We say farewell to our friend, colleague and a founder member, Michael "Mick" Gilbey. LFB retd.

Today, December 20th 2024, we said farewell to one of our founder members, Michael (Mick) Gilbey. Mick, like many of the original members, was drawn to our embryonic group in late 2014 when he, along with 68 others, first saw the post about 240FLM being for sale and the desire to form a collective to purchase it, and subsequently restore it. Mick had been a “TL” operator in the LFB and would always refer to the control panel at the operators seat at the rear as “His Office”! Mick had spent the vast majority of his Fire Service career in the London Fire Brigade, both LCC and LFB after Initially joining the old West Ham Fire Brigade in 1964 following a stint as a Post Office motorcycle messenger. Mick served at both Stratford and Plaistow during which time  he had become very familiar with the Merryweather brand of appliances so his decision to become a founder member was absolutely no surprise.
Not content with serving his full term on station, after retirement, Mick re enrolled into the Brigades “Card Index” department where he remained until finally hanging up his boots and pens having served a total of 42 years.
Post retirement, Mick and his family moved to the South West of England, near to Yeovil in Somerset, which unfortunately prevented his from being a “hands on “ member, however, this did not stop him from providing valuable historical information about the “FLM” fleet and various appliance stowage variations. He was also keen to offer his services when a similar appliance was discovered not far from his home. A couple of messages to provide the details and what we needed and he was on his way to pester the owner about the possibility of purchasing some of the items we were missing. Although unsuccessful, he continued to hunt in the general area for anything we could use.
 
So we say goodbye to an old friend and colleague and offer our most sincere condolences to Micks family, friends and former colleagues.
 
Thank you Mick.
Stand down sir.


Please note images used in this article are subject to the usual group copyright policy. we politely ask that no reproduction takes place. 

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