Firefighters Function

13.06.12

And so, with the Mistress, to Winchester House in Southwark, which is located next to our local fire station. This was once the home of Sir Eyre Massey Shaw, the first Chief Fire Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade from 1861 to 1891 who is considered to be the father of the modern fire service. We were greeted by the Master of the Worshipful Company of Firefighters, Peter Cowland, who provided a history of both the house and Sir Massey Shaw's amazing contribution to the fire service worldwide. This was followed by a tour of the Brigade's Museum which, in itself, was fascinating but with a guide who had spent his whole career in the service, really came to life. A buffet supper followed where the guests, most of whom had been at Ironbridge a few days before, had an opportunity to mingle. A delightful, entertaining and enlightening evening.

John Flynn
Master Marketor