particularly the competitions for many years a successful and enjoyable year in office. Please remember to let us know how your journal can be improved and to send us your stories for next year’s edition and best wishes for the year ahead as it will no doubt be as challenging as this year and hopefully just as rewarding. Regards M J Walden

To sponsor the next issue of the Journal of the Guild of Bricklayers or to advertise in next year’s journal, please contact: julian.walden@wnc.ac.uk

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80th Annual General Meeting and Dinner Dance

The 80th Annual General Meeting was held at the Alma Lodge Hotel in Stockport (a town well known for its football team “county 0”, as reminded by the weekends host Andrew Cainen), on many occasions and more importantly for bricklayers it is also home of the largest brick built feature in Europe the Stockport railway viaduct (see below). The town itself is situated on the edge of the picturesque high peak which proved an added bonus for many members during the journey to and from Stockport. The weekend commenced with the usual quiz on the Friday evening in the Regis Suite, as ever this event was hotly contested with the winners Rex’s Regina’s coming out on top over the hotly fancied DDSB team, both parties will be looking forward to next year’s re-match. On the Saturday morning Andy Glen PGB welcomed all attending members to the 2012 AGM, the minutes of the 2011 meeting

were read and passed as a true record (these are available on the guild web site) and members heard the annual report from the Secretary, Steve Barlow and the Treasurers report from Gareth Evans before going on to the election of officers. The outgoing President thanked the officers of the guild for supporting him during his year in office and for their continued dedication throughout the year in supporting the guilds activities and achieving

their aims, he then gave a brief summary of some of the highlights of his year and shared some of his hopes for the guilds future. Just before lunch Andy handed over the chains of office to the incoming President, Andrew Cainen, who proceeded with the election of the national officers for 2012 (see list above). The afternoon session included a report from the education committee on the 2012 conference (see below) and discussion points on the Master Bricklayer Certificate and also from the National Competitions Secretary Dennis Westwood on the forthcoming 2012 competitions and on the succession planning for new judges following the recent training events. While the members of the guild were busy at the AGM the ladies of the Guild were treated to a day at Lyme House, a national trust site that was featured in scenes from Pride and Prejudice, (unfortunately on the day Mr Darcy was not in the lake). The Lyme House Restaurant proved a popular venue for lunch with several ladies stating they made the best chocolate brownies ever.

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After a long day members retired to the bar for some rest before the evenings events and to follow their horses in the Grand National sweep organised during the day by George

Chambers, with first prize £40 won by the outgoing president Andy Glen. The evening started socially with drinks in the lounge of the Alma Lodge, Past Presidents Steve Barlow and Dennis Westwood are seen here with their wives Barbara and Doreen enjoying the comfortable surroundings.

Members and their partners were then formally welcomed to the evening’s entertainment by the new president Andrew Cainen. Andrew had planned an interesting evening that will be remembered by those attending, starting with anecdotes from the memoirs of the infamous retired policeman Mike Wilson; this was followed by the Werthern Swing Band, seen below providing music for the evening. During the break Andrew organised a raffle and only just managed to find a recipient for each of the many prizes generously donated by sponsors and members of the Guild. Towards the end of the evening the party returned to the lounge and bar areas where discussion and humour went on into the early hours.

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The Stockport Viaduct was designed by George Watson Buck and completed in 1840, the viaduct is 33.85 metres (111.1 ft) high. At the time of its construction it was the largest viaduct in the world, and it represents a major feat of Victorian engineering, It is currently a Grade II* listed structure and remains one of western Europe's biggest brick structures. The 27 arch viaduct took 21 months to build and cost £70,000; 11,000,000 bricks were used in its construction. At the peak of the work, 600 workers were employed in shifts – working day and night – to complete the structure. It has made a brief contribution to literature, being mentioned in the introduction to the Northern Mill Towns in Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South. In around 1890 it was decided the viaduct should be expanded. This was because London and North Western Railway, formed in 1846, wanted to have several tracks on one route so that slower trains could be overtaken. To add more tracks to the viaduct would mean the need for expansion. The viaduct was expanded to accommodate four tracks instead of two. The viaduct has appeared in several of L.S. Lowry's works.

