For the first time, stonemasons have been among those to receive Master Craftsman Certificates as part of a scheme organized by the Livery Companies.

The Master Craftsman scheme started in 2001 and is designed to encourage career progression in chosen crafts. The Livery companies work in partnership with the City & Guilds of London Institute to encourage the pursuit of excellence in vocational skills and training.

This year, 10 Livery Companies put forward candidates for the Masters Certificates – four of them, like the Masons’ Company, had nominated candidates for the first time. This demonstrates the increasing importance being placed on the support of the crafts they represent by the Livery Companies.

There were 11 masons put forward to receive certificates from The Lord Mayor, Alderman Fiona Woolf, at a ceremony held at Carpenters’ Hall on 10 February.

The masons chosen by the Masons' Company Craft & Training Committee, after prolonged debate, were: Paul Atkin, Sean Collins, Tim Crawley, John David, Liveryman Mike Moody, Pascal Mychalysin, Heather Newton, Danny Sampson, Freeman Brad Steele, Liveryman Adam Stone and Ray Sumner.

After agreeing to a Charge read by The Master to continue acting in the capacity of mentor to those pursuing a career in stonemasonry in order that they may benefit from the recipients’ considerable experience and achievements, each was presented with a certificate signed by The Master, the Lord Mayor, the Chairman of the Council of the City and Guilds of London and the President of Stone Federation GB.

The Masons’ Company said it was extremely grateful to the Stone Federation for its generous sponsorship of this event and hoped it might continue in years to come.

The company has also extended its thanks to Richard Kindersley, one of the country’s most famous letter designers and cutters for designing the certificate, to all those who have worked over the years to get the Company represented on this scheme, to the Livery charities for their financial support and, possibly above all, to Martin Low, Chairman of the Craft & Training Committee, for overcoming many obstacles to get the Company and its 11 masons there, supported by their families, friends and many representatives of the Livery.

The Masons Livery Company echoes the words of The Lord Mayor in giving a sincere “Well Done!” to all those who have now become the first of what it is hoped will be many to receive this recognition of their status in the industry.

To get to this stage in their varied careers has involved dedication and considerable hard work and the recognition of their peers. Their faces at the ceremony showed that it had been worthwhile.