his Page Last Updated: April 24
MEMBERS WHO ARE UNWELL
Clive Teare, Branch Secretary
Clive, who has been the Branch Secretary for a number of years is rather unwell and, as a consequence, has had to stand down as our Branch Secretary. Clive is undergoing treatment and is at home. On behalf of the membership we sincerely thank Clive for his service as the Branch Secretary during the recent difficult times and wish him well for the future.
Geoff Bowles
October 2024
Mick Carson
Mick has returned home following treatment for tancer at Milton Keynes hospital. Mick is in good spirits and would welcome visits from any ex.colleagues but there is a need for these to be co-ordinated with his wife Eve. Tim Parkins is helping with the co-ordination and is acting as Eve's contact point in the first instance. Our best wishes go to Mick.
Geoff Bowles
October 2024
TO THE GREEN FIELDS:
Historical bereavements:
Geoffrey Illingworth: It is with regret that we post the passing to the Green Fields of Geoffrey Illingworth age 75 on Friday 24th February 2012. He was born in Manchester but grew up in High Wycombe and attended the High Wycombe Technical School in Easton Street. Geoffrey served as a National Serviceman in the Royal Air Force and was posted to Cyprus; he was awarded the General Service Medal. On leaving the RAF Geoffrey worked as a toolmaker at Chelton Poppits in Marlow. Geoffrey joined the Buckinghamshire Fire Brigade in January 1964 and served for 25 years at Marlow Station. He received a Commendation for an incident at Little Marlow on the 3rd March 1967. He was awarded the Fire Brigade Long Service & Good Conduct medal after completing 20years service. Geoffrey retired from the Brigade in May 1989. Our condolences go out to Christine his wife, Tracey, Louise, Spencer, Dominic, Tristan and his three Grandchildren. Safe Journey old Comrade to those Green Fields Beyond.
Brian Young: It is with regret that we post the passing of Brian Young on Saturday 17 December 2011 at age 75. Brian was born in Watford on the 14 March 1936. On leaving school Brian joined the Irish Guards in 1954 and saw service in Egypt, Jordan and performed ceremonial duties in London. After leaving the Army Brian joined the London Fire Brigade as a recruit in 1966, shortly after completing his training he served at Finchley station, later he transferred to Buckinghamshire as a fireman, where he served for seven years at Bletchley, he then transferred to Aylesbury where he was promoted to Leading Fireman, serving with White Watch, he later returned to Bletchley Station. Brian was promoted to Sub Officer in 1974 where he remained as officer in charge of his watch for the next five years. Following the completion of the new Fire Station at Gerrards Cross in 1982, Brian became the officer in charge until 1984, when he returned to Bletchley and became part of the Fire Prevention team, Brian was promoted to Station Officer in charge of the Fire Prevention team at Bletchley Station. Brian retired from the Brigade in 1992. Following his retirement and after the passing to the Green Fields by his wife Pearl, Brian re-married and moved to Cardigan Wales where he enjoyed his retirement playing golf. Our condolences go out to his wife and family. Safe Journey old Comrade to those Green Fields Beyond.
Michael Price: It is with regret that we post the passing to the Green Fields of Michael Price age 70 years on Thursday 24 November 2011. Mike was born in Ballycastle Northern Ireland during WW11 as his father was posted there with the Oxford & Bucks LI at the early part of the war. Mike returned to Marlow in 1943. Mike was a true Bucks lad as his history as part of the Price family goes back to 1740 in Marlow. Mike was educated at Marlow-Boys C of E School. On leaving school he worked for YJ Lovell (Builders) in Marlow. Mike joined the Buckinghamshire Fire Service in April 1960 and served for 18 years at Marlow Station. He received a commendation for an incident at Little Marlow on the 3rd March 1967; Mike retired from the Brigade in 1978. With his wife Kate, Mike moved to France in 2002. (Plumaudan Nr Rennes). Our condolences go out to Kate, Robert, Mandy, Nick, Danny and all his Grandchildren. Safe Journey old Comrade to those Green Fields Beyond.
Mick Jordan: It is with regret that we post the passing of Mick Jordan on Friday 30th September 2011 at age 68. Mick was born in Slough on the 21st February 1943. He worked at ICI Paints division where he became the Fire and Safety officer for their plants around the UK. Mick served at Tuns Lane Slough when it was part of the Buckinghamshire Fire Brigade he transferred to Berkshire following the Boundary change. He served there for 20 years as a retained fireman. Mick moved to Eastbourne 15 years ago. Our condolences go out to his wife Eve and Children; Darren, Diane, Shane and Robert. Safe Journey old friend to those Green Fields Beyond.
