Sir John Laing (1879 - 1978) |
| (All photographs in this section are used with kind permission of John Laing plc and Laing Charitable Trust, unless otherwise stated.) | |
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But John Laing knew where to find help when he was in trouble, he could always ask God. So he asked God simply, to show him a way through his troubles, and promised to make Him a partner in the business if He would help. He wrote down a 'Programme for Life' like this: |
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John & Beatrice Laing's first home in Carlisle. |
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He kept that piece of paper with him throughout his life, and stuck to this programme. Shortage of money had nearly been the downfall of his company, so he also decided how he would use his money from now on. For instance: If my income is £1000, I will give away £200, live on £300, save £500. |
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Uldale Reservoir - John Laing's first major project. |
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| This might seem extreme, but John Laing exceeded this principle. Fifty years later, the firm of 'Laing' was a leader in the construction industry, building motorways, power stations, airfields, houses and even a Cathedral. Yet when he died in 1978 at the age of 99, his personal possessions were worth £371 - the man who had earned millions of pounds had given them all away! | |
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