The Next Sheffield and Rotherham Branch Meeting
Will be held at 7.30 pm, on Tuesday, 21st January 2025, in the Community Room at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Headquarters, Eyre Street, Sheffield S1 3FG. How to gain access to the HQ Car Park and the Meeting Room are included in this downloadable guidance
5 November 2024
SYFRS Bulletin 44
To read The Bulletin, Click here
31 October 2024
NARF Awards & Recognition Policy Statement
NARF National Council members are committed to recognising and rewarding individual or groups of members of the Association who have made or continue to make a valuable contribution to the Association. This policy document sets out the available route for rewarding excellent performance both on an ongoing and sustained basis.
To view the policy click <here>
30 October 2024
Valediction - Retried Assistant Divisional Officer, Mr Richard Ash
It is with deepest regret that the Service has been informed of the death of Retired Assistant Divisional Officer, Mr Richard Ash, aged 90 years on Tuesday 15 October 2024.
Mr Ash began his career with the Fire Service in August 1955 where he served at Elm Lane Fire Station and E-Division Headquarters up until his retirement in October 1987.
The funeral service is to be held on Wednesday 6 November 2024 at 1130 hours, at South Chapel, Grenoside Crematorium, 5 Skew Hill Lane, Grenoside, Sheffield S35 8RZ followed by a reception at Eric Eyre The Funeral Home, 2-4 Mortomley Lane, High Green, Sheffield S35 3HR.
Please note, if using satellite navigation, the reception venue is located just at the roundabout opposite Sainsbury's Local.
Family flowers only and if desired donations may be made to The Fire Fighters Charity where donation boxes will also be available at the service. The family would welcome anyone wishing to attend.
28 October 2024
SYFRS Bulletin 43
To read The Bulletin, click here
26 October 2024
FireSport UK (formally FSSAA)
FireSport UK (formally FSSAA) encourages all forms of sport and athletics, both indoor and outdoor, for the benefit of serving and retired members of the Fire & Rescue Service of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. It also promotes, organises, and does all things necessary to provide, establish and support competitions, championships and events of a like nature.
FireSport UK oversees a wide spectrum of different sporting activities from angling to walking and mountaineering and for the first time these different activities (or 'Sections') are brought together in one easily accessible location; informing the viewer of new or up and coming events taking place at a local, national and international level.
Visit their site FireSport UK (formally FSSAA) which provides details of how to enter the events, what the results were or how to contact the key organisers if you have any queries.
23 October 2024
SYFRS Bulletin 42
To read The Bulletin, click here
18 October 2024
Updated Valediction - Retired Senior Divisional Officer, Kenneth (Ken) Lawrence Mettam
The Service has now informed us further details regarding the death of Retired Senior Divisional Officer, Mr Kenneth (Ken) Lawrence Mettam, aged 86 years on Sunday 6 October 2024.
Mr Mettam began his career with the Sheffield City Fire Brigade in May 1959, where he served at numerous locations including Woodhouse, Darnall Road and Division Street Fire Stations. Mr Mettam served as Senior Divisional Officer Staff, at CFSHQ Furnival House in the 1980's. Following this he was transferred to West Division, Wellington Street, as Divisional Commander. A post in which he served up until his retirement in November 1990.
The funeral service is to be held on Thursday 31 October 2024 at 1530 hours, Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium, Hutcliffe Wood Road, Sheffield S8 0HN followed by a reception at the Abbeydale Golf Club, Twentywell Lane, Dore, Sheffield S17 4QA.
Family flowers only and if desired, donations may be made to The British Heart Foundation online or at the service.
The family would welcome anyone wishing to attend.
16 October 2024
SYFRS Bulletin
To read The Bulletin, click here
9 October 2024
Valediction Retired Senior Divisional Officer Kenneth Mettam
It is regret that we have to inform that Ex SDO Ken Mettam passed away at 6:00 am on Sunday 6th October, 2024, at the Northern General Hospital.
Our thoughts are with his wife Joan, and all the members of his family, at this very sad time.
At present we have no further details but we will keep you informed when more information becomes available.
9 October
Valediction - Retired Firefighter, Mr Peter Hall
It is with deepest regret that the Service has been informed of the death of Retired Firefighter, Mr Peter Hall, aged 85 years on Friday 27 September 2024.
Mr Hall began his career with the Fire Service in November 1966 where he served at numerous locations including Erskine Road and Oaks Lane Fire Stations up until his retirement in July 1988.
