71 / 189
Court News
All in a Knight’s work.
Sir Martin Bonham
It is with great pleasure that we can report that our Clerk has
been elevated to the Bonham Baronetcy. It is a title in the
Baronetage of the United Kingdom going back to 1852 cre-
ated for George Bonham, the Governor of Hong Kong. We
offer Martin our best wishes and sincere congratulations
from all our Company.
Beryl Jeffries elected Under Warden
Beryl studied architecture and was a senior architect with London based practice T.P. Bennett for over 20
years. She was elected a councillor for the London Borough of Wandsworth in 1990 where she served as
deputy chairman of the Planning Committee and was appointed one of Wandsworth’s representatives on the
London Fire and Civil Defence Authority. She was also a local government member on the London Arts
Board.
Beryl was Mayor of Wandsworth during the year 1994/95. She retired from the council in 2002, but is still a
trustee for a number of local charities. After joining the Company of Firefighters, Beryl became our “First
Lady” liveryman in 2002 and subsequently served on the Court of Assistants, becoming Under
Warden in Waiting in 2009.
Beryl is a widow with two sons and four grandchildren and, as well as enjoying her family, likes travelling, gardening and the
theatre.
Peter Cowland elected Upper Warden
Peter joined the Middlesex Brigade in 1964, following his father into the Service. He progressed through
the ranks to Divisional Officer in the London Fire Brigade before transferring to Hertfordshire in 1988
where he served in the roles of both Divisional Commander and County Senior Fire Safety Officer. He
retired after 32 years service in 1996.
Never one to rest for too long, Peter became the Senior Training Officer for the Fire Protection Association (FPA) and then their
National Fire Safety Co-ordinator. During that period, he was seconded to British Airways at Heathrow Airport where he trained
Flight and Cabin Crew in fire fighting techniques.
Peter joined the WCoFF in 1997; became a Freeman of the City in 1999 and a Liveryman in 2002. He has been married to
Lesley for over 40 years and they have 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren
Michael Harper elected Renter Warden
Born in Barrow-in-Furness and educated at London University, Michael commenced his early career
with Vickers Plc.
For over 20 years, Michael was involved in the supply of fire protection and safety equipment to the in-
ternational market – latterly as Chief Executive of Kidde Plc.
Since retiring, Michael was appointed Chairman of BBA Aviation Plc (Flight Support and Systems for
Business and General Aviation) and Vitec Plc (Equipment for the Broadcast and Photographic market).
He also serves on the Boards of Ricardo Plc (Automotive Engineering Consultants) and Catlin Plc
(Property and Casualty Insurer).
Michael became a Freeman of the WCoFF in 2002, a Liveryman in 2004 and has served on Court since that time. He is married
with 5 children and his hobbies include most sports, opera and the ballet.