On the 19th December 1912, the inauguration dinner of the Granite Guild was held. Chaired by Herbert Beadle and supported by his vice chairman Herbert L. Wettern, the dinner resulted in the formation of the guild. Two of our most notable past presidents are Sir George Mowlem Burt KBE and Sir Alfred Cooper Rawson.

 

Sir George Mowlem Burt KBE

As the first President of the Guild, Sir George Mowlem Burt KBE, was elected in 1913. He started a long line of distinguished and notable personalities from the industry who have held office over the last century.

During his tenure as president, he contributed to the building of the BBC headquarters, port of London Authority building, and the rebuilding of Buckingham Palace following World War II. He was knighted by George VI for his services to industry in 1942.

As well as being a well-known figure in the granite industry George Mowlem Burt was also an Olympian, competing in the individual and team fencing events at the 1920 Summer Olympics.

 

Sir Cooper Rawson

In 1928 another of our well-known presidents took up office. Sir Cooper Rawson was chairman of several companies including Mountsorrel Granite Company and the Enderby Stoney Stanton Granite Company and was a prominent figure in the industry.

He was also elected an MP in 1922 and knighted in 1926 in recognition of his contribution to the industry.

Other well-known passed presidents of the Granite Guild include Captain A. B. Summerfield of Summerfield and Lang, and John M. Fyfe, the owner of Kemnay quarry, which provided granite to some of Britain’s most recognised buildings including the Cenotaph and the new Scottish Parliament.

 

 

Granite Guild Benevolent Society

The Granite Guild Benevolent Society supports those in need who are part of the granite trade. Funds are available to those facing a period of hardship or long-term sickness.

Preference is given to members of the Granite Guild, widows or dependents but deserving cases from others in the granite trade are also considered.

In addition, the Granite Guild Benevolent Society also supports a range of charities and offers grant donations to support worthy causes.

For more information on the Granite Guild Benevolent Society contact graniteguild@hotmail.co.uk