Chair's update, July 2024

Tom Walker, Chair

Our wide ranging programme of events that celebrate Abney's history, ecology and place in the community continues to ramp up. Much of is this is free as part of the National Heritage Lottery Fund programme of events that complements the restoration of the premises.  

This sits alongside our usual programme of events and fundraising to cover the Trust’s ongoing costs.  If you want to support us please consider making a donation or taking out a direct debit. 

My highlight of the last month was the memorial service for James Braidwood, the ‘father’ of the modern fire brigade. The event sums up our work. 

We were contacted by one of Braidwood’s living relatives.  A positive reply and a bit of back and forth including liaison with the Stoke Newington fire brigade led to the event on 22 June to mark the anniversary of Braidwood's death in active service. This was planned to coincide with an open day at the Fire Station, with the Red Watch engaging with local families with the help of their cadets - the next generation of fire fighters. 

Wreaths were laid, members of the public and those with links joined to pay tribute.  Listening to today’s brave fire fighters talk about the heroism and sacrifice of Braidwood (who lost his life in the Tooley Street Fire in 1861, the most significant fire in the capital since the Great Fire of London) was very moving. Remembered by one of Abney’s listed memorials, he is just one of the remarkable lives whose stories we tell.  
 
Thank you for your ongoing support.  With more support we can do more events like this.