As a Branch Secretary and Committee member of the London Fire Brigade’s Retired Members Association (LFBRMA), I am frequently asked many questions as to the role played by the LFBRMA. I hope the following information will answer most of them for you.

Q.  What is the LFBRMA?

A.  An organisation run by volunteer’s for the benefit of retired members of the London Fire Brigade.

Q.  What are the aims and objectives of the LFBRMA?

A.  To promote and safeguard in every way the interest of all LFB pensioners, their wives, husbands, widows, widowers and     dependants.

Q.  Who can join?

A.  Membership of the Association shall be open to Retired Operational London Fire Fighters, their widows or widowers and other Retired Uniformed staff dealing with Fire & Emergency calls. Serving members who are in their last 2 years of service

Q.  How many members has the LFBRMA?

A.  2312 members (2133 male and 179 female). This is from a total of 4,500 ex Firefighters who are in receipt of a pension from the LPFA.

Q.  How do I join?

A.  Contact the Membership Secretary Jim Geoghegan on 01843 229808 or fill in the contact form opposite.

Q.  If I join, how is any information I give to the LFBRMA protected?

A.  Obviously we need to know your name, address and telephone number, but any other information that you give to the LFBRMA will be protected by the Data Protection Act.

Q.  How much will it cost me?

A.  £5 per annum.

Q.  What do I get for my £5?

1) Entitlement to attend and vote at the AGM, which is held in May, at Southwark Training Centre.  After the AGM and at a cost of £10, or free if over 75 – there is a reunion held in a marquee in the drill yard. A buffet is provided and a reasonably price bar is available.

Sent to your home when the RMA make a contribution, the Welfare Fund Magazine.

2)  Contact via a local Secretary.

3)  We are in contact with Welfare and Benevelont Funds, where we have representatives attached to the LFBRMA Committee.

We are also in contact with the Brigade Pension Office and the Pension Fund (LPFA).

4)  The LFBRMA continues to fight and improve pension rights.

5)  Your Branch Secretary will arrange hospital visits and parcels as required.

6)  We inform the next of kin by an Aide Memoir who to contact following the death of a member.

7)  We assist with funeral arrangements (if requested) and send flowers, or make a donation to a charity chosen by the family.

8)  We keep in touch with Old Comrades via a magazine which is published 6 monthly.

9) We have members on the Firefighters Memorial Charitable Trust.

10)  We invite members to attend the Royal British Legion Remembrance Day Parade and the  International Firefighters Day of Remembrance, held at St Pauls Cathedral in September.

These services are held to remember all Firefighters who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the course of their duty.

11)  Inform members of any retirements and Branch Reunions when given the information.

Q.  Are there any get-togethers other than the AGM?

A.  Local Secretaries arrange get-togethers. Dates differ within each area and you will be notified by your local Secretary either by news letter, or when you join.  An additional charge may be made for these functions. In my area we meet the third Monday of every month, except May. A buffet is provided and this gives us the chance to swing the lamp!

I hope that you will consider joining a worthwhile organization and I look forward to seeing some of you at one of the organized events.

Colin Hart

No 2 Branch Secretary LFBRMA