Page 6 - October 2022

THE SALAMANDER OCTOBER 2022
has been made in this area. The Company have started the process of “Project Rosoman” supporting the LFB in a risk based approach to protecting the Livery Halls and their contents from fire and other emergencies. A strong link was established with the Community Policing Team for the Ward of Cheap where the Wax Chandlers’ Hall resides. Members who attended the Massey Shaw Dinner in April 2021 will have enjoyed the address by the Principal Guest, Commissioner, Angela McLaren, QPM.
The Charitable Trust have made a grant of £10,000 towards the new Lifeboat Station on the River Thames. A formal presentation of the cheque along with a Company Wall Shield to formally link both organisations took place in June 2022.
Through our external Liaison Officer,LiverymanPeterHopkins, a strong link has been formed with the Fire Standards Board who consider future Policy Direction on a wide range of Operational, Fire Safety and Building a Safer Environment Consultation Documents for Fire and Rescue and Fire Safety matters nationally. I hope that the Company will forge ahead with other links involving the Fire and other Fire Safety related industries in the future, advertising the Company as a professional vibrant organisation.
I am personally delighted that Stephen Sanders, the incoming Master, has asked me to continue the liaison with the LFB and City of London Police beyond my year as Master and I am delighted to do so.
Review of the Master and Consorts’ Year
There have been a number of highlights during the year for both me and Barbara, my wife and consort, too numerous to record them all in this report but suffice to say the Company has been well represented throughout the year and the Wardens have had sufficient opportunities to experience what will be expected as they progress to become Master of the Company.
I had the honour to lay the wreath on behalf of HRH Princess Royal for the Firefighters Memorial Trust at the Memorial adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral in early September 2021, also placing a Cross in memory of the fallen at the Livery Remembrance Service in the Garden of St Paul’s Cathedral in early November. Lectures on National Security by the National Head of Counter Terrorism and Music for Dementia, thebiggestkillerdiseaseintheUK, particularly are remembered. The Consort attended afternoon tea with the Lady Mayoress, a basket making day with the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers. lunches and dinners with various Livery Companies, as well as the LFB Retired Members Association, have also been enjoyable and I have been able to offer fellow Masters hospitality where appropriate with our Company at Court Lunches and formal occasions.
The introduction of the informal monthly lunches with alternate dinners at locations across the City has been a success as has the New Members/St Florian’s and Massey Shaw Dinners. Sadly the
Liveryman’s Dinner having been re-arranged due to the omicron outbreak was a very pleasant event but poorly attended. The recent Master and Consorts River Cruise has also received good feedback.
The formation of the new Events and Media Standing Committee replacing The Events and Public Relations and Media Standing Committees should bring a further more effective and efficient way of organising and functions and communications right across the Company. I would wish to acknowledge the work of both of those Committees over the years and particularly the retiring Chair of PRM, Colin Simpson; also the work and commitment of Rob Howard, Chair of Events and his team in re-establishing events over the last year after Lockdown and the lifting of restrictions is very much appreciated by all in the Company.
It would be remiss not to acknowledge the work of Steven Tamcken, the Clerk for the last eight years, who retires at this Common Hall and to welcome the new Clerk, Andrew Bignold to the team.
Finally, I thank all of those in the Warden’s team, The Beadle, Constable, Sentinels, Honorary Almoner, my sponsors who set me on this road and those who have given their time and sound advice for making both my and Barbara’s year as your Master and Consort a lifetime memory, honour and privilege.
I am sure you all join me in wishing Stephen and Maxine along with the Wardens an equally enjoyable but challenging forthcoming year.
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