Page 143 - Archived Back Issues

The Tower Proves its Worth
David Rea
City Dinner 2013
Master Michael Harper raised over £3000 for the British Red Cross following incarceration in the Tower of London.
It is with some sorrow that we report the sad news that David Rea passed away on 6th June. David was a member of the Company for almost 20 years. He had been in poor health for some time which he bore with fortitude and humour. He will be missed by his family and colleagues.
William Hackett
Congratulations are due to liveryman William Hackett who has become a Member of St John Scotland, and as a member, uniquely holding the St John life saving medal, awarded for his action as Assistant Divisional Officer in the London Fire Brigade for his action in saving a man who had climbed 130ft up a 250kV electricity pylon.
Paul Settle
It is good to report that Paul Settle, General Secretary of the Firefighters Memorial Trust was awarded an MBE in the latest honours list for his public and charitable services.
New Members’ Website
We hope that many of you regularly use the WCoFF website to obtain information or to book activities. You will also notice that there is a members’ section, where non-public information can also be displayed.
When you first enter this site, having obtained a login password from Colin Simpson, you will have an opportunity to attach a short biographical summary and a photograph. We are hoping that by keeping such information up to date, members will be able to use this area of the web-site as a means of better communicating capabilities that we collectively can provide to promote the activities of the Company.
To contact Colin, please email Colin Simpson at
webmaster@firefighterscompany.org
"Pudding and Pie" Luncheon
The Company has again been invited to organise the now traditional "Pudding and Pie" Luncheon to be held following the Firefighters Memorial Trust Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony on Sunday 8th September 2013.
This will be held at the (brand) new "Happenstance” Restaurant and Brasserie located at 1a, Ludgate Hill, EC4M 7AA which is almost opposite the steps of St Paul's Cathedral.
This is an ideal opportunity for us to meet our friends from both the Trust and participating fire brigades.
Hosted by HM Government Chief Fire & Rescue Adviser Peter Holland CBE QFSM FIFireE
Tuesday 12th November 2013
In support of Youth Training, Education & Welfare
The Worshipful Company of Firefighters presents an “Exclusive Black-Tie Dinner” hosted by Peter Holland, supported by Sir Ken Knight CBE QFSM DL and proudly sponsored by Catlin Group, the leading global specialty property / casualty insurance and reinsurance Group.
Join our VIP guests from the Government, the City and from all the major Fire Industry Companies and Associations in launching a 3- year programme to raise dedicated funds for The Worshipful Company of Firefighters Charitable Trust Fund in support of Training, Education and Welfare projects exclusively for young people affected by e.g burns, anti-social behaviour and special needs training requirements. Our aim is to help them so that they can help themselves.
Dinner will be held in the impressive Skyline dining room overlooking the City of London at Catlin Group’s UK HQ at 20 Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 0BG. Here a host of VIPs, leading Fire Industry figures and their guests will gather for a 6.30pm champagne reception followed by dinner at approximately 7.00pm. The Dress code will be Black Tie with miniatures where applicable. Carriages will be at 10.00 -10.15pm but for those wishing to linger a little longer, there will be an after dinner bar.
You are cordially invited to join us for the launch of our Stage 1 Opening Project by either reserving your place; by taking a table for 10 or part thereof. The cost of each place is £100 and thanks to the generosity of Catlin Group, all money raised will go directly towards this project. To reserve your table or place at this exclusive dinner, please contact Tony Skinner at the address below or email to tskinner42@hotmail.co.uk
A. J. Skinner,
2 Broadwater Green, Laindon West,Basildon, Essex SS15 6BG
On 29th May, Michael took part in the British Red Cross Annual Jailed & Bailed event hosted by the Right Honourable, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Alderman and Mrs Roger Gifford, on wednesday 29 May. He was arrested at Mansion House, on nefarious charges, and then transported by the City of London Police to the Tower of London where he was incarcerated pending bail. Bail was set at £1,000 in support of the British Red Cross.
Fortunately, Michael, through his many friends and colleagues, managed to raise a sum in excess of £3000 and he became a free man again. He said that a number of “friends” had offered more money to allow him to stay longer. However, although he was made very comfortable at the Tower, he was glad to be able to escape and send thanks to all who allowed his bail bond for such a deserving cause to be well surpassed.
Diary Note
The date of the St Florian’s Installation Banquet has been moved to Thursday 10th October 2013 and will be held at Cutlers’ Hall, Warwick Lane, London EC4M 7BR.
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