Page 184 - Archived Back Issues

The Worshipful Company of Firefighters receives its Royal Charter
A wonderfully joyful celebratory event took place on Friday 27th February when the Lord Mayor, Alderman Alan Yarrow, along with the Sheriffs and their consorts, came to the Insurance Hall to unveil and present the Royal Charter to the Worshipful Company of Firefighters.
Extracts from speech by The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Alan Yarrow:
I am delighted to join the Worshipful Company of Firefighters for this very special occasion – the presentation of your Royal Charter. It was an honour to unveil it, and be part of this moment in history.
It’s fantastic to work alongside you as Lord Mayor – and it’s even better to be one of you! Thank you for paying me the very great compliment of making me an Honorary Liveryman of the Firefighters.
Master – I know that the Firefighters are doing a huge amount to promote “life safety” and “good professional behaviour” – within your sector, and allied fields. And may I commend you on your excellent charitable support for those in your industry......and for the “Massey Shaw & Marine Vessels Preservation Society”.
During WWII, the Massey Shaw fireboat went above and beyond the call of duty – ferrying hundreds to warships, and back from Dunkirk. A fantastic part of our heritage, and I’m delighted that this Company is helping to save it.
My great-grandfather, Sir Alfred Yarrow, founded a major ship-building business which made (and continues to make) many of Britain’s warships. Maybe met by the Massey Shaw, during her service. But Yarrows shipbuilders began right here, in London, when Alfred started sketching designs for boats in the East End of London. He invented the fastest launches on the Thames – and the rest, as they say, is history.
From small acorns, mighty oaks grow. And from its beginnings in 1988, this Company has blossomed to become a very valued member of the Livery Family – crowned, today, with a Royal Charter.
Congratulations to you all, and thank you for inviting me, Gilly and the Sheriffs, to be part of it.
The Great Hall was filled with Past Masters, Liverymen and Freemen of the Company as well as honoured guests as the Lord Mayor's party swept into the room flanked by London Fire Brigade cadets. They were welcomed by the Master, Bryan Spearman, as well as the Father of the Company, Gerry Clarkson, and other members of the Court. The Lord Mayor unveiled the impressive charter, its words echoing the historic majesty of the granting of such an honour and illustrated with meaningful depictions reflecting the importance of firefighters in the City and society.
The Lord Mayor spoke of his admiration for firefighters and highlighted the charitable work of the Company in providing support for fire cadets and the Massey Shaw Fireboat restoration (his family having founded a shipbuilding business). The Master, to commemorate the occasion, presented gifts to the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs and their wives as well as the famous Saved Plate Number 1 to the Father of the Company, Mr Gerald Clarkson, CBE. He also conferred Honorary Liverymanship of the Company on the Lord Mayor. The Lord Mayor, supported by the Lady Mayoress and Sherriffs, then circulated through the Great Hall, meeting and chatting informally with every guest, while a selection of canapés accompanied by champagne, wine and soft drinks added to the celebratory party atmosphere, which was enjoyed by all.
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