86 Fires & 14 Near Misses in Heritage Buildings
Recorded on the Database in March & April 2020.
(A Fire is defined as an uncontrolled and unwanted burning event (including explosion) causing damage to a heritage building and/or contents by at least one of the following: flame, heat, smoke or blast)
(A Near Miss is defined as an event in a heritage building that had the potential to start a fire, or a fire adjacent to a heritage building that, without intervention, could have spread to that building)
* on the incident time indicates only the approximate time of the incident is known
Recorded on the Database in March & April 2020.
(A Fire is defined as an uncontrolled and unwanted burning event (including explosion) causing damage to a heritage building and/or contents by at least one of the following: flame, heat, smoke or blast)
(A Near Miss is defined as an event in a heritage building that had the potential to start a fire, or a fire adjacent to a heritage building that, without intervention, could have spread to that building)
* on the incident time indicates only the approximate time of the incident is known
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“Shame on those who remain unmoved, whose pace fails to quicken, on entering one of these old habitations, a manor-house falling to wrack and ruin or a desecrated church!”
Petrus Borel, (1809 – 1859), French writer of the Romantic Period
Petrus Borel, (1809 – 1859), French writer of the Romantic Period
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Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection
Preventing Fire, Protecting Life, Preserving Heritage
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April - 50 Fires & 8 Near Misses
30 April 2020 (18:15) Firefighters tackle blaze at Coventry pub
Firefighters were called to a Coventry pub last night after a blaze started in the chimney. Crews from Coventry and Binley fire stations were sent to tackle the flames after receiving a 999 call at around 6.15pm. Upon arrival, they found a fire within the chimney of The Humber pub, on Humber Road in Gosford Green. The hydraulic platform was used, raising firefighters above the property, and from there a hose was used to extinguish the flames.
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "We received a 999 call at 6.15 yesterday to a property on Humber Road in Gosford Green. We sent a fire engine and a brigade response team from Binley station and a hydraulic platfrom from Coventry. The first team arrived on scene in four minutes. Officers arrived to a chimney fire in a two-storey public house which was put out using a hose jet on the hydraulic platform. The stop message was received at 7.46pm and fire crews carried out a re-visit to the property in the early hours of this morning to check there were no hot spots." Firefighters returned this morning (May 1) to check there were no hotspots.
The pub, originally known as the Humber Hotel, was established in around 1910.
News Source: Coventry Live
A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "We received a 999 call at 6.15 yesterday to a property on Humber Road in Gosford Green. We sent a fire engine and a brigade response team from Binley station and a hydraulic platfrom from Coventry. The first team arrived on scene in four minutes. Officers arrived to a chimney fire in a two-storey public house which was put out using a hose jet on the hydraulic platform. The stop message was received at 7.46pm and fire crews carried out a re-visit to the property in the early hours of this morning to check there were no hot spots." Firefighters returned this morning (May 1) to check there were no hotspots.
The pub, originally known as the Humber Hotel, was established in around 1910.
News Source: Coventry Live
30 April 2020 (04:26) - Firefighters tackle 'deliberately started' fire in four-storey Somerset property
Firefighters responded to reports from police of a fire in a building - which was deliberately started. Crews from Frome were sent to the four-storey property, in Selwood Road, Frome, at around 4.30am yesterday morning (April 30).
The log from the fire service reads: "We received a request from police to attend the above location to reports of smoke in a building with the alarms sounding. Two fire engines from Frome attended. On arrival, crews confirmed there was smoke in the communal stairwell of a property and the alarms were sounding. All persons were confirmed as accounted for. This was a building consisting of four floors, measuring approximately 70m by 70m and used as multiple flats. The fire was confirmed as being in the communal stairwell. 1 hose reel jet was used. The fire caused fire and smoke damage to the area. The cause was deliberate." An investigation is now underway.
The fire was at the former Selwood Printing Works, a remarkable industrial building built between 1866 and 1870, and now converted to apartments. Surprisingly it is not a listed building.