Jack Cracknell: It is with regret that we post the passing of Jack Cracknell on Saturday 16th July 2011 in his sleep aged 85. he was born in Paddington on the 24 August 1925. Jack served aboard HMS Kent, then HMS Leander a Fleet Class Destroyer, he served in the North Atlantic, escorting Merchant convoys around Bear Island on their way to Murmansk, Russia. he joined Essex Fire Brigade and trained at Dagenham on 1st October 1953, at £8.2.6d per week. Jack served at Loughton, Slough, Buckingham, Loudwater & High Wycombe and retired as Stn/Officer in 1977. On retirement Jack served with various Authorities as a Safety Officer including Pinewood Studios. Following his retirement from the Brigade, Jack became the Secretary and Treasurer of the Buckinghamshire Branch of the National Association of Retired Firefighters serving in that capacity for 20 years, he was a true and dedicated stalwart of the Branch. Due to his failing health Jack moved into care in Braintree, August 2010. Our deepest and sincerest condolances go out to Stephen, Niel, his Sister Eveline and Brother Tom. Safe Journey old friend to those Green Fields Beyond.
Michael William (Mick) Madigan: Mick Passed to the Green Fields on Monday 4th July 2011. Aged 88. Mick was born in Fulham. He was a Royal Navy Man and served during World War 2. He served in the Battleship HMS Anson escorting the Artic Convoys, he transferred to the Destroyer HMS Therion in which he served in the Far East Theatre. On leaving the Navy Mick joined the Fire Brigade in Middlesex. He transferred to Buckinghamshire where he completed 30 years service before retiring. In his retirement Mick and Edith loved to travel, visiting Australia, Newzealand and many other parts of the globe. Our deepest condolances go out to Edith and his two daughters Jean and Patricia. Safe Journey old friend to those Green Fields Beyond.
James Southcott: James passed to the Green Fields on Sunday 15th May 2011 at High Wycombe Hospital Aged 84. He served at High Wycombe and Aylesbury stations. Our sincere condolances to Ian and Alan his two sons.
Cyril Hoad: It is with regret that we post the passing of Cyril Hoad to the Green Fields on the 26th February 2011. Cyril Joined the NFS at Marlow as a Messenger boy during the 1939/45 War, he transferred to the Buckinghamshire Brigade on the cessation of hostilities in 1945, he left the Brigade in 1959 having servrd for 30 years as a retained fireman at Marlow.During his service he attended at Coventry following the bombing of the City, also the London and Southampton docks during the Blitz.He was born in Marlow and grew up and was educated in the town.
Patrick Reynolds: It is with regret theat we post the passing of Pat Reynolds to the Green Fields on the 23rd March 2010. Pat served for many years at Aylesbury and Bletchley. Our sincere condolances go out to Maureen at her sad loss.
Peggy Ward: It is with sadness that we report thet Peggy passed to the Green Fields (August 2009) and was the wife of our past branch president Wilf Ward (CFO). Sadly we were not notified of Peggys passing until this month (May 2010) We understand that she had not been well for some time.
James Boylan: Jim Passed to the Green Fields on the 7th August 2009. Aged 80. Jim joined the Brigade in January 1964 and retired in January 1984. He Joined the Retained at Marlow (23) and transferred after a few years to High Wycombe (24) until retiring. Jim was a great supporter of NARF and the FSNBF continuing to support the FSNBF for a further ten years. Jim had not been well for some years. Our condolences go out to Win and Catherine and Bernadette their Daughters.
John Barker: John passed to the Green Fields on the 16th June 2009 aged: 72. John transferred from London Brigade to High Wycombe in 1965 and served at High Wycombe until 1974, when he transferred back to London and served at Euston.
David Bonham: David Passed to the Green Fields on the 4th June 2009 suddenly. David served at High Wycombe for most of his 27 years service before transferring to Bletchley and Aylesbury, He joined the service in March 1968. Dave was a staunch supporter of the NARF branch and will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolances go out to Elizabeth.
Dennis (Ned) Keating: Dennis passed to the Green Fields on the 24th February 2009. Dennis served at High Wycombe as a Fireman and also as a Driving instructor and finally in Fire Prevention at Aveling Road.
