Lecturer Ray Sumner has won national recognition for sharing his stonemasonry skills to promote the traditional craft among young people.
Ray, who has worked at City of Bath College for nine years, has been awarded a Master Craftsman Certificate.
He will be presented with the coveted award by the Lord Mayor of the City of London at an awards ceremony in London on February 10th.
Ray was recognised by the Worshipful Company of Masons for his skills and dedication throughout more than 30 years of experience in stonemasonry.
The College lecturer ensures high standards in teaching and learning and is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the stonemasonry curriculum. He has worked closely with various organisations including the National Trust, English Heritage and The Bath Preservation Trust.
He also does a lot of ‘behind-the-scenes work’ representing the College at the Stone Federation of Great Britain and is a member on the professional development group for the awarding body for National Stonemasonry Qualifications.
Ray said his involvement and interest in stonemasonry had always been “a very large part” of his life.
He said: “It’s really important to get the word out there about the industry as a lot of people still don’t realise what stonemasonry is.
“They don’t understand that architecture, designs and drawings are all part of the job. It’s about so much more than gravestones but that’s the stereotype people still have.”
Ray started his career as an apprentice with Bath and Portland Stones Firms Ltd, going on to train as a mouldcutter and a draughtsman.
He started at City of Bath College as a work-place assessor in 2005 and has gone on to teach more than 400 students as a stonemasonry lecturer.
City of Bath College is one of only five UK colleges to teach stonemasonry, with courses run at the Construction Skills Centre in Oldfield Park.
Ray said after leaving school with no qualifications, his biggest achievement was to graduate as a College lecturer.
He said: “Teaching has given me great satisfaction; I am mentoring and changing the lives of young apprentices, many of whom have become successful for the first time in their lives.
“Over the years many of the students I have trained have now also become my friends. Teaching just comes naturally. It gives me great pleasure to be an inspiration to others, I just love doing it.”
Ray was told his name had been put forward for the award about three months ago, but he had no idea he would beat off competition from other stonemasons across the country.
He said: “It was great news to win; it’s brilliant recognition for the College as a whole. I work with a great team and there’s great comradeship among us all. This award isn’t just for me; it’s for City of Bath College.”
John Burton, Master of the Worshipful Company of Masons, said certificates were given out to those who had reached the top of their craft.
He said: “Those awarded are individuals of outstanding skill who are prepared to share their skills with other craftsmen in the same field in order to promote their craft.
“The Master Craft Certificates are a target for craftsmen to aim for; they are becoming more and more recognised as a mark of achievement.”
