Page 159 - Archived Back Issues

Massey Shaw at the London Boat Show, 4th to 12th January
From David Rogers, Hon. Company Secretary & Director, Massey Shaw & Marine Vessels Preservation Society
The Massey Shaw was invited into the London Boat Show by the British Marine Federation to celebrate its recent restoration and showcase the Society's WWII Drama.
The Fire boat arrived back in London on the 14th December 2013 and so time was very limited to prepare the vessel for the large number of people awaiting its attendance at the Show. Massey Shaw docked at The Excel Centre, on Friday 3rd January 2014 after a short trip from West India Dock through the Thames Barrier. The trip had been eventful as the Barrier was due to close due to increased water flow and Massey was one of the last vessels to make it through.
On Saturday 4th January 2014 the Show opened and Massey was visited by many hundreds of people, who were fascinated by her story and the tremendous restoration that had been undertaken over the past four years. A continual stream of people visited the boat each day, particularly in the early afternoon, when Massey would put on a water display to demonstrate what her famous Merryweather Fire Pumps could deliver.
Alongside the vessel performances, a WWII drama was presented each day in the main hall for two sessions and was very well received by children and adults. In the middle of the week the new Dunkirk Drama which tells the story of Massey Shaw and her crews involvement in Operation Dynamo was showcased. Once again we have another great dramatic piece to offer to schools later in the summer, and we look forward to performing this script to a wide range of audiences around the country.
The show concluded on the 12th January 2014 by which time nearly 1,000 people had visited the boat and drama and we had built a large circle of friends. Our volunteers were fantastic and we hope to swell their ranks once we are back in action during the summer. Massey has now returned to West India Dock and will be undertaking training sessions for the new crew in preparation for many more adventures in 2014.
If you would like to visit the vessel please contact me.
Pancake Race
The Company was invited again to attend and participate in the 10th Annual Pancake Race by the organisers, The Poulters’ Company on Tuesday 4th March 2014. Our team performed exceedingly well at Guildhall Yard and were well supported. There were some wonderful attires to be seen. Everyone enjoyed a pancake or two and some joined in the splendid buffet lunch provided by The Cook and Butler.
Massey Shaw Dinner
The Master and Wardens had pleasure in having Sheriff Adrian Waddingham as the guest speaker at this year’s Massey Shaw dinner. This event was held at the Insurance Hall, very much regarded as our ‘home’, and allowed us the rare opportunity to display a large selection of our silverware, plate and artefacts to compliment these impressive surroundings.
The Massey Shaw Annual Dinner is held in honour of Sir Eyre Massey Shaw. Sir Eyre was the first Chief Fire Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade from 1861 until 1891.
It proved to be a very convivial evening with good food, good wine and good friends and some wonderful entertainment.
The Master was presented at the dinner with a framed picture of the Massey Shaw boat by Mr John Furlonger, Director of the Massey Shaw Society as thanks for the support given by the WCoFF to the charity.
Meet the Firefighters
Meet the Firefighters is an annual event where we can present the Worshipful Company of Firefighters to all interested in membership. The images to the right were taken at the event held in Winchester House on March 7th.
If anyone knows of people who work in, or have experience of, the Fire Service or Fire Industry who would be suitable to be invited to future ‘Meet the Firefighters’ events, then please let the clerk have details, so that they can be contacted or send information to: claire.mansi@fireinvestigationsuk.com.
Livery Dinner
The Worshipful Company held a dinner for Liverymen again this year in the Canadian Room at the East India Club on the 28th January. The central portion of the East India Club was severely damaged by enemy action during the Second World War. Shortage of supply of building materials and strict controls caused serious problems in rebuilding. The Canadian Forces whose officers were welcomed by the club during the war came to the rescue and generously donated the necessary timber that was shipped direct from Vancouver. The Canadian Room was so named as a gesture of thanks for this act of friendship.
The East India Club is well known for the quality of its cuisine and did not disappoint. The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Firex International
WCoFF will be taking a stand at this year’s Firex International, to be held at the Excel Centre in London between 17th and 19th June. It is an opportunity for the Company to meet members of the Fire Industry and to promote its charitable work and encourage participation at this year’s Fire Industry Charity ball. If any member would like to attend and help out at the stand, please contact
Viv Jones.
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