Page 13 - Archived Back Issues

ISSUE 5
Page3
The Inaugural Massey Shaw Dinner
The portrait of Sir Eyre Massey Shaw, the father of modern
firefighting, took centre stage when the Company held its
annual dinner at The Insurance Hall on Tuesday 30th March.
Massey Shaw was the first Chief Officer of the Metropolitan
Fire Brigade from 1861 until 1891 and this was the first
time the Company had held an event in his honour. This was
a very special and historical evening as not only was it the
inaugural Massey Shaw Dinner but also the Master and his
family made a special presentation to the Company. This
presentation was of a beautiful gold chain that had once been the chain of a Sheriff of the City of London. It was the Master’s wish that this chain would be worn by future Masters of the Company.
The principal guest was Senior Master Robert Turner, the Queen’s Remembrancer, who’s official duties include the annual supervising of the assay of coins of the Realm at a Court held at Goldsmiths’ Hall. This duty was particularly relevant in the development of the Company’s own traditions as, in front of the entire assembly, he was able to ensure that the presentation gift was good and true. This procedure will in future be undertaken every year when the outgoing Master hands over to the new incoming Master.
The Insurance Hall looked magnificent as all the Company’s silver was proudly dis- played in all its splendour and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the friendly and hospita- ble atmosphere.
Martin Coffey
INSIDE STORY HEADLINE
The New Master is:
Reproduced with kind permis- sion of Ramsey Photographic
We congratulate Trevor Barn- well and Tony Ludlow on becoming Liverymen of the Company
Robert Dunley.
Wardens now are -
Alan Wells Upper Warden, Martin Coffey Renter Ward
en,
We welcome Terence Foskett on becoming a Freeman of the Company