136 / 189
Company Represented at Armistice Day
Commemoration
Bruce Hoad, Under Warden-in-Waiting
Ladies’ Lunch
Recruitment
Other Social Events Enjoyed
The Company was well represented at the
annual Armistice Day commemoration ceremony
held at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium, at the
eleventh hour of 11th November.
Members of the Company attending the
commemoration were Honorary Archivist Martin
Lloyd-Elliott, Liveryman Richard Squire and
Under Warden-in-Waiting Bruce Hoad. Martin
laid a wreath at the Gate on behalf of the Master,
Wardens and members of the Company.
In addition to the annual ceremony every evening
since 1928, the Last Post, the traditional final
salute to the fallen, is played by buglers of the
Ypres Fire Service in honour of the memory of
soldiers of the former British Empire and its allies
who died in the Ypres Salient during the First
World War. It is the intention of the Last Post
Association to maintain this daily act of homage in
perpetuity.
Because of the inextricably close relationship
between the Last Post Association and the Fire
Service, the annual commemoration has taken on
a significant ‘fire service’ identity. Fire and rescue
services from across the United Kingdom are
represented by bands and marching contingents
who process in full uniform through the town to
the Menin Gate where they form up for the
ceremony.
Martin, Richard and Bruce were members of an
annual tour to the Belgian and French First World
War battlefields organised by members of the
London Fire Brigade.
Following last year’s very successful and
enjoyable Christmas Lunch for lady members and
members’ spouses at the Civil Service Club
organised by Lesley Cowland, wife of then
Master Peter Cowland, our present Master’s
wife, Judith Harper, organised a similar event
with lunch at the Smugglers Room at The
Prospect of Whitby. This is one of London’s
oldest riverside pubs, dating back to 1520 and
once frequented by Captain Cook. The meal was
thoroughly enjoyed by all those ladies who
attended, with the historic location contributing
to the convivial atmosphere and the chance for a
‘good natter’.
Ron Murray is asking for your support in
attracting new members into the Company. In
particular he is seeking your help in nominating
people who work in or have experience of the
Fire Service or Fire Industry to attend our ‘ Meet
the Firefighters’ events.
The occasion is designed to provide people who
are interested to learn about the WCoFF and
livery companies in a relaxed and informal
atmosphere. Presentations are made about the
Company to explain what it does and what it
stands for and the advantages and privileges of
membership.
If you know of someone, especially those who
work in or have experience of the Fire Service or
the Fire Industry, or whose family served within
the fire service, who you think may be interested
and would make a good member then please ask
them if they would be interested in attending one
of these events.
A dinner for Liverymen was held on 29th January
at the East India Club and members and friends
enjoyed a visit behind the scenes at St. Paul’s on
18th February.
Picture taken at the Menin Gate, Ypres in Belgium
on Armistice Day, 11th November 2012. Members
of the Company attending the commemoration
were: Honorary Archivist Martin Lloyd-Elliott,
Liveryman Richard Squire and Under Warden-in-
Waiting Bruce Hoad. Martin Lloyd-Elliott laid a
wreath at the Menin Gate on behalf of the Master,
Wardens and members of the Company.
4
Company Directory
The clerk, Sir Martin Bonham Kt,
recently sent all members a
directory for 2012/13. If anyone has
not seen the directory please let the
clerk know. The directory contains
a wealth of information on the
structure, officers, committees and
company members.