News Source: Somerset Live
The log from the fire service reads: "We received a request from police to attend the above location to reports of smoke in a building with the alarms sounding. Two fire engines from Frome attended. On arrival, crews confirmed there was smoke in the communal stairwell of a property and the alarms were sounding. All persons were confirmed as accounted for. This was a building consisting of four floors, measuring approximately 70m by 70m and used as multiple flats. The fire was confirmed as being in the communal stairwell. 1 hose reel jet was used. The fire caused fire and smoke damage to the area. The cause was deliberate." An investigation is now underway.
The fire was at the former Selwood Printing Works, a remarkable industrial building built between 1866 and 1870, and now converted to apartments. Surprisingly it is not a listed building.
News Source: Somerset Live
The former Selwood Printing Works (Credits – Main Picture: © Copyright Humphrey Bolton; Inset – Google)
29 April 2020 (19:17) - Fire service combat blaze at Perth takeaway
Fire fighters raced to Perth city centre this evening to tackle chip pan fire in a takeaway.The fire service sent two appliances to the scene at Crunch Munch, South Street, after getting a call at 7.17pm. The flames were contained within the shop and the damage was said to be minimal. The fire crew quickly beat the blaze and left the scene at around 8.23pm. A nearby resident, who asked not to be named, said: “My father was told to stay inside unless the smoke alarms inside went off or it became too smoky. The firefighters on the scene said that it was a fryer that had caught on fire.”
Crunch Munch is at No 170 South Street and is part of a Category C listed building, (downgraded in 2009 from category B), extending across Nos. 170 – 178. The building is a good example of a former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel and meeting hall that was built in 1814 - 1816. It former use can clearly be seen from the gothic windows at 2nd floor level. It lies within the Perth Central Conservation Area.
News Source: The Courier
Crunch Munch is at No 170 South Street and is part of a Category C listed building, (downgraded in 2009 from category B), extending across Nos. 170 – 178. The building is a good example of a former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel and meeting hall that was built in 1814 - 1816. It former use can clearly be seen from the gothic windows at 2nd floor level. It lies within the Perth Central Conservation Area.
News Source: The Courier
A picture taken by a nearby resident.
Listing Details
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Entry Name: 170-178 (Even Nos) South Street, Former Wesleyan Chapel
Listing Date: 26 August 1977 Category: C Source: Historic Scotland Source ID: 384946 Historic Scotland Designation Reference: LB39316 Building Class: Cultural Location: Perth County: Perth and Kinross Town: Perth Electoral Ward: Perth City Centre Traditional County: Perthshire |
Coordinates
Latitude: 56.3951 / 56°23'42"N Longitude: -3.4326 / 3°25'57"W OS Eastings: 311662 OS Northings: 723455 OS Grid: NO116234 Mapcode National: GBR 1Z.12SD Mapcode Global: WH6QC.7JNB |
The building was formerly a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel (Credit: Google)
29 April 2020 (19:07) - A Blaze rips through Alderley Edge home as 14 fire engines scramble to scene.
A major blaze ripped through a Cheshire home last night as 14 fire engines scrambled to the scene. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to Alderley Edge shortly after 7pm on Wednesday (April 29) to reports of a house fire. When crews arrived they discovered that the blaze had taken hold of the roof on the Trafford Road property. Firefighters from across Cheshire and Greater Manchester worked through the night to dampen the blaze at the four-storey detached home. Thankfully, everyone was accounted for.
The following fire engines attended - one from Wilmslow, two from Macclesfield, one from Poynton, one from Knutsford, one from Congleton, one from Middlewich, one from Holmes Chapel, one from Alsager, one from Penketh, one from Audlem, one from Stockport and two from Manchester - as have aerial ladder platforms from Macclesfield and Lymm, a breathing apparatus unit from Crewe and a van from Audlem.
A section of the road from Macclesfield to Alderley Edge was closed as firefighters worked at the scene. A water supply was set up, utilising a swimming pool, and the gas and electricity supplies to the property were also isolated. Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were the first to fight the fire, using a hose reel jet. A covering jet was also set up and two further firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property.
A Cheshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "Due to the scale of the fire, which involved the vast majority of the roof, inner and outer cordons were set up and the firefighting operation was split into four sections. Three main jets were used to fight the fire from outside. Aerial ladder platforms enabled firefighters to fight the fire from above. Firefighters also utilised handheld jets and light portable pumps in dealing with the fire." The roof was stripped back and hotspots were exposed. At the height of the fire, an aerial ladder platform and a breathing apparatus unit were in attendance. There is now just one fire engine in attendance. The water supply to the property has been isolated this morning and firefighters are currently inspecting the building and looking for hotspots. An investigation into the cause of the fire has begun.