The funeral service is to be held on Tuesday 15 October 2024 at 1445 hours, at Rotherham Crematorium, Ridgeway, East Herringthorpe, Rotherham S65 3NN followed by a get together at The Tabard, Herringthorpe Valley Road, Rotherham S65 3BA.
Family flowers only and if desired donations may be made to Rotherham Hospice, where donation boxes will also be available at the service.
The family would welcome anyone wishing to attend.
7 October 2024
SYFRS Bulletin
To read The Bulletin, click here
1 October 2024
SYFRS Bulletin
To read The Bulletin, click here
21 September 2024
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue 50 years Celebration
SYFRS have now informed us that they now have 50 bookings for the event, and they look forward to welcoming everyone on Friday 27 September, 11.30am to 1.30pm. They have also informed us that everyone who has booked to attend will be catered for, and that there will be a few more places in case there are any extra attendees.
Unfortunately, the Microsoft® booking system they have used means that they have been unable to respond to the individual bookings.
13 September 2024
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue 50 years Celebration
South Yorkshire Fire Service retirees are invited to a 50 years celebration event on Friday 27 September, 11.30am to 1.30pm.
The event will take place in the main hall at the service’s Training & Development Centre, Beaver Hill Road, Sheffield, S13 9QA.
At present 40 people have signed up to this event, and the service has indicated that they can still accommodate a few more guests, so if you know anyone who might like to attend please feel free to share the SYFR sign up link with them below.
https://forms.office.com/e/1GY2Se4VH8
However, if you are unable to open the link please email me at: info@narfsheffield.org.uk with the following information:
Full Name(s) of Guest(s)
Any dietary requirements
Number of Places Required
I will then fill in an submitted the online form for you. I hope this will help as a number of members have had difficulty opening the Microsoft Form.
Regards,
Ted Mullins
NARF South Yorkshire Area Membership Treasurer
13 September 2024
Red Plaque Unveiling to at Parkway Fire Station
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On the 12 September a memorial to Sub Officer Bob Smith and Fireman Paul Parkin, who were fatally injured at at the British Steel Tinsley Works, Shepcote Lane, Sheffield was unveiled at Parkway Fire Station.
On the afternoon of the 25th February 1974, whilst crews from Darnall Road, Mansfield Road and Division Street Fire Stations were attending a fire caused the leakage of molten metal at the British Steel Corporation’s Tinsley Plant of Shepcote Lane, an explosion occurred as fire crews were tackling a flow of molten metal, which was pouring from a soaking pits used to re-heat ingots prior to rolling.
Each pit could take up to 70 tons of steel. There were five ingots, each weighing 12 tons in the pit when the explosion took place, an explosion of such force that it was heard half a mile away by other workers. From all accounts at the time, it appears that the Darnall fire crew took the full force of the blast. All the injured were transported to the Northern General Hospital, and Royal Infirmary.
| Detained at the Northern General Hospital Burns Unit: Peter Childe (Fireman) Bob Codman (Fireman) Brian Ellis (Station Officer) Paul Parkin (Fireman) Bob Smith (Sub Officer) |
Treated at the Royal Infirmary and released: Frank Davis (Fireman) Ernest Greaves (BSC Worker) Bob Johnson (Fireman) Peter Knutton (Assistant Divisional Officer) Charles Mason (BSC Worker) Ken Needham (Fireman) David Rosewarne (Fireman) Barry Whittaker (Fireman) |
On the 28th February 1974, Sub-Officer Bob Smith aged 47, of Cartmell Road, Woodseats, lost his fight for life.
Bob, aged 47, was stationed at Darnall, served in the Sheffield Fire Brigade for 23 years. He left a wife and a son, Christopher, aged nine.
On the 10th March 1974 the explosion claimed its second victim when Fireman Paul Parkin, of Bramley Drive, Handsworth died in hospital. He was 27.
Paul, left a widow Barbara and two daughters, Marie aged 5 years, and Suzanne aged 3 years, he had been fighting for his life in the Northern General Hospital. Barbara was three months pregnant at the time of his death with their third child, Mark Paul Parkin, who was born in September 1974.
To honour Bob and Paul Wreaths were laid by Paul's daughter Marie Burditt, Bob's son Christopher Smith, Chief Fire Officer Chris Kirby, Deputy Lord Mayor of Sheffield Councillor Safiya Saeed, Ted Mullins NARF South Yorkshire Area Treasurer, and the Assistant FBU General Secretary Ben Shelby.
