Page 124 - Archived Back Issues

A NEW BOOK
The Day Parliament Burned Down - Caroline Shenton
Caroline Shenton has
recently written a book
called ‘The Day
Parliament Burned
Down’ which is the first
full-scale study of the
catastrophic 1834 fire
that burnt down the old
Palace of Westminster.
Lady Antonia Fraser is
quoted as saying that
this book is “absolutely
riveting ... It's a thriller”. Caroline Shenton is clerk of the Records at the Parliamentary Archives in London and has had unique access to historical information on the fire. It is stock full of references. A full review of the book will be provided in our next newsletter, but for those who can't wait, it is published by Oxford University Press at £18.99.
JUDITH JONES
Viv Jones, on behalf of his family, would like to thank all Firefighters for their words of comfort and support following the death of Judith at home on the 10th April 2012.
Judith had been suffering cancer for over 18 months but, despite that, kept working in the family business and continued to assist Viv in many aspects of his WCoFF duties. Judith had been a stalwart for many years in support of the Firefighters, proof reading thousands of words, assisting in the re-launch of Meet the Firefighters, sponsorship administration for the Fire Industry Charity Ball and, not least, during her year as Mistress Firefighter.
Judith's first love of course was her devoted family of James, Charlotte, Jonathan and step-son Martin. James spoke of his mother on behalf of the family so eloquently in his eulogy at the funeral which was held at St. Nicholas in Great Wakering and attended by a huge group from the Company of Firefighters.
THE BERTIE GILLINGS FINE
Members of the Firefighters Livery Company may not be aware of the Bertie Gillings Fine. This custom arose partly in memory of a much loved founder member and Past Master as a light hearted but voluntary way to raise funds for the Charitable Trust and partly to encourage correct appearance and decorum at Company events. A “Guide to Dress Code and Protocols” was recently issued by the Clerk's office. Further copies are available on request.
Tariff of Fines
A fine of £5.00 for the following infringements:
Not wearing recognised Company tie (men only)
Not wearing Court Assistant's badge
Not wearing Master's, Warden's, Constable's or Sentinel's badge
Not wearing appropriate gown of office Allowing mobile to ring during meetings
Fines can be cumulative when more than one 'offence' has been committed.
MEMORABILIA
In celebration of 21 years since the formation of The Guild of Firefighters, a unique crystal glass to keep as a future family heirloom is available for purchase. The goblet is priced at £10.00. Please add £2.50 for postage and packing.
There are only 7 left.
WCoFF ties in blue and red are available for purchase at £25 each.
Also available are
crystal glass paperweights at £10 each, Salamander lapel pins at £80 each and cuff links at £22.50 for a set.
All enquiries to Brian Eves at: brian84.eves@virgin.net.
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