Page 136 - Archived Back Issues

Company Represented at Armistice Day Commemoration
The Company was well represented at the annual Armistice Day commemoration ceremony held at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium, at the eleventh hour of 11th November.
Members of the Company attending the commemoration were Honorary Archivist Martin Lloyd-Elliott, Liveryman Richard Squire and Under Warden-in-Waiting Bruce Hoad. Martin laid a wreath at the Gate on behalf of the Master, Wardens and members of the Company.
In addition to the annual ceremony every evening since 1928, the Last Post, the traditional final salute to the fallen, is played by buglers of the Ypres Fire Service in honour of the memory of soldiers of the former British Empire and its allies who died in the Ypres Salient during the First World War. It is the intention of the Last Post Association to maintain this daily act of homage in perpetuity.
Because of the inextricably close relationship between the Last Post Association and the Fire Service, the annual commemoration has taken on a significant ‘fire service’ identity. Fire and rescue services from across the United Kingdom are represented by bands and marching contingents who process in full uniform through the town to the Menin Gate where they form up for the ceremony.
Martin, Richard and Bruce were members of an annual tour to the Belgian and French First World War battlefields organised by members of the London Fire Brigade.
Bruce Hoad, Under Warden-in-Waiting
Ladies’ Lunch
Following last year’s very successful and enjoyable Christmas Lunch for lady members and members’ spouses at the Civil Service Club organised by Lesley Cowland, wife of then Master Peter Cowland, our present Master’s wife, Judith Harper, organised a similar event with lunch at the Smugglers Room at The Prospect of Whitby. This is one of London’s oldest riverside pubs, dating back to 1520 and once frequented by Captain Cook. The meal was thoroughly enjoyed by all those ladies who attended, with the historic location contributing to the convivial atmosphere and the chance for a ‘good natter’.
Company Directory
The clerk, Sir Martin Bonham Kt, recently sent all members a directory for 2012/13. If anyone has not seen the directory please let the clerk know. The directory contains a wealth of information on the structure, officers, committees and company members.
Picture taken at the Menin Gate, Ypres in Belgium on Armistice Day, 11th November 2012. Members of the Company attending the commemoration were: Honorary Archivist Martin Lloyd-Elliott, Liveryman Richard Squire and Under Warden-in- Waiting Bruce Hoad. Martin Lloyd-Elliott laid a wreath at the Menin Gate on behalf of the Master, Wardens and members of the Company.
Recruitment
Ron Murray is asking for your support in attracting new members into the Company. In particular he is seeking your help in nominating people who work in or have experience of the Fire Service or Fire Industry to attend our ‘ Meet the Firefighters’ events.
The occasion is designed to provide people who are interested to learn about the WCoFF and livery companies in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Presentations are made about the Company to explain what it does and what it stands for and the advantages and privileges of membership.
If you know of someone, especially those who work in or have experience of the Fire Service or the Fire Industry, or whose family served within the fire service, who you think may be interested and would make a good member then please ask them if they would be interested in attending one of these events.
Other Social Events Enjoyed
A dinner for Liverymen was held on 29th January at the East India Club and members and friends enjoyed a visit behind the scenes at St. Paul’s on 18th February.
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