CANTERBURY TALES WALK BY Dr NICOLE HOFFMAN – RENTER WARDEN

I am sure colleagues need no introduction to the work of the Worshipful Company of Firefighters, Charitable Trust and like many charities the pressures on income over the period of the long Coronavirus Pandemic. We are now in the wake of the first European War for the first time in 83 years in Ukraine and from the Fire and Rescue perspective, recognised Fire and Rescue Charities have recently delivered a number of operational vehicles and equipment from the UK to Ukraine for their rescue services to use. There is no doubt that as this war progresses more a multitude of similar aid may be required in addition to the other worthy causes that the Charity supports.

Dr Nicole Hoffman, Renter Warden and Chair of Membership and Admissions, is embarking on the following walk in the weekends throughout April to raise much need money for the Charity. In a time when everybody’s disposal income is already under considerable pressure I do hope you will be able to spare as much as you can to support Nicole in her venture to ease the sore feet as the weekends and distance progresses towards Canterbury this Easter.

A personal message from Nicole in my interview with her reveals:

“I will be challenging for myself; one part of supporting others and one hopeful sweet part of your support.

The challenge is to follow in the footsteps of the thousands who over the centuries have made the 85-mile pilgrimage from Southwark to Canterbury; and doing it over five successive weekends in April; including Easter, come the sweet-smelling showers or shine. Walking to support others who have are in need of a little assistance. With your donations providing me with encouragement to reach Canterbury, but more importantly help the many people supported by the Charitable Worshipful Company of Firefighters – Charitable Trust.

 The route starts in Southwark, I thought what better way to find out more about the gateway into the City of London, then by a guided tour given by Graham Woodhouse this weekend, and who knows maybe even visit a site mentioned in the Canterbury Tales. The following day the walk will start in earnest, with the first destination of Shooters Hill. The next four successive weekends will then be on foot, to complete the ten stages, with Chaucer my travelling companion. If anyone lives along the route, or even just fancies joining me along a section, please do not hesitate to contact me for further details.”

 A Giving Page has been set up.

Crowdfunding to Support the Charitable Trust of the Worshipful Company of Firefighters on JustGiving

And once again I urge as many of you as possible to give Nicole a boost and support in her worthwhile venture. For those who prefer to give directly to the Trust, please contact Stephen Sanders,The Honorary Treasurer, on wcoffct@wcoff.org.

Graham Maltby

Chair of The Charitable Trust

The Worshipful Company of Firefighters