Neil Worrall: Neil passed to the Green Fields on the 2nd February 2009, after a long battle with Parkinsons, Neil served as a Fireman for 18 Years at Marlow Station.
Alfred Elam: Alf Passed to the Green Fields on the 9th March 2009 after a short ilness. Alf served as a Retained Fireman at Marlow Station. He was 65.
Ernie Braithwaite: Ernie passed to the Green Fields on Monday 16th July 2008. Ernie was Sub Officer at High Wycombe Station. He also served at Langley, Menzies Street Slough and Tuns Lane Slough. Our condolences go out to Catherine and all his family. Ernie had moved into sheltered accommodation in Penrith Cumbria in 2005. Ernie was in his 90th Year
Timothy Rooke :Tim Passed to the Green Fields on the 26th August 2008. Tim was Sub Officer in charge of the watch at High Wycombe Station for many years, he finished in the Fire Prevention department at Brigade HQ as a Station Officer. His funeral was at St-Marys Church Princes Risbrough on the 4th September 2008. Tim had been battling with Leukemia for many years. The Brigade formed a guard of honour and many NARF and old serving members attended his farewell. Our sincere condolences to Kathy, Wendy, Richard and Kathrine at their sad loss.
Dennis Deeprose: Dennis passed to the Green Fields on the 18th September 2008. Dennis served at Menzies Street and Tuns Lane Slough and was a control officer at Southern Division (High Wycombe) for many years. Dennis had been unwell for many years and suffered a brain hemorrhage from which he did not recover.
The Publisher Apologises if anyone has been overlooked from this section. If any member is aware of any name that should be added please advise Geoff Bowles at gpbowles@btinternet.com or telephone 01908 670123
Bereavements from 2017:
Terry Price: Terry passed away after a long illness in June 2017. Terry served for many years as a retained firefighter at Marlow and was best known to members as the driving force behind Bucks NARF. Terry was instrumental in setting up International Rescue, which organised the original British firefighters efforts to assist in international disasters, taking inspiration from the TV series of the same name, and was the forunner of the current UKSAR. Terry was an active meber of the Marlow and South Bucks communityTerry and took a great interest in the healthcare interests of South Bucks residents. He is survived by his wife Pauline who helped Terry in his work for Bucks NARF, in particular with the members annual dinner. Our sincere condolences to Pauline and the Price family.
Richard Bean: Richard passed away in December 2017. Richard joined Buckinghamshire from Avon FB and rose in the ranks to Divisional Officer, serving for a number of years as the Brigade Training Officer at BHQ. He represented the brigade as a District examiner for the practical promotion examinations to junior officer. Richard was also the driving force behind the Bucks FB first aid team in the 1970's which went on to compete successfully at regional and national level. Our sincere condolences go to Richard's family.
Bob Peppler: Bob passed away on the 7th June 2018. Bob was the retained Station Officer at Waddesdon for a number of years and worked for the Waddesdon Estate. He moved to Christchurch in Dorset on retirement. Bob was cremated in Bournemouth on 26th June 2018 but no further details are available. Our sincere condolences go the Bob's family.
William (Bill) Phipps:Bill passed away on 20 August 2018 following a long illness. Bill served in the Defence Fire Service and as a retained crew manager in Bucks F&RS.Bill's funeral was held at Long Crendon Baptist Church on 14th September 2018. Our sincere condolences go to Bill's family.
Brian Baker : Brian passed away on Tuesday 15th January 2019 in Milton Keynes hospital aged 65. Brian suffered from diabetes which resulted in him having a leg amputated some years ago but he remained active and continued to enjoy his retirement with his family. Unfortunately, Brian developed COPD and heart complications recently from which he failed to recover. Brian transferred to Bucks from the Isle of Wight FB serving as a sub officer at Bletchley before progressing through the ranks to Assistant Divsional Officer Fire Safety at Aylesbury. On reirement from Bucks Brian was employed by Milton Keynes Council as their Petroleum Officer and finally set up his own consultancy as a Petroleum industry adviser. Our sincere condolences go to Brian's wife and family.