The house, known as Netherfield, is a Victorian Villa, built in the 1850’s along with two others along Trafford Road. At the time they were known as “Osborne Grove” (now Netherfield), Osborne House (now Brampton House, owned by Ex Manchester United player, Mark Hughes), and “Osborne Villa” (no longer exists). Netherfield lies within the Alderley Edge Conservation Area.
News Source: Cheshire Live
The following fire engines attended - one from Wilmslow, two from Macclesfield, one from Poynton, one from Knutsford, one from Congleton, one from Middlewich, one from Holmes Chapel, one from Alsager, one from Penketh, one from Audlem, one from Stockport and two from Manchester - as have aerial ladder platforms from Macclesfield and Lymm, a breathing apparatus unit from Crewe and a van from Audlem.
A section of the road from Macclesfield to Alderley Edge was closed as firefighters worked at the scene. A water supply was set up, utilising a swimming pool, and the gas and electricity supplies to the property were also isolated. Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were the first to fight the fire, using a hose reel jet. A covering jet was also set up and two further firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property.
A Cheshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "Due to the scale of the fire, which involved the vast majority of the roof, inner and outer cordons were set up and the firefighting operation was split into four sections. Three main jets were used to fight the fire from outside. Aerial ladder platforms enabled firefighters to fight the fire from above. Firefighters also utilised handheld jets and light portable pumps in dealing with the fire." The roof was stripped back and hotspots were exposed. At the height of the fire, an aerial ladder platform and a breathing apparatus unit were in attendance. There is now just one fire engine in attendance. The water supply to the property has been isolated this morning and firefighters are currently inspecting the building and looking for hotspots. An investigation into the cause of the fire has begun.
The house, known as Netherfield, is a Victorian Villa, built in the 1850’s along with two others along Trafford Road. At the time they were known as “Osborne Grove” (now Netherfield), Osborne House (now Brampton House, owned by Ex Manchester United player, Mark Hughes), and “Osborne Villa” (no longer exists). Netherfield lies within the Alderley Edge Conservation Area.
News Source: Cheshire Live
The scene of the fire at the Alderley Edge home
OS map from 1881 (surveyed 1871-3)
Near Miss
29 April 2020 (18:50) - Police close road as fire tears through garages
29 April 2020 (18:50) - Police close road as fire tears through garages
Police closed a road in Goole after a fire broke out at a garage. Humberside Fire and Rescue Service say they were called to the scene of the blaze on Swinefleet Road just before 7pm on Wednesday, April 29. Firefighters could be seen putting out the blaze close to the Old Goole Working Men's Club in Swinefleet Road, close to Humber Street.
Flames could be seen from Swinefleet Road and plumes of thick, black smoke darkened the sky. An eyewitness said: "Police have closed the road. There are two fire engines here and the firefighters are putting it out. It looks to be the three garages near the industrial estate that are joined together. I'm not sure how it started but its the main road out of Goole that has been closed off." A spokeswoman for Humberside Fire and Rescue said: "We have two appliances at the scene. We got the call at around 18.50."
This is not the first time that there has been a fire close to the Old Goole Working Men's Club. On the 30th November last year a huge fire broke out at a warehouse adjacent to the club building. Police arrested two teenagers in relation to that arson.
The Old Goole Working Men’s Club, is a Victorian building, formerly known as Empson Villa, constructed between 1850 and 1860.
(See Building History on the 30 November 2019 entry).
News Source: Hull Live
Flames could be seen from Swinefleet Road and plumes of thick, black smoke darkened the sky. An eyewitness said: "Police have closed the road. There are two fire engines here and the firefighters are putting it out. It looks to be the three garages near the industrial estate that are joined together. I'm not sure how it started but its the main road out of Goole that has been closed off." A spokeswoman for Humberside Fire and Rescue said: "We have two appliances at the scene. We got the call at around 18.50."
This is not the first time that there has been a fire close to the Old Goole Working Men's Club. On the 30th November last year a huge fire broke out at a warehouse adjacent to the club building. Police arrested two teenagers in relation to that arson.
