Page 129 - Archived Back Issues

CHARLIE CODLING
It is with great sadness that we have to report that Charlie Codling, son of Liveryman, Karen Eves-Codling and Grandson of Liveryman Brian Eves passed away on Thursday 6th September. Charlie was featured in our last newsletter being given a real treat on the annual Wessex Cancer Trust day out to Paulton Park, a children's theme park, in Hampshire, made a bit more special courtesy of the Fire Service Preservation Group allowing Charlie, Karen and Brian to travel in their 1975 Volvo Water Tender.
Our thoughts remain with Brian, Karen and their family. From the money raised at Charlie’s funeral, Karen hopes to acquire a beach-hut near the coast in Charlie’s memory where children in a similar condition as Charlie can have a bit of a holiday with their families.
THE DAY
PARLIAMENT
BURNED DOWN
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.
Your editor has really enjoyed reading this book and I can agree with the Antonia Fraser comment above – it does read like a thriller, bringing together all the little seemingly insignificant elements that allow this catastrophe to develop, from the political scheming and intransigence of King and government to prevent any spending on a new House of Commons (whilst at the same time spending a fortune on Buckingham House) to the decision to use old tallies to stoke the furnaces rather than give the wood to poor labourers. The drama of it all is set against a wonderful picture of political and social life in the 1830s, with as much parliamentary corruption appearing then as now in the award of contracts and sinecures. The expansion of the west end of London and the plight of Irish labourers also feature in the story. There are snippets of delightful knowledge such as the name “exchequer” derives from the process of counting tallies or money owed on a counting table with a cloth in the form of chequered cloth or scaccarium, used as a form of abacus.
All those interested in firefighting will understand the manifest indications of danger of fire, the actions of the firemen, heroically led by James Braidwood (who, despite being a leader in modern firefighting theory, was later to die in the great warehouse fire of Tooley Street in 1861), with their hard worked pumps aiming to contain the fire spread, the impact of the flashover, the immense and appalling splendour of it all, and, of course, the aftermath process of blame and analysis.
Although the flames were put out without loss of life, the impact of the fire on Westminster was significant in terms of the development of our democracy as well as social, cultural and political life.
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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