A Blast from the past…
…came to light in a partial "sort out". I can no longer remember when the Fire Station was reduced from shifts to "Day Manning", a system where we were on duty 09:00 --->18:00 and on call, with the Retained lads from 18:00--->09:00.
I seem to remember Chiefie got a medal, either for that OR the above.
"The above" was totally closing it as whole-time, dispatching "us" to one of three "fates":-
1. Early retirement. One I think, stayed on as a kind of Caretaker for his last few weeks/months
2. Carlisle Station, where some of us went.
3. Kendal Station, where the rest went.
We had a Social Club, and Bar, on Station and the above was taken at the last ever time it saw use.
I suppose, now it's not "Past & Present" so much as "Past & Paster". A whole-time Fireman's working life being 25 yrs and this was taken 31 years ago the whole-time lads will all be retired though I know the odd "Womble" is still in harness; or was until very recently.
I also know that at least 12, if not a full Baker's dozen are no longer with us.
I managed between 23 and 24 yrs service before my knees gave up, which means I've been retired longer than I served (26 yrs, though can't recall the months). NOT unusual for any whole-timer.
I admit I had trouble finding me on it.
I wonder if the current Chief got a medal for returning the Station back to "Day-manning" again? AND if it'll ever go back to whole-time?
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Extra - for those still wondering - hacked about & fiddled with.
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