Our thanks go to Alex Wilson FBU Brigade Organiser, South Yorkshire, for driving this project forward.
29 July 2024
Valediction – Retired Assistant Divisional Officer, Mr Brian Copley
It is with regret that the Service has informed us of the death of retired Assistant Divisional Officer, Mr Brian Copley aged 87 years, on Thursday 25 July 2024.
Mr Copley commenced his career with the Fire Service in June 1965 where served at various locations, including Adwick-le-Street Fire Station, Rotherham Fire Station, Rotherham District Fire Safety and Division Street Headquarters up until his retirement in June 1994.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday 14 August 2024 at 1615 hours, Rotherham Crematorium, Ridgeway, East Herringthorpe, Rotherham S65 3NN.
Following the service, all family and friends are invited for some refreshments at the Herringthorpe United Reformed Church, Wickersley Road, Rotherham S60 4SN.
Family flowers only and if desired donations may be made to British Heart Foundation, where donation boxes will also be available at the service.
The family would welcome anyone wishing to attend.
29 July 2024
Valediction Mr A. G. Webster
It is with deepest regret that we record the death of Retired Member Mr. A. G. Webster, on Monday 1st July 2024.
There are no further details available at this time.
24 July 2024
Applications from New Members - Instructions from NARF National Membership Secretary
"Following National Council Meeting 04th October 2023 all NEW members if they want can have a photo ID Card from the 01st November 2023.
The New Member should send a passport type of photograph showing head and shoulders to the following email: NARF.Membership11@wmnarf.net
Failure to send photograph after one week will result in normal membership card being issued."
17 July 2024
SYFR Retirees Celebration Event
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue is pleased to invite retired staff members to a celebration event on Friday 27 September, 11.30am to 1.30pm.
The event will take place in the main hall at the service’s Training & Development Centre on Beaver Hill Road, Sheffield, S13 9QA.
The event is being held as part of the service’s 50th anniversary celebrations. It will include a finger buffet and an opportunity for past staff members to catch up and reminisce.
Please note that capacity at the venue is limited, therefore attendees must book their attendance by completing a short form here https://forms.office.com/e/1GY2Se4VH8
There is limited car parking available on site, though on-street parking may also be available in the local area.
Alternatively, the 52a bus (First) stops outside the training centre. Woodhouse train station is a 10 minute walk from the venue.
We very much look forward to welcoming you in September.
16 July 2024
New ‘Elizabeth Emblem’ unveiled to commemorate public servants who died in line of duty
Police officers, firefighters and other public servants who died in the line of duty will be commemorated with new Elizabeth Emblem. A National form of recognition conferred by His Majesty Charles III will be awarded to next of kin.
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The award is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.
The design of the Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown. It is inscribed with ‘For A Life Given In Service’, and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse of the Emblem. It will include a pin to allow the award to be worn on clothing by the next of kin of the deceased.
The Emblem recognises how the sacrifices made by public servants who have lost their lives as a result of their duty could be recognised within the honour's system.
- Families of fallen firefighter's can retrospectively apply for the emblem via the GOV.UK website.
- Applications can be made back to 1948 and the framework for the recognition is closely mirrored to that of the Elizabeth Cross which is awarded to military personnel.
- The design of the emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown. It is inscribed with ‘For A Life Given In Service’, and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse.
Nominations will be reviewed by the George Cross Committee and recommendations then made to His Majesty The King via the Prime Minister.
Recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem will receive their award from a senior representative such as a Chief Constable, Chief Fire Officer or His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant.
04 June 2024
Report by Francis Byrne NARF National Public Services Pensions Council Representative
Following my attendance at the 2024 AGM of the PSPC and sadly have to report that after 70+ years of supporting the interests of those in receipt of a public service pension the difficult decision was taken to disband the organisation.
In recent years membership has been falling to a level where the subscriptions received were barely sufficient to meet expenditure and the financial situation was not helped during the period of lock down due to subscription invoices not being sent out.
Following the AGM in 2023 the Chair requested that back subscriptions were brought up to date and affiliates responded positively.
This income enabled the PSPC to clear outstanding arrears accrued for secretarial services and left a modest surplus.
At that AGM the Chair reported that the situation would be reviewed for the 2024 AGM and if it remained the same the PSPC would not be solvent.
Unfortunately, this resulted in the Executive Committee proposing that the PSPC be disbanded and this was passed unanimously.