The Old Goole Working Men’s Club, is a Victorian building, formerly known as Empson Villa, constructed between 1850 and 1860.
(See Building History on the 30 November 2019 entry).
News Source: Hull Live
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The fire started on Swinefleet Road
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Old Goole Working Men's Club (formerly Empson Villa)
29 April 2020 (18:20) - Emergency services respond to flat fire in Whitchurch
Emergency services descended on Whitchurch on Wednesday evening, in response to a fire in the town centre. At 6.20pm Shropshire Fire and Rescue responded to a call of people trapped in a flat fire at a property in High Street.
Three crews were mobilised to tackle the fire from Prees and Whitchurch, with an operations officer also in attendance. Crews on the scene used breathing apparatus and hosereel jet to tackle the fire, which involved a small cooker. All people in the flat were accounted for and the building was ventilated. Also in attendance were West Mercia Police and the West Midlands Ambulance Service, although it is not yet known why the former were on the scene in such heavy numbers.
The fire was in a flat above Lornashouse, a Gift and Interiors retailer, which is within a Grade II listed early – mid 18th century town house. It lies within the Whitchurch Conservation Area.
News Source: Whitchurch Herald
Three crews were mobilised to tackle the fire from Prees and Whitchurch, with an operations officer also in attendance. Crews on the scene used breathing apparatus and hosereel jet to tackle the fire, which involved a small cooker. All people in the flat were accounted for and the building was ventilated. Also in attendance were West Mercia Police and the West Midlands Ambulance Service, although it is not yet known why the former were on the scene in such heavy numbers.
The fire was in a flat above Lornashouse, a Gift and Interiors retailer, which is within a Grade II listed early – mid 18th century town house. It lies within the Whitchurch Conservation Area.
News Source: Whitchurch Herald
Heavy emergency services presence in Whitchurch on Wednesday evening
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Entry Name: 12, High Street
Listing Date: 1 March 1988 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1366499 English Heritage Legacy ID: 260652 Location: Whitchurch Urban, Shropshire, SY13 County: Shropshire Civil Parish: Whitchurch Urban Built-Up Area: Whitchurch Traditional County: Shropshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Shropshire Church of England Parish: Whitchurch St Alkmund Church of England Diocese: Lichfield |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.9691 / 52°58'8"N Longitude: -2.6836 / 2°41'1"W OS Eastings: 354184 OS Northings: 341520 OS Grid: SJ541415 Mapcode National: GBR 7L.JW3S Mapcode Global: WH89H.RM8P |
12 High Street, Whitchurch
27 April 2020 (18:50) - Crews work through night to tackle fire at derelict Oswaldtwistle mill building
Firefighters worked overnight on Monday to ensure a blaze in a derelict mill could be brought under control. At around 7pm, residents living close to Oswaldtwistle Mills said they could see smoke coming from a building just off Rhyddings Street. Images and footage provided by a Lancashire Telegraph Camera Club member show the smoke escaping from the roof of the building, which they said was "well alight", before fire crews attended to tackle the blaze.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: "We were called around 6.50pm to a fire in a derelict mill building. On arrival we found bales of waste on fire within the mill. Luckily, because of the size of the building, the structure wasn't affected and the fire was contained to the bales of waste."
The Camera Club member said: "The building was well-alight and the fire could be seen coming out of the roof of one of the buildings. It's an old mill building and I think it's derelict because of all the holes in the roof. I was talking to one man and he said that it was coming out of both sides of the building. It's a real a shame to see a building like that on fire."
Four fire engines attended the incident, including the stinger from Blackburn fire station. Crews managed to get the blaze under control by around 10.30pm but firefighters remained at the scene until 2am on Tuesday to ensure there was no further spread. Subsequent checks on the building were carried out at 7am. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
The fire was is the former warehouse buildings of Rhyddings Mill. Watson Brothers founded and built the Mill in 1856. It was all part of a larger scale urban development consisting of employees' housing, speculative housing and the parish church. The cotton weaving mill was a successful business with 340 operatives in employment. In 1869, the business became Watson & Sons Limited and remained so until 1892, when it went into liquidation. The building was more recently used for light industrial purposes. The mill was gutted in a blaze, believed to be arson, on the 6th September 2010. The former Mill had been a Grade II listed site, however, the fire destroyed the weaving sheds and resulted in the demolition of the chimney and as a result the building was delisted by Historic England in August 2013. The Boiler house was demolished in 2017 as it was in a dangerous condition. However, the site remains a fundamental and significant part of the character of the Oswaldwistle Conservation Area, being intrinsically linked to its development, form and layout.
