Federation unveils new book that charts its 70-year history.
The National Federation of Demolition Contractors has published a new book that charts its rise from a visionary group of contractors” brought together at the request of the war office to tackle the aftermath of the London Blitz, to the global demolition industry’s single most influential organisation.
The new book – Seven Decades of Strength: The History of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors – is based upon more than two years of research through the Federation’s archives. The result is a book that highlights how the NFDC has helped shape the demolition industry as we know it today and – perhaps more surprisingly – the Federation’s link to some of the UK’s most historic events.
“At the point that NFDC chief executive handed me a huge pile of leather-bound volumes containing the minutes of the Federation’s various meetings since its inception in 1941, I was filled with trepidation,” says author Mark Anthony. “But those books contained so much more than a record of meetings in smoke-filled rooms. References to the post-war cleanup operation, the coronation of Her Majesty The Queen, and demolition of the various structures that made up the Festival of Britain marks these records as a valuable slice of social history.”
NFDC CEO Howard Button is similarly enthusiastic about the new book. “In the past 70 years, the National Federation of Demolition Contractors has achieved a huge amount. It has safeguarded the lives of thousands of demolition workers; raised the standard of training and competence across the industry; and has made a significant contribution to the environment,” Button says. “The NFDC’s influence extends not just across the UK but to every corner of the developed demolition world. And this new book commemorates those achievements – and the key characters behind those achievements – like never before.”
Gary Bishop, the incumbent NFDC president as the Federation turns 70 years old, says that the book is also timely. “Reading the book serves as a great reminder that, as an industry, we have experienced numerous economic downturns in the past. But through a mix of hard work and unity, Federation members have always pulled through,” Bishop concludes. “The NFDC has a fascinating and enviable history which is highlighted in this book. And I am delighted and proud to be president as this latest milestone is being celebrated.”
