BURNTISLAND SHIPYARD FIRE BRIGADE

Stations

? to ?                               

Officer in Charge

? to ?                                         Firemaster Alf Meese (There 1952)

Appliances

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Brigades

? to ?                                         Burntisland Shipyard Fire Brigade

SHIPYARD FIREMEN’S SUPPER 

The Burntisland Shipyard Fire Brigade held the annual supper in the George Hotel on Friday night. Alf Meese presided over a company of about 50 firemen and guests. Mr J. H. Proud, O.B.E., general manager and chairman of the Shipyard Fire Precautions Committee was present.
The company enjoyed an excellent meal purveyed by the hotel management.
Songs were rendered by the following guest artistes: - Mr George Simpson, tenor: Mr D. Archibald, baritone: Mr D. Roy, Scots comedian and member of the company. Mr Alex Craigie and Mr Donald Ferguson. Mr J. H. Proud and Mr George Curtis were the piano accompanists. During the evening humorous stories were given my Mr J. M. Hepburn, Mr Jas. Stewart, and Mr W. Thompson.
Mr Simpson, Deputy Firemaster, Kirkcaldy, give a short address, stressing the importance of always being ready to fight the enemy “fire,” without delay wherever it should break out.
Firemaster Meese was in reminiscent mood and recalled the early days of the Shipyard when Mr Proud took part in a number of sporting events. He was a member of the English team to play Scotland at football, under the auspices of the Shipyard Club in 1921. Four members of the English team and one member of the Scottish team were still in the service of the Company. This, Firemaster Meese said, would bring back pleasant memories to many in the yard.
Firemaster Meese then made a presentation on behalf of the members, past and present, of the Shipyard Fire Brigade, to Mr Proud who is retiring from the position of general manager of the Shipyard at the end of the year, in recognition of his valuable services as chairman of the Shipyards Fire Precautions Committee. Mr Proud had certainly been the means of bringing the Yard Fire Brigade up to a high standard of proficiency.
He presented Mr Proud with a wallet, a case of pipes, tobacco pouch (all suitably inscribed) and a quantity of his favourite blend of tobacco. Mr J. M. Hepburn and others also print tribute to Mr Proud’s service.
Mr Proud in returning thanks, said that they’re beautiful and useful gifts would remind him of his happy association with the Yard Fire Service.
Firemaster Meese then gave the toast of the evening “Mr Proud,” and this was heartily responded to. The entire company sang “For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow.” Mr Proud acknowledged.
Mr J. M. Hepburn proposed thanks to the artistes and Mr Jas. Stewart paid a similar compliment to the chairman.
The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” concluded an enjoyable function.
(The Fifeshire Advertiser, December 27, 1952. Page 6)

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