There is now no national collective organisation solely representing the interests of public service pensioners.
Francis Byrne May 2024
07 May 2024
Valediction - Retired Station Officer, Mr Jeffrey ‘Jeff’ Simpson
It is with deepest regret that we record the death of Retired Station Officer, Mr Jeffrey ‘Jeff’ Simpson aged 69 years on Thursday 11 April 2024.
Jeff began his career with the Fire Service in May 1983 where he served mainly at Mansfield Road Fire Station up until his retirement in May 2013.
The funeral service is to be held on Monday 13 May 2024 at 1445 hours, Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium, Hutcliffe Wood Road, Sheffield S8 0EZ followed by a get together at The Greystones Pub, Greystones Road, Sheffield S11 7BS.
Family flowers only and if desired, donations may be made to The Fire Fighters Charity.
The family would welcome anyone wishing to attend.
7 April 2024
Branch Meeting and AGM - 16 April 2024
Dear Member,
Please be reminded that the AGM of the NARF Sheffield and Rotherham and AGM will be held on the Tuesday, 16th April, 2024 at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue HQ, Eyre Street, Sheffield S1 3FG, commencing at 7:30 pm. The AGM will be followed by a ordinary branch meeting. Also see 'Community Room Access'.
If you wish you can download and open the following documents
- 16 April 2024 -AGM Agenda
- 16 April 2024 - Meeting Agenda
- Treasurers Annual Report (1st January to 31st December 2023)
We look forward to seeing members at the forthcoming meeting.
On behalf of the Branch Secretary -Arthur Levick.
3 April 2024
National Association of Retired Firefighters - Annual General Meeting
The NARF National Annual General Meeting will be held at The Village Hotel, Tempus Drive, Walsall. WS2 8TJ on Sunday 14 April 2024, at 1100 hours.
3 March 2024
To All Members
Please be advised that the Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held in the Village Hotel, Tempus Drive, Walsall. WS2 8TJ on Sunday 14th April 2024 commencing at 1100 hours. Coffee will be available from 1030. Please advise me if any of your members are planning to attend for catering purposes.
Regards
Michael Halley, National Secretary/Treasurer
3 March 2024
To All Members -
Ballot to Change the name of the Association to the National Association of Retired Fire Service Personnel
Please be advised that due to no fault of the Association, a number of members have not received the ballot form for the Change to the name of the Association. As Council cannot determine who has and who has not received a ballot paper it has taken the decision to suspend the ballot with immediate effect.
General Council will review the situation immediately but the proposal will NOT be discussed at the April AGM. Members will be advised of the outcome in due course.
Council apologies to those members who taken the trouble to vote prior to this email.
Regards
Michael Halley,National Secretary/Treasurer
30 January 2024
Valediction - Retired Station Officer, Mr David Wales
It is with sadness that we have to report the recent passing of David Wales on 21st January 2024.
Our thoughts are with David's family at this sad time.
We will keep you informed if further details become available.
30 January 2024
Valediction - Mr. G. R. Green
It is with sadness that we have to report the passing of Mr. G.R. Green on 14th December 2023.
Our thoughts are with Mr Green's family at this sad time.
We will keep you informed if further details become available.
16 January 2024
Valediction - Retired Sub Officer, Mr Neville Tyler
It is with deepest regret that the Service has been informed of the death of Retired Sub Officer, Mr Neville Tyler aged 85 years on Sunday 24 December 2023
Nev began his career with the Fire Service in September 1959 where he served at various locations including Mansfield Road and Mosborough Fire Stations up until his retirement in November 1989.
The funeral service is to be held on Friday 26 January 2024 at 1100 hours, Mosborough Methodist Church, 8 Chapel Street, Mosborough, Sheffield S20 5BT followed by a private family burial. While the family are at the burial service, they have invited all friends and colleagues to join them at the British Oak pub, 1 Mosborough Moor, Mosborough, Sheffield S20 5AY where they will reconvene with some refreshments.
Family flowers only and if desired, donations may be made to Thornberry Animal Sanctuary, The Stables, Todwick Road, North Anston, Sheffield S25 3SE.
The family would welcome anyone wishing to attend.
16 January 2024
Valediction - Retired Firefighter, Mr Neil Remington
It is with deepest regret that the Service has been informed of the death of Retired Firefighter, Mr Neil Remington aged 80 years on Saturday 6 January 2024.