Guild Members awarded Master Membership at the NAGM at Stockport 14/04/2012 Member Section V. F. Scrivens West Midlands J. Mellor Yorkshire S.N. Grundy London M.N. Burdett Yorkshire R. Higgs London K Hookham Western P. King North West C.H. Wallace Notts C. J. White West Midlands

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The officers and members of The Guild of Bricklayers would like to express their thanks for the continued support provided by companies during the regional and national bricklaying competitions. Competition dates for 2013 are now available on the Guild website.

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2012 Competition Reports

National Final

Venue West Nottinghamshire College Date 20.06.2012

Organiser Julian Walden Tel 01623413331 email Julian.walden@wnc.ac.uk Winner Shaun Fausset Blackpool and the Fylde Receiving his trophy from Guild President Andrew Cainen right, and with his work below.

Second Matt Cook York College

Third Antoine Coevet Sussex Down College

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Judges 1 Dennis Westwood Lead Judge (National Competitions Secretary). 2 Malcolm Thorpe Lead Judge 3 David Anwar Accrington College 4 Simon Ludgate West Notts College 5 Ricky Banks Burton College Report

The competitors from the 2012 national final are seen with Guild president Andrew Cainen. In his address Andrew thanked Wienerberger for their sponsorship of the national competitions and Breedon Aggregates for supplying mortar for the final. Having been to all competitions this year Andrew said he has been impressed with the organisation of the competitions and with the standard of work produced and the dedication of the tutors in the training centres. The competition secretary Dennis Westwood said that the standard of work throughout the day was exceptionally high and is a great tribute to the tutors working with students, he also thanked the host college for their hospitality throughout the day and praised the hard work of the staff and students from West Nottinghamshire College for their preparation of the work areas and for keeping the competitors loaded up with bricks and mortar. Throughout the day there was a variety of trade stands and sponsors to provide industrial support and many thanks went to Justin Enstone of Travis Perkins for making these arrangements and for supporting the college on the build-up to the event. The winner on the day Shaun Fausset was very modest and tanked his tutors at Blackpool and the Fylde and his fellow students for motivating and supporting him throughout his studies, his tutor Mike Kelliher said that he was very proud of him and that he will have a successful career in the industry.

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Competition Region Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire

Venue Derby College Date 31st April 2012

Organiser Lee Pratt Senior Winner Liam Shackleton North Lindsey College Senior Second Eddie Haste Grimsby College Senior Third Christopher Devereux Chesterfield College

Junio Winner Jack Dean Derby College Junior Second Daniel Maskrey Chesterfield College Junior Third Clowne College

Judges 1 Malcolm Thorpe PPGB Lead Judge 2 David Anwar MGB 3 Andrew Bannister MGB 4 Mark Bicker MGB 5 Michael Page MGB

Region or College of Work Lincs & Notts Accrington & Rossendale (North West) Hull College (Yorks) Bradford College (Yorks) Bradford College (Yorks)

President Andrew Cainen travelled from Stockport to present the trophies to what had been an excellent competition with very high standards of work, with several competitors returning to the competition for a second attempt. It was nice to see Natalie Gibson (left) from West Nottinghamshire College in the competition showing that there are some excellent female bricklayers coming into the industry. Natalie who is studying the level 1 diploma will be hoping to return to the event again next year. Once again thanks go to our sponsor J. A. Stephens for a supply of tools to the competitors. The welcome to the college was made by the head of faculty Dawn Kemp who was pleased to welcome the guild competition and thanked Lee and his team for all their hard work in preparing the workshops for the competition.

