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Message from our
Sponsoring Alderman
Congratulations to the Worshipful Company on coming of age! This is a
time to congratulate especially, Gerry Clarkson, the founding genius, whose
initiative to set up a Firefighters’ Guild, represented a substantial contribu-
tion to the life of the City and the Nation. It was Gerry’s vision and quiet
determination, which ensured that the Guild survived its preteen years and
sometimes boisterous teenage years, achieving Livery Company recognition
in 2001. The Company continues to make a fine contribution to the well
being of the firefighting services, not least in its charitable giving.
The Court of Aldermen is responsible for the recognition process of a Guild,
its subsequent progression to a City Company and finally to a Livery Com-
pany. This is normally a fourteen year process, seven to Company and a
further seven to Livery Company. As part of that process, I was fortunate to
be charged, in 1988, with special interest in the development of the Guild.
With first hand knowledge of the courage of the London Firefighters during
the Blitz, I needed no persuasion. Anyway, it was pointed out that there
was synergy with my military background! I do recall seeing a small fire-
fighting device in a shed at our regiment in Farnborough. I think it was
horse drawn, or more likely soldier drawn! However, since the aldermen
retire at seventy, I was no longer an alderman in 2001,
that glorious year when Livery Company status was
achieved.
Sir Clive Martin
Honorary Liveryman
2009 Events Diary
Sunday, 13th September—Annual Firefighters
Service of Remembrance, Church of St Bar-
tholomew the Great
Friday, 18th September – Court Meeting
Saturday, 19th September
Fire Industry Charity Ball, Portman Hotel
Saturday & Sunday 19th / 20th September
Open House
Tuesday 29th September, Guildhall
Election of Lord Mayor
Wednesday, 7th October
St Florian’s Installation Banquet,
Armourers and Brasiers’ Hall.
Friday, 13th November, Guildhall
Installation of new Lord Mayor (Silent Cere-
mony)
Saturday, 14th November - Lord Mayor’s
Show
Tuesday 24th November - Dinner for Livery-
men
Friday, 27th November – Court Meeting
Friday, 11th December – Carol Service,
St Mary - le-Bow
2009 Lord Mayor’s Show
Watch out for the Worshipful Company of Fire Fighters entry into the Lord
Mayor’s Show in November .
Our Vehicle entry consists of a Shand Mason Horse Drawn Steamer fire engine
(supplied by Freeman Tony Drewitt). This was used by the Hythe fire brigade
in Victorian times and is in a magnificent restored condition.
If you would like to view the show from one of the VIP Stands, please contact
our Clerk for full details. Email to:
I never knew that!
The Unknown Fireman 1940
“During the Blitz an Auxiliary Fireman was
making his way home after fighting fires in the
city. Passing the Armourer’s Hall he noticed
that curtains at a window were alight. He
broke into the building, doused the flames and
then went on this way. His prompt action un-
doubtedly saved the building.”
To this day his identity remains unknown.
If you’re going to attend our St. Florians
Banquet in October at Armourer’s Hall,
look out for the plaque to the unknown Fire-
man and drink a toast to him.
The plaque was erected to give thanks for his
valiant efforts and can be seen adorning the
ceiling frieze of the dining room in the
Amourer’s Hall.
Editor. I wonder if this is the device Sir Clive was referring to!!