Published: Thursday, 4th March, 2010 7:20am
Plumb trip to China for trade's world council boss
by Sam Berkeley
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Robert Burgon
He's went from tinkling one set of pipes to tinkering with another. . .
And now church organist turned plumbing chief Robert Burgon is travelling to Beijing to launch the first ever World Plumbing Day on March 11.
North Berwick resident Robert, who was elected chair of the World Plumbing Council in September 2008, will kick-start the inaugural worldwide plumbing celebration day - which aims to raise awareness about the vital role clean sanitation plays in promoting public health - in Beijing, China, on Thursday.
"There are international days for many causes and our council decided that plumbing should be celebrated through its own international day," said the 54-year-old, who lives in Netherlaw.
"We have chosen as our theme 'Plumbing - Vital to Global Health' and have encouraged plumbing organisations throughout the world to do something which will draw public and media attention to the industry."
On the run up to the launch, the father-of-two visited Law Primary School in his home town to talk with primary four pupils about water and health.
Furthermore, youngsters were tasked with designing eye-catching posters to advertise World Plumbing Day.
The winning designs are now being used to promote the dedicated plumbing day online.
Mr Burgon added: "Too many people take plumbing for granted and do not realise that effective plumbing is critical for public health.
"The industry is also playing a leading role in the installation of environmental technologies.
"In developing countries, millions of people still die every year as a result of the lack of clean water and sanitation.
"World Plumbing Day is designed to highlight these issues."
The World Plumbing Day website (www.worldp lumbingday.org) lists a number of special events taking place around the world, including the USA, Australia, India and China.
From Beijing, the county plumbing aficionado (who is pictured, inset) - who has been employed as the chief executive for Scotland and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation for the last 32 years - will fly to Sydney for a conference and to further promote the day.
