February 2006

• Annual Lecture

Record Breaking Lecture

On Tuesday 7th February at the Royal College of Physicians, London, Geoff Marsh MBE gave a lecture entitled, “Plumbing – the Public Health Service”.

Over 250 people attended, making it the biggest audience The Worshipful Company of Plumbers has attracted to an Annual Lecture. There was an impressive list of distinguished guests, including 17 visiting Masters from City Liveries - a record in itself.

The lecture was a joint venture between The Worshipful Company of Plumbers and the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering. Both organisations are celebrating special occasions this year - the Institute’s Centenary and the 120th anniversary of the establishment of the Register of Plumbers by the Plumbers’ Company.

Geoff Marsh, who is a Past Master of the Plumbers’ Company and Past President of the Institute and former Chairman of the World Plumbing Council, gave an appraisal of past times, the present situation and future prospects for the plumbing industry. His main point was that, unlike other parts of the world, in the UK qualified, competent plumbers do not receive due recognition from the government or the public, even though they give a service that protects the nation’s health. He felt they should have a protection of title, like other health professionals. Geoff used a quote from a former MP for Hornchurch, to show the main problem of not distinguishing between professional plumbers and cowboys: “We have the most complex regulations governing plumbing in the world, but we let anyone do it.”

At the end of Geoff’s lecture he presented the Master Plumber Certificate to Mario Martin EngTech LCGI MIPHE RP - current winner of ‘ Britain’s Favourite Plumber’ competition and winner of ‘Tradesperson of the Year’ (National Home Awards 2005). Mario has 31 years experience in the industry and is a self-employed plumber.

Sponsors for the evening supporting the Plumber’s Company charitable trust included: Warrens, BSS, AYH plc, EPS plc, Bovis Lend Lease and Chapman Bathurst.

ENDS (321 WORDS)
FEBRUARY 2006
The Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (IPHE) is the UK plumbing and heating industry's professional body. The IPHE is a registered educational charity with around 12,400 individual members who are competent via formal qualifications or extensive experience and abide by a Code of Professional Standards. The Institute's principal aim is to raise the standards of plumbing and heating engineering in the public interest. It is licensed by the Engineering Council and is a member of the Construction Industry Council.

For more information on this press release or the IPHE, please contact Carol Cannavan on 01708 463114 (direct line), fax: 01708 448987, email: Carol Cannavan. JPEGs are available on request.

• Annual Lecture