Page 109 - Archived Back Issues

JUBILEE RIVER PAGEANT
There will be a river pageant on the 3rd June, with flotillas and squadrons of boats traversing the Thames alongside the Queen’s barge.
Fireboats will be a particular spectacle at the event. A special squadron has been assembled representing fireboats that have worked the rivers throughout the Queen’s reign. They will be manned by representatives from across the Commonwealth and all the commonwealth flags will be flown. Expect to see some spectacular water cannon displays.
For many years now, one of the core charities supported by the WCoFF has been the restoration of the Massey Shaw Fireboat. The Massey Shaw is one of London's un-sung heroes on the Thames. The boat was named after the first chief officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. Built in 1935, the fireboat served the London Fire Brigade for many years and also took part in the Dunkirk rescue.
Later, in 1866, when the first Metropolitan fire brigade was formed under Captain Sir Eyre Massey Shaw, he would only recruit sailors as he believed a seaman’s training would naturally provide men of discipline and strength.
So, if you want to celebrate a bit of history and enjoy the Queen’s diamond jubilee year, make a note of the 3rd June in your diary and get down to the banks of the Thames in the heart of the City to see a wonderful display of river fireboats, the modern ones still today providing a key emergency support to our communities.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Royal Opera House Tour
Lesley Cowland, wife of our Master, has organised a Ladies Backstage Tour on Wednesday 25th April of the Royal Opera House. The tour takes about 11⁄2 hours and covers the historic front of house, the huge backstage area, gives an insight into the colourful history of the theatre, the state of the art technology used to move scenery around and possibly the opportunity to see a production workshop in progress - it should prove to be a very interesting visit.
The 2nd City Fire Lecture
The Fire Lecture 2012 FIRE: Cost & Consequence will be held at the Insurance Hall in the City of London on Wednesday 30th May 2012 at 6.30pm.
The rising cost of commercial fire losses, challenges to building regulations, the perceived impact of health & safety regulation on firefighting & rescue operations, coupled with today's climate of economic austerity, is worrying and will undoubtedly interest many in the Company and outside. Representatives of the Association of British Insurers, BRE Global and the Chief Fire Officers' Association will express their opinion and invite you to air yours at an open forum.
The WCoFF will be holding a special reception on the day to celebrate this wonderful event.
Fireboats continue to play a significant role in fire-fighting within London. The volume of incidents attended by the fireboat has remained relatively constant over the last three years. On average, the fireboat is mobilised to about 270 incidents each year, about one third of these being fire related events (36 being primary fires).
There has always been a strong historical relationship between the river and firefighting. After the Great Fire of 1666, insurance companies formed their own fire fighting teams, largely made up of riverside dockers, who had the muscle power to do remove valuables from affected buildings.
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