Bricklayers meet to compete for place at national final

Grantham College hosted event for first time in 35 years

Competitors travelled from as far as Burton-on-Trent and Derby as Grantham College played host to the regional Guild of Bricklayers competition.

Jack Ellis of Derby College was crowned the winner at senior level, while Burton and South Derbyshire College’s Sam Krywuik took the junior prize. 

The winners of each division advance to the national final in Liverpool next month. 

Grantham hosted the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire regional competition for the first time since 1984, with Oliver Warner representing the hosts in the senior division.

Participants were asked to construct a complex design to specification within a time limit.

Kevin Arnold, president of the Guild of Bricklayers, presented the two winners with their trophies in the Apple Tree Restaurant.  

Hazel Gunby, who manages the Construction course at Grantham College, was delighted with how well the event was received by visitors.

She said: “The day went smoothly and was a great success. I would like to thank all that attended, the sponsors, local businesses, Hospitality and Catering and the staff that helped organise the day.”

Mike Keenan, Construction lecturer at Grantham, added: “It was a good opportunity for the students to showcase their work.”

The winner of the 1984, Burton and South Derbyshire’s Martin Jones, now teaches at the college where he was a student.

He returned to Grantham to support his current students and was glad to make the journey. “It has been super to come back after 35 years,” he said. 

“From a personal point of view, it is brilliant to see the standard is still very high.”

Many thanks go to sponsors Buildbase, Weinerberger, Tilgear, Ox, MPA and Rollins for their support.

Additional gratitude goes to Level 3 Graphic Design student Jason Murphy for designing the event’s programme.