Dear Brother / Sister
1 October 1918 – 1 October 2018
One hundred years of the Fire Brigades Union
Our union (originally called the Firemen’s Trade Union – FTU) was registered exactly one hundred years ago today - on 1 October 1918. It is a remarkable achievement that we have maintained our organisation for a hundred years. We can be proud of that achievement and of the generations of FBU members who stood together to win improvement for our profession and for public safety; we truly stand on the shoulders of giants.
As we reach our centenary itself, I invite you to join us in marking the occasion.
October 13 – Commemoration and Celebration event
On October 13 we will be holding special centenary events in London. This will include:
- The largest and most representative commemorative wreath-laying ceremony ever held at the National Firefighters’ Memorial at St. Paul’s.
- A uniformed FBU procession from St. Paul’s to Southwark cathedral.
- A service and celebration of firefighters and their union, their work, their sacrifice and their contribution to public safety.
- A reception and celebration event.
Please note that apart from the Southwark Cathedral event below, which unfortunately due to the limited seating capacity is restricted to named guests who have received formal invitations, all FBU members are welcome to attend the other events taking place that day.
However, we are aware that due to travel and work commitments, not everyone will be able to be in London. However, if you can’t attend, you will be able to follow through a live stream we are arranging with the Daily Mirror. Please make your friends and colleagues (serving and retired) aware of the programme of activities and of the ability to follow events on-line.
This recent video provides some further information:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd4dMpaJc10
Please share this widely.
The events in detail
12.00
The first-ever national FBU wreath-laying at the Firefighters Memorial, St Paul’s: This will certainly be the widest UK-wide representative FRS wreath-laying ceremony and the biggest ever seen at the Firefighters Memorial. Delegations from every fire and rescue service in the UK will attend. Please feel free to come along to observe what will be a powerful commemoration of our sisters and brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
13.15
FBU centenary procession with banners across the Millennium Bridge to Southwark Cathedral: With St Paul’s as the backdrop and in the shadows of many of London’s landmarks.
14.00
Commemorative and Celebratory Service, Southwark Cathedral: Attendance at this event, due to seating capacity is unfortunately limited to guests who have received a formal invitation. The event will however be live streamed with assistance from the Daily Mirror. FBU members who are able to be in London can come together to watch the live streaming in the comfort of The Folly, Gracechurch Street, EC3.
15.30 to 23.30
Centenary reception and celebration at The Folly: This will include guest speakers, comedy and live music. It will be a chance to chat to colleagues and relax while reflecting on the achievements of the past 100 years.
Reaching our centenary is a fantastic achievement. We look to the past in order to improve things for the future. Please take the chance on October 13 to spend some time joining us in celebrating and remembering those who went before us.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
Matt Wrack
General Secretary