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Competition Region West Midlands

Venue Stratford-Upon-Avon College Date 19 March 2012

Organiser Alan McDermott MGB Senior Winner Jordan Brewster South Birmingham College Senior Second Daniel Williams Shrewsbury Cllege Senior Third Michael Clarke Morton Morrall

Junior Winner Bryn Wilson-Harrison Junior Second Mark Lines South Birmingham College Junior Third Ryan Stevens Shrewsbury College

Judges 1 Dennis Westwood PPGB Lead Judge 2 Ricky Banks MGB 3 Bill Bowman MGB 4 Steve Barlow PPGB

Region or College of Work West Mids (Burton College) (Linc Notts) West Mids West Mids

It was a very busy day at Stratford-Upon-Avon College as, in addition to the two main competitions there was 14-16 competition. During the lunch break John Coote MMGB was awarded with the Master Bricklayer certificate (see below) by Malcolm Thorpe and President of the Guild Andrew Cainen presented Vic Scriven with his Vice Presidents chain of office. On hand to help present the awards with the President were Lloyd Green of Taylor Wimpey and John Dibble of Building and Plumbing Services, there were some excellent donations from the sponsors and Jordan needed a wheelbarrow to take away all of his prizes. The president thanked the sponsors Wienerberger, Jewson’s, Travis Perkins, Taylor Wimpey, Building and Plumbing Suppliers for their excellent donations towards the competition.

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Competition Region Northern Venue Gateshead College Date 31 May 2012

Organiser Michael Robinson Senior Winner John Rudge Hartlepool College Senior Second Dalton Mulvaney Sunderland College Senior Third Craig Wallace Darlington College

Junior Winner David Wood Bishop Auckland College Junior Second Jake O’Shea Newcastle College Junior Third Adrian North Hartlepool College

Judges 1 Dennis Westwood PPGB Lead Judge 2 David Anwar MGB 3 Tim Bond MGB 4 Simon Ludgate MGB

Region or College of Work West Mids Accrington & Rossendale (North West) West Notts College (Notts) West Notts College (Notts

The Principal Richard Thoreld welcomed all competitors to the college and thanked competition sponsors Wienerberger and Jewson’s for their support. The awards were presented by Andrew Cainen PGB.

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Competition Region Wales

Venue Coleg Menai, Llangefni, Anglesey Date Thursday 26th April 2012 Organiser Gareth Evans, PPGB Tel 01239 625525 Email: garethtegryn@aol.com Senior Winner Alister Laird Coleg Meirion Dwyfor Senior Second Marcus Dinnino Coleg Sir Gar Ammanford Senior Third Benjamin Lloyd Cardiff Construction Training Centre

Junior Winner Rhys Jenkins Cardiff Construction Training Centre Junior Second Josh Druce, Merthyr Tydfil College Junior Third Ben Rees Coleg Sir Gar Ammanford

Judges 1 Dennis Westwood PPGB Lead Judge 2 Steve Barlow PPGB 3 Bill Bowman MGB

Region or College of Work West Mids West Mids West Mids

Coleg Menai hosted this year’s competition in Wales, Dafydd Price, Faculty of Technology Manager welcomed both competitors and staff to the competition, he wished them well and hoped that they would enjoy the experience of taking part. Whilst the competition got underway The Welsh Section of the Guild held their AGM and section officers were elected for the ensuing year. At the conclusion of the formal part of the agenda the members were given an insight to process of updating the current CAA Diploma specification by Kevin Robinson of Cardiff Construction Training Centre and Rob Parry Coleg Menai, which proved to be an excellent session. Gareth Evans P.P.G.B acted as MC for the presentation of awards and thanked the Coleg Menai for hosting the competition, Weinerberger for sponsoring the bricks and Euro Mix for sponsoring the mortar. The Welsh Section of the Guild of Bricklayers and Coleg Menai sponsored tools for the competitors and the Guild of Bricklayers President Andrew Cainen presented the certificates awards and prizes to the competitors

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Competition Region Yorkshire

Venue Hull College Date 18th May 2012 Organiser Andy Bannister MGB Senior Winner Matt Cook York College Senior Second Jason Whitehead Barnsley College Senior Third Conner Cutsworth Hull College

Junior Winner Tom Dixon Hull College Junior Second William Proud Barnsley College Junior Third David Pickering Leeds College of Building

Judges 1 John Trueman PPGB Lead Judge 2 David Anwar MGB 3 Kevin Harold MGB 4 Mark Hatton MGB

Region or College of Work Stockport College Accrington & Rossendale (North West) Liverpool Community College West Nottinghamshire College

On a busy day at Hull College the Yorkshire Section also hosted their own competition for new comers. President of the Guild Andrew Cainen and Yorkshire Section chairman Harpal Sambhi were on hand to present the prizes and both thanked Andy Bannister MGB and the staff and students at the college for their hard work in preparing the competition areas and the College for their hospitality. They also thanked Wienerberger for supplying the bricks and Breedon Aggregates for supplying the mortar. During the competition some sponsors gave short seminars on what their companies can do for the colleges and their local builders which received very positive feedback.

