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12
A NEW BOOK
JUDITH JONES
THE BERTIE
GILLINGS FINE
MEMORABILIA
The Day Parliament Burned Down -
Caroline Shenton
Tariff of Fines
Caroline Shenton has
recently written a book
called ‘The Day
Parliament Burned
Down’ which is the first
full-scale study of the
catastrophic 1834 fire
that burnt down the old
Palace of Westminster.
Lady Antonia Fraser is
quoted as saying that
this book is “absolutely
riveting … It's a thriller”. Caroline Shenton is
clerk of the Records at the Parliamentary
Archives in London and has had unique access to
historical information on the fire. It is stock full of
references. A full review of the book will be
provided in our next newsletter, but for those
who can't wait, it is published by Oxford
University Press at £18.99.
Viv Jones, on behalf of his family, would like to
thank all Firefighters for their words of comfort
and support following the death of Judith at
home on the 10th April 2012.
Judith had been suffering cancer for over 18
months but, despite that, kept working in the
family business and continued to assist Viv in
many aspects of his WCoFF duties. Judith had
been a stalwart for many years in support of the
Firefighters, proof reading thousands of words,
assisting in the re-launch of Meet the Firefighters,
sponsorship administration for the Fire Industry
Charity Ball and, not least, during her year as
Mistress Firefighter.
Judith's first love of course was her devoted
family of James, Charlotte, Jonathan and step-son
Martin. James spoke of his mother on behalf of
the family so eloquently in his eulogy at the
funeral which was held at St. Nicholas in Great
Wakering and attended by a huge group from the
Company of Firefighters.
Members of the Firefighters Livery Company
may not be aware of the Bertie Gillings Fine. This
custom arose partly in memory of a much loved
founder member and Past Master as a light
hearted but voluntary way to raise funds for the
Charitable Trust and partly to encourage correct
appearance and decorum at Company events. A
“Guide to Dress Code and Protocols” was
recently issued by the Clerk's office. Further
copies are available on request.
A fine of £5.00 for the following infringements:
Not wearing recognised Company tie
(men only)
Not wearing Court Assistant's badge
Not wearing Master's, Warden's, Constable's
or Sentinel's badge
Not wearing appropriate gown of office
Allowing mobile to ring during meetings
Fines can be cumulative when more than one
'offence' has been committed.
In celebration of 21 years since the
formation of The Guild of Firefighters, a
unique crystal glass to keep as a future
family heirloom is available for
purchase. The goblet is priced at
£10.00. Please add £2.50 for postage
and packing.
There are only 7 left.
WCoFF ties in blue and red are available for
purchase at £25 each.
Also available are
crystal glass paperweights at £10 each,
Salamander lapel pins at £80 each and cuff links at
£22.50 for a set.
All enquiries to Brian Eves at:
.