Hereford Cathedral is celebrating the news that two apprentices, training with Hudson Stonework Ltd based in the Cathedral Close, have been nationally recognised for their achievements by The Worshipful Company of Constructors.

The sight of the Masons’ Yard is a familiar one for all of those who regularly pass through the Close and it provokes much interest from visitors to the cathedral. Throughout the years, apprentices have trained under the watchful eye of Simon Hudson and received one to one tuition from him alongside their studies.

Alec Curtis (pictured), who joined in 2012, and Max Cotterill, who is currently training with Simon, will now attend The Master Certificate Awards Ceremony in London to receive Journeyman and Apprentice Certificates from the Lord Mayor, Alderman Peter Estlin. During his time as an apprentice at the cathedral, Alec carved a new stone cross for the Booth Porch and an intricate finial on the corner of a pinnacle on the tower. Since January 2018 he has, as a fully qualified stonemason, been working on The Palace of Westminster. Max was recently commissioned by the Perpetual Trust to design and carve a roundel for HRH The Prince of Wales as a thank you for hosting a major event for the trust’s international donors. The roundel has now found its place at Highgrove.

The Worshipful Company of Constructors is a modern City of London Livery Company for professionals working in the construction industry. The Company was granted Livery by The Court of Aldermen in 1990, followed by a Royal Charter of Incorporation by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in 2010. Doug Barrat, Chairman of the Friends of Hereford Cathedral and past Master of The Worshipful Company of Constructors, has been hugely encouraging of the apprenticeships. He nominated both for the awards and for a grant from the livery company. This additional support has enhanced their apprenticeship experience and skills.

Simon Hudson said: ‘I am very proud to see two of our apprentices being recognised for their commitment to their work. Both Alec and Max are skilled young craftsmen and it is wonderful to be a part of their journey into becoming stonemasons. I am also incredibly thankful to the Worshipful Company of Constructors for all of their support, particularly with grant funding, which has hugely supported our apprentices.’

Simon, Alec and Max will attend the Master Certificate Awards Ceremony in London on Monday 11 March.

Pictured above: Max and Simon in the Masons’ Yard at Hereford Cathedral