Guild members have recently voted in a new company director. The board felt that it was necessary to maintain five directors after Sascha Meding announced he was stepping down.
Chairman Lawson Wight said: “We achieved a new level of democracy and transparency for this election and introduced a fairer nomination process and, for the first time, postal voting. The board felt it was important that every member had the opportunity to vote, whether or not they attended the AGM.”
Two candidates came forward, Michael Waumsley and Gavin Cater. A total of 118 postal votes were received with three being late and three spoiled. 47 votes were cast at the AGM. Gavin Cater polled a total of 90 votes to Michael Waumslsy’s 69 so Gavin Cater was duly appointed as a Guild director.
Gavin sent the following message:
Dear Guild colleagues,
I am honoured to have been elected to the board of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me.
I personally feel we are all involved in something really special in the Guild. It is not only a great trade association looking to serve its members, it is a group of friends and colleagues willing to share their time and experience to help each other do their jobs day in day out. Just looking around the trade show you can see the real friendships people have formed (me included) with fellow members.
The role and profile of a Chimney sweep has changed massively since I started out 20 years ago. A huge amount of this change is down to the Guild and other associations promoting the importance of using a professional sweep and raising the standards of sweeps through training and on-going refresher courses.
I feel privileged to be the next sweep to step up to the plate and help move the Guild forward in these exciting and changing times My motivation for this is the fact that since I walked through the door on the ‘first ever’ Guild training course I have received nothing but help from the board and members. I feel I am now experienced enough and the time is right for me to give something back.
In my role I would like to reintroduce Regional Meetings for you all though our existing regional officers. I’d be looking to organise two of these meetings a year, meetings where you can raise your questions, thoughts and concerns. I will ensure you get answers and feedback from the board.
I will also continue with my training role as this is something I really enjoy, passing on some of the knowledge that has been passed to me and forging the friendships and camaraderie that the Guild is famous for.
If you would like to contact me with any questions or just a chat please feel free.
Kind Regards
Gavin Cater
Bryan Cater Ltd. Chimney Sweep Services
