Federation” and the passing of King George VI. A reply to this letter was apparently received but, sadly, this has apparently been lost in one of the Federation's numerous relocations over the ensuing years.


Just a few months later, the Federation was again in direct contact with the Ministry of Works, this time to discuss tendering arrangements for the demolition of the numerous structures, including the Dome of Discovery, erected on London's South Bank as part of the Festival of Britain.


International Influence Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the NFDC's growth is the way in which its influence has spread first nationally and then internationally. The US's National Association of Demolition Contractors (which would later become the National Demolition Association that operates today) worked with the NFDC, effectively borrowing the latter's constitution and modes of operation.


Rather more of a challenge was the NFDC's first forays into Europe, coming as it did a quarter of a century since the Continent had been at war and when Britain remained sceptical of the benefits of membership of the “common market”.


However, working in conjunction with its fellow national associations in Germany, France and the Netherlands, the NFDC put its considerable weight and influence behind the formation of what would become the European Demolition Association (EDA).


The NFDC influence in the global demolition industry remains undiminished. The Federation retains a place on the governing board of both the NDA and the EDA and NFDC-developed guidance on subjects including the safe use of high reach demolition excavators have been borrowed, evolved and badged by the NDA and EDA in recent years. And former NFDC and EDA president David Sinclair was recently recruited by the United Nations to create a demolition master-plan in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.


It is 70 years, almost to the day, since the founding fathers gathered in war torn London to sow the seeds of a fledgling organization that would one day become the guiding light for a global industry.


Whether founding president Charles (Charley) Willment ever envisaged his legacy growing and spreading to such an extent is not known. But his achievements and those of his successors - presidents, officers and members - helped fashion the British demolition industry into one of the very few sectors in which the UK can still justifiably claim world leadership.


Image: The good old days ENVIRONMENT INDUSTRY MAGAZINE |141|


Image: NFDC members pioneered the use of mechanical demolition equipment


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