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The Worshipful Company of Firefighters
receives its Royal Charter
A wonderfully joyful celebratory event took place
on Friday 27th February when the Lord Mayor,
Alderman Alan Yarrow, along with the Sheriffs
and their consorts, came to the Insurance Hall to
unveil and present the Royal Charter to the
Worshipful Company of Firefighters.
The Great Hall was filled with Past Masters,
Liverymen and Freemen of the Company as well
as honoured guests as the Lord Mayor's party
swept into the room flanked by London Fire
Brigade cadets. They were welcomed by the
Master, Bryan Spearman, as well as the Father of
the Company, Gerry Clarkson, and other
members of the Court. The Lord Mayor unveiled
the impressive charter, its words echoing the
historic majesty of the granting of such an honour
and illustrated with meaningful depictions
reflecting the importance of firefighters in the
City and society.
The Lord Mayor spoke of his admiration for
firefighters and highlighted the charitable work
of the Company in providing support for fire
cadets and the Massey Shaw Fireboat restoration
(his family having founded a shipbuilding
business). The Master, to commemorate the
occasion, presented gifts to the Lord Mayor, the
Sheriffs and their wives as well as the famous
Saved Plate Number 1 to the Father of the
Company, Mr Gerald Clarkson, CBE. He also
conferred Honorary Liverymanship of the
Company on the Lord Mayor. The Lord Mayor,
supported by the Lady Mayoress and Sherriffs,
then circulated through the Great Hall, meeting
and chatting informally with every guest, while a
selection of canapés accompanied by champagne,
wine and soft drinks added to the celebratory
party atmosphere, which was enjoyed by all.
I am delighted to join the Worshipful Company of
Firefighters for this very special occasion – the
presentation of your Royal Charter. It was an
honour to unveil it, and be part of this moment in
history.
It’s fantastic to work alongside you as Lord
Mayor – and it’s even better to be one of you!
Thank you for paying me the very great
compliment of making me an Honorary
Liveryman of the Firefighters.
Master – I know that the Firefighters are doing a
huge amount to promote “life safety” and “good
professional behaviour” – within your sector, and
allied fields. And may I commend you on your
excellent charitable support for those in your
industry......and for the “Massey Shaw & Marine
Vessels Preservation Society”.
During WWII, the Massey Shaw fireboat went
above and beyond the call of duty – ferrying
hundreds to warships, and back from Dunkirk. A
fantastic part of our heritage, and I’m delighted
that this Company is helping to save it.
My great-grandfather, Sir Alfred Yarrow, founded
a major ship-building business which made (and
continues to make) many of Britain’s warships.
Maybe met by the Massey Shaw, during her
service. But Yarrows shipbuilders began right
here, in London, when Alfred started sketching
designs for boats in the East End of London. He
invented the fastest launches on the Thames –
and the rest, as they say, is history.
From small acorns, mighty oaks grow. And from
its beginnings in 1988, this Company has
blossomed to become a very valued member of
the Livery Family – crowned, today, with a Royal
Charter.
Congratulations to you all, and thank you for
inviting me, Gilly and the Sheriffs, to be part of it.
Extracts from speech by The Rt. Hon. The Lord
Mayor of London, Alderman Alan Yarrow: