A Tribute

I recently received an email from Shakespeare's Globe theatre in Southwark, which began -

'It is with great sadness that I share the news that our dear Billy Bass, who was fireman here from 1998 - 2009, passed away last Thursday.'

Over the last 12 summers, I have been a volunteer steward and first-aider at the Globe and had got to know Billy well. He was a larger than life character, a passionate Millwall supporter and an authentic voice from London's East End.

Billy was given a full London Fire Brigade Honour Funeral and there were hundreds of people in attendance. The tributes, sentiments expressed and memories shared were wonderful and heartfelt.

I'll really miss Billy. It is with great sadness ... indeed!