News Source: Lancashire Telegraph
A spokesperson for the fire service said: "We were called around 6.50pm to a fire in a derelict mill building. On arrival we found bales of waste on fire within the mill. Luckily, because of the size of the building, the structure wasn't affected and the fire was contained to the bales of waste."
The Camera Club member said: "The building was well-alight and the fire could be seen coming out of the roof of one of the buildings. It's an old mill building and I think it's derelict because of all the holes in the roof. I was talking to one man and he said that it was coming out of both sides of the building. It's a real a shame to see a building like that on fire."
Four fire engines attended the incident, including the stinger from Blackburn fire station. Crews managed to get the blaze under control by around 10.30pm but firefighters remained at the scene until 2am on Tuesday to ensure there was no further spread. Subsequent checks on the building were carried out at 7am. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
The fire was is the former warehouse buildings of Rhyddings Mill. Watson Brothers founded and built the Mill in 1856. It was all part of a larger scale urban development consisting of employees' housing, speculative housing and the parish church. The cotton weaving mill was a successful business with 340 operatives in employment. In 1869, the business became Watson & Sons Limited and remained so until 1892, when it went into liquidation. The building was more recently used for light industrial purposes. The mill was gutted in a blaze, believed to be arson, on the 6th September 2010. The former Mill had been a Grade II listed site, however, the fire destroyed the weaving sheds and resulted in the demolition of the chimney and as a result the building was delisted by Historic England in August 2013. The Boiler house was demolished in 2017 as it was in a dangerous condition. However, the site remains a fundamental and significant part of the character of the Oswaldwistle Conservation Area, being intrinsically linked to its development, form and layout.
News Source: Lancashire Telegraph
Rhyddings Mill in Oswaldtwistle. Credit Robert Wade Flickr
26 April 2020 (18:53) - Fire crews battle '30 foot high flames' as outhouse blaze threatens to engulf homes
Firefighters battled through the night after a huge blaze threatened to engulf a row of terraced houses. The fire broke out in an outbuilding in the rural hamlet of Red Lumb, Rochdale, just before 7pm on Sunday. Flames spread to the end home in a nearby row of three stone cottages. Pictures show the fierce blaze raging shortly before fire crews arrived. Witnesses say at its height flames were shooting 30ft into the air creating a huge plume of black smoke.
About 35 firefighters were called to the scene on Red Lumb Street near Norden. Several remained overnight dampening down 'hotspots'. It's not thought anyone was injured. But the outbuilding has been destroyed, while the terraced house has also been badly damaged. A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "My mum noticed a huge plume of smoke coming up from the village so we looked out the window and it was already burning some by then. I called the fire brigade to make sure they were aware of it. By the time the fire engines turned up at about 7pm it was absolutely raging. The flames must have been 30ft high. The fire brigade were there all night and there's still a couple of wagons here this morning spraying it down. There's a lot of buildings down there - there's a row of cottages next to an small holding and there must be 30 flats in the old mill. I just hope everybody's alright."
The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called at 6.53pm. It was a fire that had began in an outbuilding and spread to the end terrace in a row of three. The outbuilding has been completely destroyed and the end terrace is quite badly damaged. But we managed to stop it spreading to the other houses. We remained at the scene through the night checking for hotspots and damping down."
The cottages were built as workers cottages for Red Lumb Mill. The mill and cottages are marked on the 1848 OS map as Red Lumb Mill (cotton). However, the village of Red Lumb that grew up around the mill was already well established by then, as a new Weslyan Methodist school was opened in the same year. In May 1969, almost the entire village - a shop and 21 stone cottages - was sold as a single lot at auction. The mill was converted into luxury flats in about 2005 and is now called "The Meadows".
