185 / 189
5
St. Florian’s Banquet
The Worshipful Company of Firefighters'
Liveryman Dinner
Ladies Day Out
Meet the Firefighters
The Worshipful Company of Firefighters
Carol Service
The St. Florian’s installation banquet was held on
Wednesday 8th October at Trinity House near
the Tower of London. Almost 100 people
enjoyed a splendid meal in the Library room of
Trinity House, with views onto the Tower.
The Master, Bryan Spearman, welcomed
everyone to the dinner. After the meal, loving
cup and loyal toasts, Mr Ron Murray, Upper
Warden, introduced the principal guests who
included Mr David Raines, Master of the
Distillers, Mr. Tahhan, Master of the
Environmental Cleaners and Commander
Graham Hockley, secretary of Trinity House.
Trinity House was celebrating its 500th
anniversary with the original charter being
granted by Henry V111 in 1514. So it was very
great honour for the Worshipful Company of
Firefighters to be allowed to join in this
celebration by having our annual installation
banquet at Trinity House and to have the
Secretary of Trinity House, Commander Graham
Hockley address the Company and to propose
the toast to Company on behalf of the guests.
Commander Hockley, in his speech, referred to
the fact that most mariners have been trained in
how to deal with fires at sea, so that they have an
inherent admiration for the fire service.
He also referred to the plaque on the wall within
the building commemorating the life of auxiliary
fireman Abraham Lewis who gave his life in
dealing with an incendiary fire that stated in
Trinity House in May 1941 during the blitz. It
wasn’t the first time that Trinity House had been
affected by Fire. In 1666, the fraternity lost its
building (during the time Samuel Pepys was
Master) and again in 1718, their building down by
the port was lost to fire. The building was hit also
in December 1940, which destroyed most of
their valuable pictures and models.
Prior to the talk by Commander Hockley, there
was a presentation of the Worshipful Company
of Firefighters’ award to Mr Cameron Black
QFSM and Mr Stephen Nesbit on behalf of the
UK Rescue Operation for their part in the
development and transfer of skills internationally
on rescue operations, thereby helping other
countries reduce death and injuries in crash sites.
The Master completed the evening speeches, and
was happy to announce that some £20k had been
raised at the Fire Industry ball for the charities
and that membership of the Company had now
reached 200. The Master then invited guests to
join him in a stirrup cup to conclude a lovely
evening.
On 27th January, the Liveryman Dinner was held
in the East India club. This is always an event that
allows liveried members an opportunity to catch
up with fellow liverymen in a lively, convivial and
relaxing atmosphere. The meal is always
excellent and there are good opportunities to
talk and learn from fellow diners about personal
and livery activities. It is worth putting the date in
your diary for next year's dinner.
The ladies and some of their partners enjoyed a
day out in the City of London on Monday 16th
February, with a tour of the Mansion House,
followed by tea on HQS Wellington - all
organised by Lynn Spearman, the Master’s wife.
The tour of the Mansion House included a trip
into the vaults to see some rare Mayoral
treasures. A quick walk through the rain ended
with some warmth on board this historic ship
which saw action at Dunkirk and rescued over
450 naval seamen
Regular "Meet the Firefighters" events are held
throughout the year, mostly at Winchester
House. Claire Mansi has been coordinating these
events and if you know of a prospective member,
who would like some information on the WCoFF
and perhaps could attend this event please let
Claire or the Clerk know.
The festive season got underway with a very well
supported splendid annual Company Carol
Service held at St. Mary Le Bow on Friday 12th
December. A choir of 4 that sounded like 10,
entertained and lead the congregation through
many popular carols.
The readings were delivered by Dr. Nicole
Hoffmann, Under Warden in Waiting Andrew
Mayes, the Clerk, Steven Tamcken, and the
Master, Bryan Spearman.
As always, the Reverend George Bush regaled us
all in his own inimitable style with an excellent
sermon, sending us merrily on our festive way.
The Master's Special Project
The Master welcomed some 35
Freemen and Liverymen to an evening
at the East India Club on February
19th to give an introduction to the
structure and workings of the
Company, and to encourage greater
participation from members.
Following the Master’s welcome,
there was a series of presentations by
the Senior Past Master Locum, Jeremy
Beech, and by Standing Committee
Chairmen and the Clerk Steven
Tamcken. A summary of these
presentations were included in a
special Mini Salamander for the benefit
of those who were unable to attend.
This can be found on the Company
web site.