74. Networking Evening, 9 January 2019

The WeWork offices in Devonshire Square was the venue for the first Water Conservators Networking evening of 2019 and it was a great success. Organised by Company members Robbie Epsom, Dorry Price and Kathryn Pharr, the event was specifically aimed at younger professionals in the water, waste and environmental sectors in London.

I was pleased to be joined by the Deputy Master, the Thames and Fleet Wardens and Past Master Keith Tozzi who between us met the twenty or so invited guests in what was a very informal setting. In fact, the WeWork offices are designed for just such events in mind in that they have open areas with relaxed décor and furniture and a long table-top bar. It felt almost like we were hosting a drinks party in one’s own kitchen! Very convivial.

I opened the evening with a few words of welcome stressing that this was not a ‘hard sell’ for the Water Conservators but simply an opportunity to bring like-minded people together. This seemed to strike a chord as evidently there are little or no mechanisms like this currently available.

I was followed by a few words of support for the Company by Dorry and Kathryn which were well placed before we handed over to our key-note speaker, Harry Knibb from WSP. Harry’s theme was health and well-being within a modern building design concept, a subject on which he is a consultant. He gave us a fascinating insight into the expectations and demands of employees, employers and regulators in the design and sustainable operation of buildings and the opportunities these give for innovation and resource efficiency. The reduction in waste arisings, smart use of water and carbon-free buildings was central in his talk and was most interesting. Suffice to say there is a lot going on in this space.

After some insightful questions from the floor I wrapped up with an update on the Company’s participation in the Plastic Free City campaign recently launched by the City of London Corporation. Our audience were very interested to hear about the ‘pledge’ and how they can play a part in it.

After the talks the evening continued in a most pleasant way and several guests expressed interest in joining the Company – a pleasing response.

Such was the success of the evening it is likely to become a bi-annual event and we look forward to meeting more young people in due course. My thanks go to all who helped put this together. Pictures show guests during the talks and the Fleet Warden, Master and Deputy Master with consultant and previous Water Conservator bursary student from Brunel, Edna Wolfermann.