News Source: Manchester Evening News
About 35 firefighters were called to the scene on Red Lumb Street near Norden. Several remained overnight dampening down 'hotspots'. It's not thought anyone was injured. But the outbuilding has been destroyed, while the terraced house has also been badly damaged. A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "My mum noticed a huge plume of smoke coming up from the village so we looked out the window and it was already burning some by then. I called the fire brigade to make sure they were aware of it. By the time the fire engines turned up at about 7pm it was absolutely raging. The flames must have been 30ft high. The fire brigade were there all night and there's still a couple of wagons here this morning spraying it down. There's a lot of buildings down there - there's a row of cottages next to an small holding and there must be 30 flats in the old mill. I just hope everybody's alright."
The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called at 6.53pm. It was a fire that had began in an outbuilding and spread to the end terrace in a row of three. The outbuilding has been completely destroyed and the end terrace is quite badly damaged. But we managed to stop it spreading to the other houses. We remained at the scene through the night checking for hotspots and damping down."
The cottages were built as workers cottages for Red Lumb Mill. The mill and cottages are marked on the 1848 OS map as Red Lumb Mill (cotton). However, the village of Red Lumb that grew up around the mill was already well established by then, as a new Weslyan Methodist school was opened in the same year. In May 1969, almost the entire village - a shop and 21 stone cottages - was sold as a single lot at auction. The mill was converted into luxury flats in about 2005 and is now called "The Meadows".
News Source: Manchester Evening News
Near Miss
26 April 2020 (14:45) - Washing machine fire sparks call out to Sandown
26 April 2020 (14:45) - Washing machine fire sparks call out to Sandown
Firefighters from Sandown, Shanklin and Ryde have been called to a commercial property in Sandown this afternoon (Sunday) following reports of a washing machine fire. Two pumping appliances and an aerial ladder platform were mobilised to Claremont House (hotel) on Leed Street at around 14:45. The incident has been quickly scaled back with Shanklin’s appliance and Ryde’s aerial ladder already returning to station. Sandown’s retained firefighters are now using positive pressure ventilation to clear smoke from the building having removed the household appliance. The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service mobilised an Ambulance crew to the scene but they have now been released from the incident. Paramedics checked over the occupants of the property but they did not need any further treatment.
UPDATE – It has been confirmed that the appliance was smoking, but was not on fire.
Although it lies just outside the boundary of the Sandown Conservation Area, the Victorian building is mentioned in the Appraisal as a "particularly notable building".
News Report: Island Echo
UPDATE – It has been confirmed that the appliance was smoking, but was not on fire.
Although it lies just outside the boundary of the Sandown Conservation Area, the Victorian building is mentioned in the Appraisal as a "particularly notable building".
News Report: Island Echo
Firefighters outside Claremont House
Near Miss
26 April 2020 (09:55*) - Fire engines called to Salford street after bin fire near homes
26 April 2020 (09:55*) - Fire engines called to Salford street after bin fire near homes
Firefighters were called to an apartment block in Salford after a blaze started inside a bin. Residents spotted two fire engines at Vimto Gardens, in Chapel Street, just before 10am this morning (Sunday). The fire was quickly extinguished by crews from Salford Community Fire Station who were at the scene for less than an hour. A spokesman from the station confirmed that the fire was contained in one bin which was located in a store in a car park below the apartments. Nobody was injured.
The fire was at the rear of the landmark building, The Bell Tower, formerly a pub built in 1901.
News Source: Manchester Evening News
The fire was at the rear of the landmark building, The Bell Tower, formerly a pub built in 1901.
News Source: Manchester Evening News
Fire crews at the scene (Image: Ady Hughes)
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Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The Bell Tower was formerly a public house, and the OS map of Manchester and Salford for 1844 shows that there was a pub on this site at that time although this was called "The Angel Inn". The present building was built in 1901. It closed in the 1980s, but was then reopened in 1987 as a hotel. This, in turn, closed in 1998.
It had been closed for a number of years prior to the majority of pub being demolished in 2013. The facade of the building and the distinctive bell tower (cupola) were retained to ensure the character of the historic street remained as part of the new development of apartments called 'Vimto Gardens' - after the locally originated and still popular fruit cordial.
