Page 146 - Archived Back Issues

THE MASSEY
SHAW DELAYS
HER RETURN
TO LONDON
One of the main charities that the WCoFF charitable Trust has been supporting for many years has been the restoration of the Fireboat “The Massey Shaw”
The Massey Shaw is one of London's unsung heroes on the Thames. Built in 1935, the fireboat served the London Fire Brigade for many years and also took part in the WWII 'Operation Dynamo' to rescue soldiers from the beaches at Dunkirk. It ferried 500 men to the warships and bought over 100 men back to England.
In late March 2012, after many months of planning, the Massey Shaw was lifted out of the water and transported by road overnight to Gloucester Dock to complete her restoration after 5 years of dedicated work by many volunteers and with later support of lottery funding.
However, delays to the final restoration work meant that the original plan to sail the Massey Shaw back to St. Catherine's Dock had to be put off. The boat will be transported now by road to Denton Wharf in London.
The boat will make its first sailing appearance at the Great River Race at Richmond on 7th September and will then sail to St. Catherine's Dock on September 8th.
ANNUAL
SERVICE OF
THANKSGIVING
The Firefighters Memorial Trust invited members and their guests to attend the Annual Service of Thanksgiving at the Firefighters Monument on Sunday 12th May 2012. This was held at the National Memorial Arboretum.
The open air Service was conducted by Canon Peter Mortimer MBE TD (Chaplain to the Trust).
‘SAVED’
In 2000 when John Lawrence MBE was Master, he presented to the Company a number of commemorative plates to mark the Millennium.
Many members have one and know well the famous picture shown, ‘Saved’ by Charles Vigor. Most too will know something of the history of this painting which hangs in The Fire Service College.
A few of the plates themselves have been extremely well received following contributions by guests to special events, most recently the annual Fire Lectures. The realisation that an American recipient, Jim Shannon, President of the National Fire Protection Association, would know little or nothing of the painting’s origins, has prompted another PM Alan Wells to produce a note to accompany future presentations. It is an A5 page and outlines the events that may have influenced the painting and some background of the artist. Future recipients of such presentations will therefore have a greater knowledge of the history of their gift.
For members who own one of these plates, an email to our Clerk, Martin Bonham, or PM Alan Wells will secure you a copy of the note which fits comfortably into the boxes that house them.
Michael Harper laid a wreath during the service.
Upper Warden Beryl Jeffrey with Canon Peter Mortimer for the dedication of four newly installed granite benches, donated by the Worshipful Company of Firefighters Charitable Trust.
Michael Harper and Past Master Peter Cowland enjoy a moment on the seat.
(pictures courtesy of the Firefighters Memorial Trust)
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