Page 8 - Archived Back Issues

ISSUE 3
Page2
What was Said?
This picture taken at the recent Salamander Ball poses a question. What where these two great masters saying?
So here is the challenge to all. Send me a quotation – humorous of course!!
It will be judged by Gerry Clarkson and Bertie Gillings - the winner receives a small prize! E-mail the editor!!
THE ARMCHAIR
Open Forum
The Society was founded by the Corpo- ration of London to “promote an interest in and the interests of the City of London”
Contact:
Nigel Andrew Hall nigel@techie.com
Tel: 020 7581 3232 (W) 020 8780 2878 (H)
Forthcoming Events
Friday 13th February, 2004, at 1830hrs. The Foundation Evening at Winchester House.
Tuesday 30th March, 2004, at 1845hrs. The Massey Shaw Dinner at The Insurance Hall. (This dinner was formerly known as The Annual Dinner.)
The Clerk
Margeret Holland-Prior JP
Tel: 020 7600 1666 Email: clerk@firefighters.demon. co.uk
The Editor
Closing date for
items for the next
issue of
Closing date for items for thTehnexSt iasslaume oafnder
The Salamander is:
is: Friday,
Friday,
23 January 2004
25 January 2004 E-mail your comment
Email your comment to: to: me!!
Peter Hopkins at: PePthe@rsHafoetpykcoin.cso.aukt:
Ph@safetyco.co.uk
The Lord Mayor’s Show
It didn’t start off this big but over 800 years the Lord Mayor’s Show has grown in size and stature.
This year the procession stretched more than three miles in length and took over an hour to pass the Mansion House where the Lord Mayor took the salute.
The first procession took place in 1215 and its roots lie with King John and the oath of allegiance. Recognising the importance of the City, the King granted the people the right to choose their own Lord Mayor. However, the person chosen still had to appear before him for royal approval and to swear loyalty to the Crown. In practise this involved the Lord Mayor and his supporters travelling from the City to the Palace of Westminster to swear the oath of allegiance.
Since that time, the scope of the Show has changed considerably. Even though the oath of allegiance is still sworn (although these days it is done at the Royal Courts of Justice),
today the show is just as much a celebration of the City’s energy, diversity and unique nature.
Alongside the more traditional and historic elements, including the Lord Mayor’s coach and the pike men, are floats representing the City’s neighbouring communities, arts organisations, businesses and other organisations that keep the City running.
This year the Worshipful Company of Firefighters took part with ten other companies under the title of “The Modern Companies”. The group of worshipful companies was led by the West Midlands Fire Brigade Band and the final part of our entry was a 1890 horse drawn steam fire appliance on which rode our Master, Colin Livett, in his full Masters regalia and in the capacity of the officer in charge of the steam whistle.
Other members of our company taking part in the procession were Court Assistant Neil Botten, Liveryman Patrick Sheen, and Freeman John Sewell and Under Warden Martin Coffey.
The Silent Ceremony
On Friday 7th November The Master, Wardens and two of the Company's newest Freeman attended the Silent Ceremony at the Guildhall. This was to witness the swearing in of the Lord Mayor Elect as he officially became the 676th Lord Mayor of London. This is a very ancient ceremony and as its name implies is conducted nearly completely in total silence. The outgoing Lord Mayor and the incoming Lord Mayor are attended by the Court of Alderman and Court Officials and the main purpose of the ceremony is for the handing over of the articles of office. These articles are the Sceptre, the Seal of Office, the Purse, the Sword and the Mace.
Once the incoming Lord Mayor has sworn the Declaration and the articles of office have been transferred the incoming Lord Mayor and the outgoing Lord Mayor together with Alderman, Recorder, Sheriffs, Officers and the Livery Companies walk out of the Guildhall to a rousing fanfare of trumpets.
THE CLERK’S DESK — WHAT IS A LIVERYMAN?
Margaret Holland-Prior
Any Freeman can become a Liveryman of the Company.
To be Clothed in the Livery is a privilege and once Clothed, having the Livery
gown put on one in a special ceremony in
Court, that person can then be elected to Court of the Worshipful Company, if been a Freeman for three years.
The first step is to take one’s Oath of a Freeman of the Company. There are a few
members who still are not. Once Free, then go to the Chamberlain’s Office and start the process of becoming a Freeman of the City. Having Sworn that Oath in the Chamberlain’s Court then the individual can ask to be Clothed.
The cost is £500 and all Company debts must be paid and in good order. Quarterage and Charity remain the same amounts as a Freeman pays. The £500 is a one off payment.
Once a Liveryman, one enters a different position in the City. There are some 23,000 Liverymen. Today the Livery gathered to elect the next Lord Mayor, Robert Finch, who takes office on Friday 7th November in The
Silent Ceremony, when the outgoing LM hands over to the incoming LM without a word being spoken
. Saturday that follows is The Lord Mayor’s Show and fireworks in the evening.
Today's Luncheon followed in Painters’ Hall and eleven Liverymen joined the Master to enjoy lunch with about 120 other Liverymen from 10 other Companies. A very good feeling of fellowship prevailed. It is fun and it is very special.
Liverymen also gather at Common Hall in Guildhall to vote for the Sheriffs.
me!!