In 1908, a northerner called Noel John Nichols loaned £100 from his family to set up a business as a wholesale druggist and herb importer. As a Teetotaller, Nichols' aim was to create a special non-alcoholic drink. He experimented with all the different herbs and spices and eventually created Vimto in a wooden barrel in his warehouse. They bottled and delivered the cordial at night and took orders by day on bicycles.
Initially called 'Vim Tonic', it was intended as a healthy pick-me-up cordial, which would give energy, vim and vigour to those who drank it. It was soon being sold in the local bars as an alternative to the 'evils' of alcohol. Its success was based on the secret formula, which has remained unchanged for a century. Just 2 years later, due to the continuing success, Nichols moved to new premises on Chapel Street in Salford, where the excellent rail, canal and road connections bode well for quick and easy distribution. The Vimto site was just metres from the Vimto Gardens development.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
The Bell Tower was formerly a public house, and the OS map of Manchester and Salford for 1844 shows that there was a pub on this site at that time although this was called "The Angel Inn". The present building was built in 1901. It closed in the 1980s, but was then reopened in 1987 as a hotel. This, in turn, closed in 1998.
It had been closed for a number of years prior to the majority of pub being demolished in 2013. The facade of the building and the distinctive bell tower (cupola) were retained to ensure the character of the historic street remained as part of the new development of apartments called 'Vimto Gardens' - after the locally originated and still popular fruit cordial.
In 1908, a northerner called Noel John Nichols loaned £100 from his family to set up a business as a wholesale druggist and herb importer. As a Teetotaller, Nichols' aim was to create a special non-alcoholic drink. He experimented with all the different herbs and spices and eventually created Vimto in a wooden barrel in his warehouse. They bottled and delivered the cordial at night and took orders by day on bicycles.
Initially called 'Vim Tonic', it was intended as a healthy pick-me-up cordial, which would give energy, vim and vigour to those who drank it. It was soon being sold in the local bars as an alternative to the 'evils' of alcohol. Its success was based on the secret formula, which has remained unchanged for a century. Just 2 years later, due to the continuing success, Nichols moved to new premises on Chapel Street in Salford, where the excellent rail, canal and road connections bode well for quick and easy distribution. The Vimto site was just metres from the Vimto Gardens development.
26 April 2020 (06:00*) - Firefighters called to former Kangol factory site near Cleator
Firefighters have today tackled a fire in a derelict building at the former Kangol hat factory site near Cleator. The emergency response came after the alarm was raised just before 6am. The crew found a smouldering fire inside a derelict outbuilding which contractors had been using to store materials and rubbish, including cardboard and bricks. The fire is thought to have been deliberately started.
White Watch crew manager Alan Whitham thanked staff at BAF Contracting after they brought a telehandler and a mini-digger to the site to remove heavy rubbish from the building so the fire could be properly put out. "There's no confirmation of how the fire started," he said but the building has no electricity source and it is thought children may well have started it. The crews spent much of the morning making the building safe. Renovation work is currently being carried out on some buildings at the site.
The sprawling factory site, near Cleator, was established in the early 19th century as Birley Linen and Thread Mills, owned by Henry Birley. Thomas Ainsworth purchased these Mills in the mid 1830’s and continued production there for 100 years. Kangol began leasing the mills in 1938, but after 71 years of making hats it closed in 2009 with the loss of 32 jobs. Copeland Borough Council later approved a plan to turn some of the site's empty buildings into offices. Another part of the same site already had planning permission for 79 houses.
News Source: News & Star
White Watch crew manager Alan Whitham thanked staff at BAF Contracting after they brought a telehandler and a mini-digger to the site to remove heavy rubbish from the building so the fire could be properly put out. "There's no confirmation of how the fire started," he said but the building has no electricity source and it is thought children may well have started it. The crews spent much of the morning making the building safe. Renovation work is currently being carried out on some buildings at the site.
The sprawling factory site, near Cleator, was established in the early 19th century as Birley Linen and Thread Mills, owned by Henry Birley. Thomas Ainsworth purchased these Mills in the mid 1830’s and continued production there for 100 years. Kangol began leasing the mills in 1938, but after 71 years of making hats it closed in 2009 with the loss of 32 jobs. Copeland Borough Council later approved a plan to turn some of the site's empty buildings into offices. Another part of the same site already had planning permission for 79 houses.