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Competition Region Western

Venue South West Skills Campus Date 25th May 2012 Organiser Steve Caldwell MGB Senior Winner Scott Franklin Wiltshire College Senior Second Seth Cave Bridgewater Colllege Senior Third Dave Selliyn Weston College

Judges 1 Steve Barlow PPGB Lead Judge 2 Bill Bowman MGB 3 Phil Vine Roberts MGB

Region or College of Work West Mids West Mids Wales

Competitors and guests were welcomed to the event by Roger Powell, the Director for the Centre of Excellence in Construction and the Environment. In response the Guild President Andrew Cainen thanked the host college for its excellent organisation in support of the competition, he also thanked the many sponsors who had attended on the day and contributed to the success of the day. The Competition Secretary was pleased to welcome to the event the Granddaughters of founding member A T Winstone, Margaret Cevik, Sue Williams and Jenny Wyman seen above assisting with the presentation of awards with Western Competition Secretary Andy Glen PPGB and President Andrew Cainen. In a busy day there was also a pairs competition and a competition for schools. The Principal of Weston College, Dr Paul Phillips OBE, closed the event by thanking his staff for their efforts in putting on a successful competition and went on to express his appreciation of the presence of competitors, their tutors, the trade sponsors and the many guests who attended.

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Competition Region North West

Venue Preston College Date 23rd March 2012 Organiser Paul Caunce MGB Senior Winner Shaun Fausset Blackpool and the Fylde College Senior Second Edward Grimshaw Stockport College Senior Third Adam Percy Preston College

Junior Winner Anthony Hollinstead South Cheshire College Junior Second Thomas Smith Bury College Junior Third Jonh O’Reilly Southport college

Judges 1 Malcolm Thorpe PPGB Lead Judge 2 Andy Brittain MGB 3 Joe Lumb MGB 4 Mark Bicker MGB 5 Michael Page MGB

Region or College of Work Lincs & Notts Calderdale College Calderdale College Bradford College (Yorks) Bradford College (Yorks)

North West competitions secretary Mike Kelliher thanked the sponsors Wienerberger, the North West Federation of Trades Employers, North West Timber Treatment and Huws Gray ltd for their continued support of competitions in the North West, he also thanked Paul Caunce and the team Preston College for their hard work in preparing for the event. Paul said that he had really enjoyed hosting the event and that the whole day had been a fabulously rewarding experience. Andrew Cainen PGB awarded the trophies, prizes and certificates to the competitors.

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Competition Region Southern

Venue Southampton College Date 14th June 2012

Organiser Ian Bartlett MGB Senior Winner Antoine Coeveot Sussex Downs College Senior Second Lee Musselwhite Southampton College Senior Third Daniel Haulkham Chichester College

Junior Winner Louis Wilkinson Sussex Downs College Junior Second Rhys Reed Southampton College Junior Third Thomas Townsend Isle of white College

Judges 1 Dennis Westwood PPGB Lead Judge 2 Steve Barlow PPGB 3 Kevin Robinson

Region or College of Work West Mids West Mids Wales

Andrew Key, Director of Construction and Engineering welcomed all competitors and visitors to Southampton College; a response was made by the Vice President of the Guild of Bricklayers Vic Scriven who presented the certificates and prizes to the competitors.

