THE FIREBIRDS

Issue 25 - Spring 2025

A newsletter of mixed emotions for our '25 in 25' edition of The Flame as we read about the Celebration of Life service for Phoenix Master Nic Somers, but report with delight on our AGM where Anne agreed to take over from Vicky Nugeé as our Chairman. And read about New Zealand and 'Baker's Dozen'.

Issue 24 - Winter 2024

The legendary Christmas Tea moves to an exciting new venue, and read about the Biennial Lunch, and be challenged on picture locations.

Issue 23 - Summer 2024

Leighton House, Belfast visit and the tradition of afternoon tea

Issue 22 - Spring 2024

A report on our AGM at Cutlers Hall and the annual United Guilds Service in St Paul's, take a sleeper train to Scotland or a Grand Road Trip in the US, learn about the French Guilds, and much, much more.

Issue 21 - Winter 2023

Reports on events at Royal Chelsea Hospital and our Fenwick Tea - our final visit before the store closure in January 2024. Plus the unveiling of the Wren Memory Stone on Portland, and a trip down memory lane to Greenham Common

Issue 20 - Summer 2023

Fascinating article on the Coronation Annointing Screen, a report on our visit to the Postal Museum and more on trips to Egypt

Issue 19 - Spring 2023

With formalities at a minimum, our AGM was short and efficient. More time to enjoy all that Cutlers Hall has to offer. Plus a Phoenix trip to Oxford, and take your pick from Abba Voyage, London's coffee houses, tea at Fenwick ....or cold water swimming

Issue 18 - Winter 2022

Read about our wonderful Thames river cruise lunch and visit to the home of Tony and Liz Ward. Plus the Lord Mayors Show and vacations in the Rockies

Issue 17 - Summer 2022

Rekindle memories of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, lunch aboard HQS Wellington and the Becket Pageant, whilst learning about the history of the favourite tipple of many.

Issue 16 - Spring 2022

Much ado about Beckett - relive the wonderful pageant plus memories of Queen Elizabeth's coronation, our AGM, and a historical look at the Doggett's Coat and Badge Race

Issue 15 - Winter 2021

An environmental theme with articles on the Hubbard Glacier, conserving water and London Fog. And a touching tribute to Rue Hoddinott, our trusty Secretary who so sadly passed away.

Issue 14 - Summer 2021

TA chance to ease out of Lockdown 3 - with an uplifting dog walk, a garden visit and travels to the Orkneys. With some street food to keep you sustained

Issue 13 - Lockdown Time Capsule

As we emerge from yet another Lockdown, Firebirds have collated their enduring memories of this surreal existence - a fascinating time capsule of a world event we hope never again to witness

Issue 12 - Spring 2021

It is competition time - win a bottle of champagne by "Guess the Treen" plus the story of the Christmas Rose, travels to China, Women in the Livery, and the dizzy heights scaled by a Stonemason

Issue 11 - Winter 2020

Lockdown rolls on, so we escape with memories of fascinating trips to Vietnam and Egypt, some warming Christmas recipes, and insights on communication before Zoom (yes, it did exist!)

Issue 10 - Summer 2020

Insights on our revised pandemic lives: insights from a Nightingale hospital; "Knit for Community" to provide blankets for the homeless; and a list of "Thinks not to try at home during Lockdown"

Issue 9 - Spring 2020

A bumper edition with reports on the 2020 AGM and a fascinating and, given the current Covid-19 lockdown, a very pertinent article on the Spanish Flu by Jane Orr. Read on

Issue 8 - Winter 2019

An edition full of reports about events that involved both the Firebirds and Phoenix . From the Old Bailey Tour and Biennial Lunch to the Phoenix Porto visit. And learn about HMS Warrior!

Issue 7 - Summer 2019

Read about our visit to the Queen’s House and the Painted Hall in Greenwich, and a moving article from Nicola Barclay gives us a snapshot of living with a hidden disability

Issue 6 - Spring 2019

Samantha Bowman tells us about Police Horse (PH) Samantha, and Vicky has researched trivia about Westminster Hall, opened up her travel diary and gives us food for thought

Issue 5 - Winter 2018

A welcome from our new Chairman, reports on Chelsea Physic Garden, Dragon Boats, Champagne tea, life after being Lady Mayoress and lots more. Read on …

Issue 4 - Spring 2018

In this edition, we are delighted to feature an article on life as Lady Mayoress from our vice-president Samantha Bowman; an update on the Biennial Lunch and the AGM.

Issue 3 - Winter 2017

Firebirds President, the Lady Mountevans, describes life after the Mayoralty, and we learn about the Weavers Company and the election of the Sheriffs.

Issue 2 - Summer 2017

Read about our visit to the Fan museum, and some musings on life in the Old Bailey from Firebirds' Vice President Stephen Rigden. Plus amusing ideas for helping your Phoenix Immediate Past Master gently rehabilitate to life in the outside world

Issue 1 - Spring 2017

The inaugural edition of The Flame contains a look back at the educational and enjoyable visit to the Wallace Collection, an amusing reminiscence from one of our Vice-Presidents, Samantha Bowman, on her year as consort to Charles and background on our motto “Surgere in Lumine”.