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Massey Shaw at the London Boat Show,
4th to 12th January
Pancake Race
Massey Shaw Dinner
Meet the Firefighters
Livery Dinner
From David Rogers, Hon. Company Secretary &
Director, Massey Shaw & Marine Vessels
Preservation Society
The Massey Shaw was invited into the London
Boat Show by the British Marine Federation to
celebrate its recent restoration and showcase the
Society's WWII Drama.
The Fire boat arrived back in London on the 14th
December 2013 and so time was very limited to
prepare the vessel for the large number of
people awaiting its attendance at the Show.
Massey Shaw docked at The Excel Centre, on
Friday 3rd January 2014 after a short trip from
West India Dock through the Thames Barrier.
The trip had been eventful as the Barrier was due
to close due to increased water flow and Massey
was one of the last vessels to make it through.
On Saturday 4th January 2014 the Show opened
and Massey was visited by many hundreds of
people, who were fascinated by her story and
the tremendous restoration that had been
undertaken over the past four years. A continual
stream of people visited the boat each day,
particularly in the early afternoon, when Massey
would put on a water display to demonstrate
what her famous Merryweather Fire Pumps
could deliver.
Alongside the vessel performances, a WWII
drama was presented each day in the main hall
for two sessions and was very well received by
children and adults. In the middle of the week
the new Dunkirk Drama which tells the story of
Massey Shaw and her crews involvement in
Operation Dynamo was showcased. Once again
we have another great dramatic piece to offer to
schools later in the summer, and we look
forward to performing this script to a wide range
of audiences around the country.
The show concluded on the 12th January 2014
by which time nearly 1,000 people had visited
the boat and drama and we had built a large
circle of friends. Our volunteers were fantastic
and we hope to swell their ranks once we are
back in action during the summer. Massey has
now returned to West India Dock and will be
undertaking training sessions for the new crew in
preparation for many more adventures in 2014.
If you would like to visit the vessel please contact
me.
The Company was invited again to attend and
participate in the 10th Annual Pancake Race by
the organisers, The Poulters’ Company on
Tuesday 4th March 2014. Our team performed
exceedingly well at Guildhall Yard and were well
supported. There were some wonderful attires
to be seen. Everyone enjoyed a pancake or two
and some joined in the splendid buffet lunch
provided by The Cook and Butler.
The Master and Wardens had pleasure in having
Sheriff Adrian Waddingham as the guest speaker
at this year’s Massey Shaw dinner. This event was
held at the Insurance Hall, very much regarded as
our ‘home’, and allowed us the rare opportunity
to display a large selection of our silverware,
plate and artefacts to compliment these
impressive surroundings.
The Massey Shaw Annual Dinner is held in
honour of Sir Eyre Massey Shaw. Sir Eyre was
the first Chief Fire Officer of the Metropolitan
Fire Brigade from 1861 until 1891.
It proved to be a very convivial evening with
good food, good wine and good friends and
some wonderful entertainment.
The Master was presented at the dinner with a
framed picture of the Massey Shaw boat by Mr
John Furlonger, Director of the Massey Shaw
Society as thanks for the support given by the
WCoFF to the charity.
Meet the Firefighters is an annual event where
we can present the Worshipful Company of
Firefighters to all interested in membership. The
images to the right were taken at the event held
in Winchester House on March 7th.
If anyone knows of people who work in, or have
experience of, the Fire Service or Fire Industry
who would be suitable to be invited to future
‘Meet the Firefighters’ events, then please let the
clerk have details, so that they can be contacted
or send information to:
.
The Worshipful Company held a dinner for
Liverymen again this year in the Canadian Room
at the East India Club on the 28th January. The
central portion of the East India Club was
severely damaged by enemy action during the
Second World War. Shortage of supply of
building materials and strict controls caused
serious problems in rebuilding. The Canadian
Forces whose officers were welcomed by the
club during the war came to the rescue and
generously donated the necessary timber that
was shipped direct from Vancouver. The
Canadian Room was so named as a gesture of
thanks for this act of friendship.
The East India Club is well known for the quality
of its cuisine and did not disappoint. The evening
was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
3
Firex International
WCoFF will be taking a stand at this
year’s Firex International, to be held
at the Excel Centre in London
between 17th and 19th June. It is an
opportunity for the Company to meet
members of the Fire Industry and to
promote its charitable work and
encourage participation at this year’s
Fire Industry Charity ball. If any
member would like to attend and help
out at the stand, please contact
Viv Jones.