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Competition Region London

Venue Thanet College Date 14th March 2012 Organiser Steve Turner MGB Senior Winner Joe Parkin Barking College Senior Second David Fry Bexley College Senior Third Daniel Palin Mid Kent College

Junior Winner Paul Carey Mid Kent College Junior Second Matt Davey Thanet College Junior Third Daniel Paskin Barking College

Judges 1 Dennis Westwood PPGB Lead Judge 2 Steve Barlow PPGB

Region or College of Work West Mids West Mids

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Copies of the above posters are available for display in your college. Download from the Guild website http://www.guildofbricklayers.org.uk/

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Copies of the above posters are available for display in your college. Download from the Guild website http://www.guildofbricklayers.org.uk/

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KNICK N A C KORNER GUILD MERCHANDISE TIES Wear the embroidered Guild badge on your tie, Colours available, Dark Blue, Dark Red

and light Grey. £10:00 TROWEL TIE PINS Gold plated on silver £15:00 SCALE RULES Unique to the Guild. Scales1:10,and 1:20 For setting out and drawing brickwork bond and gauge. (good competition prizes) £4:00 BADGES Master Member Lapel Badge, die cast,

Gold rimmed £3:00 Journeyman members Lapel Badge, Die cast, blue rimmed. £3:00

CAR BADGE plastic stick-on £1:00 KEY RINGS leather, available in Blue, Black,

Red and Green £1:00 (mixed bag of 10) (good competition prizes) £10:00

GUILD PENS with Guild logo - bag of 20 £8:00 FLEECE (state size when ordering,- S. M. L. XL.) With Guild Logo £25:00 SWEATSHIRT “ “ “ With Guild Logo £17:50 If items cannot be collected, P&P may be added. Above items are available form Steve Barlow PPGB 19 Southcote Grove Kings Norton Birmingham B38 8ED’ Enquiries & orders;- stevebarlow@live.co.uk Mob; 07932 310710 May 2012

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The Guild of Bricklayers continues to develop the Master Bricklayers Certificate. Following a recent professional interview John Coote became one of a growing number of recipients of the award and is pictured here being presented with his certificate by the President of The Guild of Bricklayers, Andrew Cainen. John is also qualified at level 2 in sign language and is able to support learners with hearing difficulties. Tel 01527 541821

The Master Bricklayer Certificate is now available, the criteria for submission and application form is available on the Guild of Bricklayers website http://www.guildofbricklayers.org.uk/

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Tribute to Peter Roberts PPGB Everybody draws inspiration in their work from somewhere, like many bricklaying tutors I have been motivated by some of the exceptional work of Peter Roberts PPGB, some of this was in the form of his development work with the CITB and for others his creations at the design and build competitions of the 1990s. For several years now the Guild of Bricklayers and Lincoln College have both discussed an appropriate way to remember the work of such an extraordinarily talented man. Just over ten years after Pete died these discussions came to fruition with the unveiling of a commemorative stone produced by the masons yard at Lincoln Cathedral and set in one his most memorable creations known as the “Impossible Triangles”. The unveiling ceremony took place at Lincoln College on the 23rd June and was the centre piece of an open day at the college with competitions in all vocational areas. The packed gathering included many of Pete’s old colleagues as well as friends and family and members of the guild. In a fitting tribute one of Pete’s past students and current head of brickwork, Terry Coatsworth made a short speech about life as one of his former students and how inspirational he had been to so many students he also remembered fondly Peters work and life at the college and the legacy that he left.

On hand to help Terry with the unveiling of the plaque was Pete Roberts Jnr who was overwhelmed with the tribute to his dad, he thanked the Guild of Bricklayers and Lincoln College for their tribute and shared some of his own memories of the design and build competitions, something that he would like to resurrect in the future.

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A Remarkable Story -Thomas Linge friendship, excellence, respect, courage, determination, inspiration, equality, We started the conference this year with the notion of the Olympic and Paralympic values as something that we aspire to in education and training but never have they been more relevant than in the case of Thomas Linge. Tom is a remarkable young man and although, at the time of writing, he is only eighteen years of age he has already achieved much to be proud of. Do you remember when you started your apprenticeship and used a trowel for the first time in those early attempts to lay bricks? How difficult it was to cleanly pick up the mortar and spread the bed evenly so that the bricks could

be laid true to the line. This was difficult enough to cope with before the challenge of raising a corner. Tom has mastered these skills but unlike the majority of, who have two hands, Tom was born with the disability of having only one hand. His introduction to the craft came as a result of attending the BETEC programme in construction studying at Chelmsford College, Essex and, in his words, “when I had a go at bricklaying I just found that I really enjoyed it.”

