Page 65 - Archived Back Issues

Massey Shaw Dinner
The Worshipful Company of Firefighters held their annual Charity dinner in the majestic and historic setting of Apothe- caries’ Hall. The guest of honour for the occasion was Sir David Brewer CMG, Lord Lieutenant of Greater London and former Lord Mayor of the City of London.
Other principal guests included Ron Dobson QFSM, Com- missioner London Fire Brigade and David Johnson, Chief Fire Officer & Chief Executive of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
Following dinner, approximately 120 members and guests were treated to a musical interlude featuring excerpts from Gilbert and Sullivan and Flanders and Swan songs which added to the cordiality of the dinner
In welcoming Sir David and guests to the Apothecaries’ Hall, the Master Geoff Morgan commented that the Hall, in addition to being one of the oldest Halls, was of special sig- nificance to him personally, as this was where he had been Clothed in the Livery of the Firefighters Company
The Massey Shaw Dinner is an opportunity to raise funds for the WCoFF Charitable Trust and this year £3000 was raised. It was also an opportunity for the Firefighters to thank our many generous sponsors and benefactors for their support at last year’s Fire Industry Ball, which had raised over £34,000 for our Charitable Trust Fund. Presentations of certificates of thanks were given to representatives from the FIA, Apollo, Tyco, Vimpex and Fire Fighting Enter- prises. The Master is shown with a few of the awardees.
The occasion was also used to recognise and acknowledge the huge debt owed to the bravery and professionalism displayed by the LFB in tackling the fire at the College of Arms.
In presenting the Commendation and Citation, Sir David thanked Deputy Assistant Commissioner Steve Smith and the LFB on behalf of the City and City Livery Companies for their prompt and decisive action in saving thousands of irreplace- able records and artefacts dating back to the 14th Century.
Although the fire had been widely reported, few people realised just how close we had came to losing one of most significant and visited City buildings along with our nations history.
“All too often the work of our Emergency Services are taken for granted, as is the dedica- tion and concern that is shown by our firefighters, for life and property”.
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