Page 74 - Archived Back Issues

Out & about with the Firefighters
Tour of City Livery Halls
A very enjoyable afternoon in pleasant London sunshine saw a group of Firefight- ers and their friends tour some of the streets in the City, learning about the history and key events in their life and the development of City Livery Companies.
The highlight of our tour was the visit to the Painter-Stainers, where the Beadle invited our Group into their Hall and everyone was given a chance to see the glori- ous Painted Chamber and the fine works of art, silverware and ancient charters adorning the walls of the Great Hall.
The Beadle was very informative about Livery Companies generally as well as his knowledge on the history and foundation of the Painter-Stainers. We learnt that some of the most famous artists belonged to the company. He also revealed that one time he, inadvertently, mixed up replica silverware (for show) with the real ones and put the replicas into the bank - a fact not noticed for many months!
After departing from Painter-Stainers we were in the excellent hands of City of London Guide, Yasha Beresinger, who proceeded to point out a number of the other Livery Halls and some of the many interesting aspects of the City and its connections with Livery.
The evening was concluded with a supper at the Dr Butlers Head where we dined on Pan Fried Pork Fillet followed by Chef’s Crumble, together with the odd glass or two! A most entertaining evening was had by all and it was felt that a repeat walk would be well worthwhile. The pictures above show the group outside the Mercers’ Hall and in the Painter-Stainers Hall.
Visits to HMS Phoenix and HMS Victory
The Company enjoyed a wonderful visit to the Portsmouth area on June 18th, with visits to the fire training establishment at HMS Phoenix and then to a dinner eve- ning on board HMS Victory itself. Organised by Event Chairman Terry Baldwin, Past Master James Blott and Liveryman Karen Eves, who is a Warrant Officer in the Royal Navy, it was a day and a night to remember for those lucky enough to attend.
Our pictures show the group visiting Phoenix and Victory with the Master making presentations of a Company shield of the coat of arms as a thank-you to the key hosts.