Page 126 - Archived Back Issues

FROM THE MASTER’S DESK
FIRE INDUSTRY CHARITY BALL
The Fire Industry Charity Ball was held at the Portman Hotel on September 15th and was enjoyed by all who attended. Dancing was to Nicole and her Big Band, there was excellent food and good fun was had by one and all.
Wonderful entertainment was provided by the young Mountview academy members. With lights flashing and wailing air raid sirens, guests were enthralled by a performance sponsored by The Massey Shaw Preservation Society. The society last year bid for and was rewarded with a donation from the Trust to be used in support of an education programme of modern history being rolled out by the Society to schools and a cameo of the programme was performed on the evening. The scene experienced by those in the London during the bombings of the last war was vividly portrayed. In her role as an Auxiliary Fire Women the actress held the guests spellbound as she related life as it was during those dark days.
Our new Master Michael Harper, in his welcome speech, thanked the guests for supporting the Ball, graciously thanked the sponsors to whom we were most indebted and appreciative. He also saw that he had a duty to remind us of the need to be as generous as possible and participate in both raffle and auction. His words were clearly taken to heart with record sales and bids thus ensuring a very satisfactory outcome for the Charitable Trust.
A very healthy donation of more than £21,000 (£6000 above target) will be made to our Charitable Trust Fund for distribution in line with the trustee’s objectives which include needy causes and Education and Training.
Much thanks goes to Under Warden Bryan Spearman for once again organising a highly successful Charity Ball, enjoyed by over 10 % more guests than the previous year. Thanks also must go to everyone who provided raffle prises, items for the auction and most importantly, the corporate sponsors.
Fire Industry Ball 2013
Following our previous successful events we are now embarking on another great evening of dining, dancing and raising charitable support, again at the:
Radisson Blu (SAS) Portman, Portman Square, London W1H 7BG
21st September 2013
The Ball, co-promoted by the FIA and FIRESA is organised by the Worshipful Company of Firefighters on behalf of their Charitable Trust.
Common Hall seems like yesterday but already a quarter of my year has gone. Everyone tells me that the year goes very quickly! I have certainly enjoyed many external meetings on behalf of the Company already ranging from the splendour of a BP Garden Party through Livery Dinners, Mansion House events, services at St Pauls, to the opportunity to see at first hand the work of many Charities associated with the City and the Livery. I’ve seen charitable work ranging from giving international experience for students/graduates to the difficult work of helping newly released offenders not to re- offend. The charity work in the City of London is substantial and can be really inspiring.
Of course, there have been plenty of internal meetings as well. But it is refreshing to note the active involvement by many involved in the affairs of the Company and in the organising of many events, underlining how much voluntary work our members and officials put in and how effective it usually is. We owe them a great debt of gratitude. Please keep it up everyone and thank you!!
The Company is progressing well with a sound financial position and a growing membership. We need to find new ways of keeping the membership, particularly new members, engaged and involved. Our Charitable Trust has new and experienced leadership (Past Master Frank David and Frances Blois). We are working to clarify the relationship between the Trust and the Company to mutual benefit and to be in line with current best practice.
I wish all members and their families a very happy Festive Season when it arrives. Don't forget the Carol Service on Friday December 14th at St Mary-Le Bow - it is a lovely occasion to enjoy with Company members, friends and family.
Michael Harper
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