Mr Remington began his career with the Fire Service in March 1969 where he served at various locations, including Central, Elm Lane and Darnall Road Fire Stations up until his retirement in February 2008.
The funeral service is to be held on Tuesday 30 January 2024 at 1315 hours, Rotherham Crematorium, Ridgeway, Rotherham S65 3NN followed by a reception at the Treeton Cricket Club, Washfield Lane, Treeton, Rotherham S60 5PU.
Flowers welcome and if desired, donations may be made to the British Heart Foundation.
The family would welcome anyone wishing to attend.
16 January 2024
Valediction - Retired Estates Helpdesk Operative, Mr Tim Toulson
It is with deepest regret that the Service has been informed of the death of retired Estates Helpdesk Operative, Mr Tim Toulson, aged 67 years on Thursday 28 December 2023.
Tim began his career with the Fire Service in April 2012 where he served as a Maintenance Operative Driver (MOD), then Estates Helpdesk Operative until his retirement in November 2021.
The funeral service is to be held on Friday 2 February 2024 at 1030 hours, Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium, Periwood Lane, Beauchief , Sheffield S8 0HP followed by a reception at the Moor View Golf Centre, Bradway Road, Bradway, Sheffield, S17 4QU.
Flowers welcome and if desired, donations may be made to The Oesophageal Patients Association - Cancer Charity.
The family would welcome anyone wishing to attend.
11 January 2024
Valediction Retired South Yorkshire Firefighter Mr Neil Remington
It is with sadness that we have to report the recent passing of Neil Remington.
Our thoughts are with Neil's family at this sad time.
1 January 2024
NARF Sheffield and Rotherham Branch Meetings
Dear Members
Our next meeting will be held on the Tuesday, 16th January, 2024 at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue HQ, Eyre Street, Sheffield S1 3FG, commencing at 7:30 pm.
I appreciate that holding our meetings on Tuesday’s is a break from the usual Monday night tradition, however, we have had to make this change due to the fact that the conference room at Eyre Street is used on Monday nights by a mental health charity. To ensure the continuity of the availability of our new meeting place, we have booked the following dates in advance:
16th January 2024
16th April 2024
16th July 2024
15th August 2024
Because SYFR HQ is a secure venue we have only been issued with 2 access cards for the back entrance door, and the following paragraph details access and parking information for all members.
Access the HQ car park via Jessop Street, off Eyre Street, the car park barrier will automatically raise when you drive up to it. Please, only park to the left of the entrance as the car park spaces to the right along the wall are for operational personnel only. Once parked go to the central rear door and a pass holder will let you in, and direct you to conference room, which is on the same level and only 20ft from the door. Do not worry if you are late, simply ring one of the telephone numbers below and someone will come and open the door for you.
Mick Hurst: 07766 920397
Arthur Levick: 07933 565349
Ted Mullins: 07580 926103
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Mick, Arthur and Ted
22 December 2023
Valediction - Retired South Yorkshire Sub Officer, Alan Beecroft
It is with deepest regret that the Service has informed us of the death of NARF Barnsley and Doncaster branch member Alan Beecroft, aged 75 years on Sunday 10 December 2023.
Alan began his career in January 1968 where he served at High Green, Darnall, and Barnsley Fire Stations and the Brigade Training Centre until his retirement in September 1998. After which, for many years, he served NARF as the national standard bearer.
The funeral service is to be held on Tuesday 9 January 2024 at 10:10am at Ardsley Crematorium, Doncaster Road, Ardsley, Barnsley S71 5EH.
Family flowers only and if desired, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.
The family would welcome anyone wishing to attend.
18 December 23
Message from the National Secretary
On behalf of our President Francis Byrne and members of the National Council, I send best wishes all our members for 2024.
May I remind you that the closing date for nominations for the post of Vice President and motions for the AGM In April 2024 MUST be with me by 31st December 2023
Regards
Michael Halley
National Secretary/Treasurer
8 December 23
Valediction – Retired Firefighter, Mr Stephen Gerald Gelsthorpe
It is with deepest regret that the Service has informed us of the death of retired Firefighter, Mr Stephen Gerald Gelsthorpe, aged 63 years on Thursday 21 November 2023.
Mr Gelsthorpe began his career with the Fire Service in August 1978 where serving at Mansfield Road, and Aston Park Fire Stations. He retired in May 2010.
No attendance required as a direct cremation was held privately.
A donation will be made to the Fire Fighters Charity in his name.