Mike Haycock: Mike passed away on 23 February 2019 aged 88. Mike joined Buckinghamshire Fire Brigade following service with the Royal Marines and British Railways. Mike served initially at the old Slough Fire Station in Mackenzie Street before moving to the new station in Tuns Lane. He progressed through the ranks in Bucks serving at High Wycombe, Langley and latterly, as Sation Officer at Slough. Slough and Langley were absorbed into Berkshire in 1974 and Mike later moved to Newbury on promotion to Assistant Divsional Officer before finishing his service as an ADO at Berkshie HQ Reading. Mikes funeral was held in Berkshire on 14 March 2019 and was well attended by ex colleagues from Bucks and Berks. Our sincere condolences go to Mike's family.
Harry (Sam) Weller : Information came to light in June 2019 that Harry had sadly passed away. Unfortunately no further information is available. Harry served at Slough for some years during the 1960's and went on to become the Brigade hydrant inspector for Southern Division. Our sincere condolences go the Harry's family.
Bernie Shafe: Bernie sadly passed away on the 12th March 2020. His funeral was held at Amersham crematorium on 2nd April 2020. Unfortunately only family members were allowed to attend due to Coronavirus restrictions. Bernie served at High Wycombe and latterly at Beaconsfield. Our sincere condolences go to Bernie's family
Jeffrey Goddard: Our President and former Chief Officer Jeff Goddard sadley passed away on Monday 13 April 2020 after a long battle with illness. Jeff served as CFO between 1987 and 2004, making him the longest serving Chief Officer of Bucks. Jeff started his career in Cheshire and served in GMC and North Yorshire before moving south in the 1980's to become SDO in Northamptonshire then on as DCO in Royal Berkshire before eventually moving to Bucks in 1987. Jeff was our President throughout his service in Bucks and remained so in retirement up to his passing. He was an active supporter of NARF both locally and nationally and served on the national pensions committee for some years during his retiremet. Unfortunately, due to coronavirus restrictions, it was not possible for a public funeral to be held and he was cremated in Northampton on 22 April 2020 in a close family ceremony. The family have pledged to hold a memorial service on the corresponding date of the 13th March in 2021 at which it will be possible to celebrate Jeff's life. Our sincere condolences go to Lynda Goddard his wife and to all his family.
Jim Dunbar
Jim sadly passed away at home on Tuesday 28 July 2020 at the age of 83 after suffering from cancer and heart failure. Jim joined the fire service with Liverpool City FB in 1960. He moved to St. Helens County Borough FB in 1972 as a Stn.O. and stayed in St. Helens after it was absorbed into the new Merseyside FB in 1974. Jim moved to Buckinghamshire in 1976 as the ADO Fire Safety in Central Divsion. In 1979 he moved on secondment to the FSC for two years before returning to Bucks as a DO in 1981 as the Deputy Senior Fire Safety Officer. Jim was promoted to SDO in 1990 as the SFSO before retiring later that year. After retirement Jim spent some time with the Fire Service Inspectorate as an Assistant Inspector and later moved into the rail industry wher he worked on the Channel Tunnel Project. Jim was a great supporter of the FSNBF (Firefighters Charity) and spent much time on fund matters during his time in Bucks. Jim leaves a wife, two sons, a daughter and several grandchildren. Our condolences have been sent to the family.
Barry May - Leybourne
Barry sadly passed away on 25th November 2020 following a short battle with cancer. Barry was born in Newcastle in 1950 and moved to Bucks in 1970 where he joined Bucks FB. He was stationed at High Wycombe but also served for a short period as a retained fireman at Slough. Barry served his whole career in Bucks at Wycombe and retired in 1996 having achieved the rank of L/Fm. He worked in the Health and Safety industry in retirement and worked with David Deane Associates in the film industry. He then started his own safety and risk assessment business and continued his assocation with the film industry working all around the world on films including James Bond. Barry finally retired from his business in 2017 but continued to keep busy with part time jobs in Dorset where he had moved from Bucks. Barry was a typical Geordie character who was popular with his colleagues. Barry's funeral was held in Yeovil on 29 December 2020 and he is survived by his wife Jackie, a son and daughter and as well as a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Or condolences go to the family.
William (Bill) Perry
Bill passed away on 20 November 2020. He joined Bucks in 1958 as a transfer from London and served for 6 years rising through the ranks to become Assistant Divisional Officer in Southern Division befor moving to Surrey in 1972 on promotion to DO. Bill served in Surrey until 1981 rsiing through the ranks to become DCFO. In 1981 Bill moved to HM Fire Service Inspectorate as an HMI before retiring in 1985. Bill's funeral was held at Poole crematorium on 8 December 2020. Our condolences go to the family
Bernard Hillyard
Bernie passed away on 5 January 2021. Bernie served as a firefighter at Aylesbury and was a long standing member of the Branch. His funeral was held at Amersham crematorium on 17 February 2021 and our condolences go to his family.
