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A Baker heads Trades House of Glasgow
Bruce Reidford was elected Deacon Convener of the Trades House of Glasgow and 3rd citizen of Glasgow by fellow members
yesterday (9 October 2019).
Bruce worked for Tunnocks, the family-run baker based in Uddingston, as Company Secretary for 30 years, retiring earlier in 2019. He is Ex Deacon of the Incorporation of Bakers, one of Trades House’s 14 Crafts, after joining them in 2009. The Bakers have close links with the Glasgow colleges, assisting with educational events and awards, and also give money to various charity organisations.
The 14 Crafts are ancient trade organisations, most of which were formed in the 17thCentury, that gave support to workers in rapidly growing industries in Glasgow such as baking, shoemaking, cooperage, carpentry and metalwork. Today they are independent charities giving assistance, educational support and funding to their own areas of interest. Over £750,000 is awarded annually to deserving individuals and organisations by the Crafts and Trades House.
Bruce has also served on the Trades House Finance Committee, its Charities Committee and Burns Festival Committee.
Bruce said; “I am greatly looking forward to my year as Deacon Convener. The work of the Trades House has been ongoing since the early 17th century and its contribution to the history and well-being of its citizens is, and will continue to be, a fantastic achievement.”
Bruce continued; “Our aim is to reach out to all sections of our community, especially those who are experiencing difficulties in these difficult times. The Trades House of Glasgow has had a positive impact on many people’s lives over the last 400 years, and we must ensure that through its charity work and educational initiatives this continues in as useful and relevant way as possible.”
Bruce is immersed in civic duty, being an Elder in the Church of Scotland for 36 years and a past President of Bothwell & Uddingston Rotary Club. His charity work is also considerable: Bruce is an Ambassador for ‘Glasgow the Caring City’ and carries out voluntary work for Alzheimer’s Scotland.
John McKnight becomes the Trades House of Glasgow’s Collector after also being elected to the position. Mr McKnight was
Technical Director with an engineering consultancy and is Ex-Deacon of the Hammermen.
The appointment of Mr Reidford is celebrated at a white tie DC’s Dinner with 180 people in attendance. The speakers included the Rt Hon the Lord Hardie QC and Bishop Idris Jones.
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