He continued at the college, on a full –time course, and gained a Level 1 Diploma (Dist.). Now apprenticed with MAC Contract Projects Ltd. in Witham, Essex he successfully completed the Level 2 Diploma (Cr.) on a PTD course and currently is progressing with his NVQ Level 2. His enthusiasm and progress fulfilled the early expectations of Charles Thorp, the Curriculum Team Leader, and this gave him the confidence to enter Tom in the Skill Build (Newcomers Category) Regional Heat held at the Barking College in May 2011. Tom more than justified his Instructor’s confidence by winning the competition and being one of only three competitors to complete the project. All bricklayers will appreciate that this is an outstanding achievement as he does not have an artificial limb to help him, but has to make twice the effort compared with other trainees, to produce the same results. In October 2011 Tom represented his employer, and the College, at The House of Commons for The UK Young Builder of the Year Award. He was highly commended for gaining Third Place in the 16/24 years of age category and was presented with a cheque for £100.00 and a set of tools to the value of £200.00; Tom is seen in the photograph being presented with his certificate as a record of his achievement. Article by George Clark MMGB

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The Rescue of a Brick Kiln The brick kiln near Fenny Compton first came to the notice of members of the West Midlands Section in 2006 during a walk along the Oxford canal. Set back, and above the canal was a structure in a very dilapidated state, overgrown with shrubs and small trees, and its brickwork being slowly but surely broken away and crumbling by the action of the tree roots and the weather.

Being bricklayers, and enjoying all things brick, they, sometime later, had the crazy idea of rescuing the kiln from its dilapidated state, and restoring it to its original condition. The Kiln is of the Intermittent Downdraft type, measuring 41 feet by 18ft, and stands about 15ft high, and has a capacity to fire 30,000 bricks. It is thought to have been built around 1840 when clay from the opening up of the nearby canal tunnel was used for brick making, and produced many types of brick, tiles, and drainage pipes, initially for use by the Oxford Canal Co. but also for general use locally, though production finally ceased in 1917.

Six Guild members have now formed a Trust, and in partnership with British Waterways, are committed to restoring the kiln and the surrounding area, with the view to establishing a resource centre, to enable the public to have a greater understanding of brick production, the canal network and local history, and to save this building, from its ruinous fate. The Trust aims to link with local construction colleges to promote heritage skills within their curriculum. After several successful meetings at British Waterways H.Q in Milton Keynes, a structural survey was carried out on the kiln by B.Ws Principal Engineer who gave us a very detailed report, which will be an important reference during the work programme. There were many recommendations and also some safety considerations. Work started in spring 2011, and the Trust has a four year plan for development. By early summer, the area around the kiln was thick with nettles, the trees and shrubs on it were in full leaf, and the concern was that birds were nesting. We were thankfully given the all clear from the Environment Officer, that there were no Bats roosting within the chamber. On Tuesday 24th May, several willing volunteers from the local Butterfly Conservation Society, descended on the kiln, equipped with bow saws and loppers. Under the guidance of members, they proceeded to make the first steps in removing the thick hawthorn and bramble from the sides of the kiln. Unfortunately, their hard work soon halted, as a blackbird’s nest was discovered within the hawthorn. However, work continued on the remaining sides and clearance of the ground areas in preparation for the next stage, which was the erection of the scaffold to access the clearance of trees and shrubs on the roof of the kiln. The Blackbirds had finally left their nest, the remaining shrubs

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were cut back and a very substantial independent scaffold was in place when Mike Swain, Vic Scriven and Steve Barlow arrived on site on 9th July.