Jack Plumridge
Jack passed away on 26 February 2021 aged 95. Jack served with the Royal Navy during WW2 and joined Bucks Fire Brigade in 1951 as a retained firefighter at High Wycombe. Jack served in the retained unit at Wycombe until 1980 reaching the rank of Sub.O in charge of the unit. On retirement from operational service he moved to Brigade control where he served until 1990 before retiring from the service and moving to North Yorkshire. The funeral was held at Darlington crematorium on 15 March 2021 and our condolences go to the family.
John Youngs
Information was received on 4 March 2022 that John had sadly passed away during 2021. It is believed that John served at Aylesbury during the 70's. and was a long standing member of the Branch. No further details are available. Our condolences go to John's family.
Arthur Ellis
Arthur sadly passed away on 1 April 2022 at the age of 92. Arthur served with the RAF police after WW2 before joining the fire service in Buckinghamshire in 1955. His first sation was at the old McKenzie Street station Slough and he was the last surviving member of that era. He moved to the new sation at Tuns Lane Slough in 1956 then on to Langley in 1963. He also served as a retained firefighter at Burnham where he lived. Prior to Slough and Langley transferring to Royal Berks in 1974 Arthur transferred to Wycombe and served the rest of his career there before retiring in 1981. Arthur was a long standing member of the Branch and his funeral was held at Amersham Creatorium on 28 th April 2022. Our condolences go to his widow Carole and to his family.
Chris Stevens
Chris sadly passed away on 5 April 2022 following a long illness. Chris served at Slough and retired in 1978 and was a long standing member of the Branch. No further details are available. Our condolences go to his wife Pauline and family.
April 22
Roland Goss
Roland sadly passed away on 3 March 2022 at the age of 92. Roland started in Buckinghamshire in the 1960's serving as a firefighter and junior officer at Aylesbury before moving into Fire Prevention at C Div HQ as a Station Officer. He subsequently moved to N Div HQ at Bletchley on promotion to ADO where he was in charge of Fire Prevention. Roland retired sometime in the 1980's or 90's. He was a long standing member of the Branch and supported many of the activities. Our condolences go to his daughter Christine and the rest of his family.
June 22
Arthur Letteboer
Arthur sadly passed away on 2 September 2022. Arthur served at High Wycombe and Beaconsfield and was a long standing member of the Branch. No further details are available. Our condolences go to his family.
Eric Frost
Eric sadly passed away on 8 September 2022. Eric served in Middlesex and London before transferring to Bucks in the 1960's where he served at Bletchley. Eric was a long standing member of the Bucks Branch. His funeral took place at Crownhill crematorium Milton Keynes on 23 September 2022. Our sincere condolences go to his wife and family.
William (Bill) Edwards
Bill passed away on the 2 June 2023 at the age of 85. Bill served as a firefighter at Aylesbury for 25 years before a medical discharge saw him moving into a civilian post at BHQ where he worked in Brigade stores up to retirement. Bill was a long standing member of the Branch and his funeral took place at Bierton Crematorium Aylesbury on 29 June 2023. Our sincere condolences go to his wife and family.
John Coombs
John passed away on 22 June 2023 aged 74 after suffering from cancer. John served as a retained firefighter at Princes Risborough and in BHQ Control where he progressed to become GFCO, completing over 30 years service in the brigade. A private funeral service was held on 12 July 2023 followed by a Thanksgiving Service at St. Mary's Church, Princes Risborough. John was a long standing member of the Bucks Branch and our sincere condolences go to his wife Sue and to his family.
Raymond Hedges
Ray passed away on the 17 June 23 at the age of 89.
Ray served as a retained firefighter at High Wycombe stationed at Priory Road and St Mary Street. He rose through the ranks to Sub Officer before retiring after 28 Years service in 1985. Ray's wife Rosemary sadly passed away a few days after him. A joint funeral was held at Amersham Crematorium on 21st July 23. Ray and Rosemary were long standing supporters of the Branch and both will be sorely missed. Our condolences go to Ray's family.