On a warm and pleasant day, they were able to cut down the worst of the birch, hazel, ash and hawthorn trees that towered from the roof arch of the Kiln. Some reaching up to 20feet high It proved to be a successful day, by allowing, for the first time to see the extent of tree root growth on the kiln roof. It appeared that the trees have taken root in the soil and debris which has built up, in the space where the barrel arch roof meets the main walling and the outer small ‘parapet’ wall, their roots penetrating deep into the brickwork in places. Some trunks were reduced to a

lower level for ease of working, and they were able to remove some of the growth of bramble, ivy, etc. and a 75mm ‘matt’ of vegetation layer on the crown of the arch, and also to the South elevation parapet, exposing brickwork, some of which has badly eroded. Work will continue through to autumn, on clearing the kiln roof, clearing the debris inside to expose the floor and flues, before coving the kiln over for protection during the winter months. Steve Barlow PPGB

Bricklayers’ Jargon Our craft is one of the few remaining handcrafts with methods of working handed down to us as a continuous tradition over many centuries. For the skilled craftsman his work becomes a way of life and familiarity can sometimes cause the crafts’ rich history in terminology and jargon - the language of bricklaying - to be taken for granted and so overlooked. These terms will, of course, change over the years and indeed vary from region to region in our own time. Some time ago a Glossary of Bricklaying Terms was compiled for inclusion on the Worshipful Company of Tyler’s and Bricklayers’ website and this can be visited on www.tylersandbricklayers.co.uk. George Clarke MMGB is seeking to record the jargon used in our craft and where possible to include examples from the past e.g. a pig in the wall and work hard and starve for the W.H.S. Trowel. Guild members, with their unrivalled knowledge and experience of our craft, must surely be the prime source for such information; their geographical spread may also show considerable variations across the U.K. George would appreciate your help in this work by letting him have examples from your own experience, with a translation if necessary, and with an indication of which part of the country they originate from. George is also requesting additional items, or suggested amendments, for inclusion on the website’s Glossary of Bricklaying Terms, please send them to George Clark MMBG, 23 Seldon Rd, Tiptree, Essex, CO5 0HH, e-mail at george.clark9@btopenworld.com , 01621 817402

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Did You Know Brick creates very little waste when manufactured. Mining one pound of clay yields nearly one pound of brick, with only slight moisture and mineral loss occurring in the heating process. There are also innovative brick manufacturers who have begun to make brick using sewage sludge or petroleum-contaminated soils. The sewer sludge material can be mixed with clay and sent through the manufacturing process, resulting in a brick equally as strong and attractive. While petroleum-contaminated soils are hazardous for the environment and human and animal health, manufacturers have designed a way of combining the petroleum-contaminated soil with clay. When fired at very high temperatures, it creates brick that is free from hydrocarbon contamination. In Auf Wiedersehen Pet the building site, although set in Germany, was actually in Hertfordshire in Elstree studios. It is now the Albert Square set of EastEnders and the filming in Germany (in the cities of Hamburg and Düsseldorf) for the entire first series only actually lasted for ten days. The biggest building in the world is:- Well it depends what you mean when you say biggest...

• By space - Boeing claims that its Everett Plant near Seattle, Washington, United States, is the largest building in the world by volume.

• By footprint - The chiefly one-storey Aalsmeer Flower Auction, the Netherlands, with its 990,000 m² of floor space is probably the world's largest building in terms of both footprint and floor area.

• By mass (in tons) - The heaviest building in the world is the Palace of the Parliament in Romania ), made of 1,000,000 m³ of marble from Transylvania and 700,000 metric tons of steel and bronze.

Health & Safety Law Today’s workplaces are subject to a multitude of rules and regulations pertaining to Health & Safety, there is no doubt that it is difficult to keep up with all the requirements and we are often told of the consequences for those who do not follow the rules. You might think that these rules are a modern trend but safety at work goes back over 4000 years. The Code of Hammurabi (2500 BC) is the oldest known set of laws and contains punishments for those not meeting the laws for safety in the workplace, the following are a selection of some of those laws that relate to building work, (you have been warned). Law No 229 If a builder build a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kill its owner, then that builder shall be put to death. 230. If it kills the son of the owner the son of that builder shall be put to death. 231. If it kills a slave of the owner, then he shall pay slave for slave to the owner of the house. 232. If it ruins goods, he shall make compensation for all that has been ruined, and in as much as he did not construct properly this house which he built and it fell, he shall re-erect the house from his own means. 233. If a builder builds a house for someone, even though he has not yet completed it; if then the walls seem toppling, the builder must make the walls solid from his own means.

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