News Source: News & Star
Whitehaven's White Watch fire crew tackle the fire near Cleator
Kangol History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Kangol, - the K from silk, the ANG from angora, the OL from wool, - produced hats for workers, golfers, and especially soldiers. Kangol was founded by Jewish Polish World War I veteran Jakob Henryk Spreiregen (who later adopted the name, Jacques Henry Spreiregen). Spreiregen was manufacturing hats at 28 Castle Street, London by 1916. The Kangol brand was introduced from 1930.
As the prospect of another conflict in Europe began to appear increasingly certain, Spreiregen reasoned that there would be a likely increase in demand for military berets. With funding from the Cumberland Development Company, he leased the former Ainsworth thread mill in Cleator, North West England, from 1938, which he ran with his nephew Joseph Meisner. A second factory was opened at nearby Frizington, and later, under the direction of Spreiregen's younger nephew Sylvain Meisner, a third factory, manufacturing motorcycle helmets and seat belts in Carlisle.
They were the major beret suppliers to the armed forces during World War II, including famously Field Marshal Montgomery. During and after the war, Kangol berets were the height of fashion. In the 1960s, designers Mary Quant and Pierre Cardin worked with the company, whose products graced the heads of the rich and famous, including the Beatles and Arnold Palmer, and later Princess Diana. The company also supplied uniformed organisations such as the Scout Association.
In the 1980s Kangol berets entered a new phase of fashion history with their adoption by members of the hip-hop community, such as Grandmaster Flash, Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Slick Rick, Kangol Kid of UTFO, and The Notorious B.I.G.. The release of more consciously stylish products in the 1990s such as the furgora (angora-wool mix) Spitfire, was helped by its presence upon the head of Samuel L. Jackson in 1997. Kevin Eubanks, bandleader for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, sports a Kangol beret on an almost nightly basis. In 2009, Eminem wore the Cotton Twill Army Cap Kangol hat on his Beautiful video.
Kangol has been owned by Sports World since 2006, when they acquired the brand from private equity fund, August Equity Trust. Licenses to manufacture and sell Kangol apparel have been sold to many different companies including D2 and Topshop. The global rights to Kangol hats have been held by American hatmakers Bollman Headwear since 2002.
It was announced in February 2009 that Bollman were reviewing their worldwide operations, and on 6 April 2009, it was announced that the original factory would be closed with the loss of 32 jobs.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection)
Kangol, - the K from silk, the ANG from angora, the OL from wool, - produced hats for workers, golfers, and especially soldiers. Kangol was founded by Jewish Polish World War I veteran Jakob Henryk Spreiregen (who later adopted the name, Jacques Henry Spreiregen). Spreiregen was manufacturing hats at 28 Castle Street, London by 1916. The Kangol brand was introduced from 1930.
As the prospect of another conflict in Europe began to appear increasingly certain, Spreiregen reasoned that there would be a likely increase in demand for military berets. With funding from the Cumberland Development Company, he leased the former Ainsworth thread mill in Cleator, North West England, from 1938, which he ran with his nephew Joseph Meisner. A second factory was opened at nearby Frizington, and later, under the direction of Spreiregen's younger nephew Sylvain Meisner, a third factory, manufacturing motorcycle helmets and seat belts in Carlisle.
They were the major beret suppliers to the armed forces during World War II, including famously Field Marshal Montgomery. During and after the war, Kangol berets were the height of fashion. In the 1960s, designers Mary Quant and Pierre Cardin worked with the company, whose products graced the heads of the rich and famous, including the Beatles and Arnold Palmer, and later Princess Diana. The company also supplied uniformed organisations such as the Scout Association.
In the 1980s Kangol berets entered a new phase of fashion history with their adoption by members of the hip-hop community, such as Grandmaster Flash, Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Slick Rick, Kangol Kid of UTFO, and The Notorious B.I.G.. The release of more consciously stylish products in the 1990s such as the furgora (angora-wool mix) Spitfire, was helped by its presence upon the head of Samuel L. Jackson in 1997. Kevin Eubanks, bandleader for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, sports a Kangol beret on an almost nightly basis. In 2009, Eminem wore the Cotton Twill Army Cap Kangol hat on his Beautiful video.
Kangol has been owned by Sports World since 2006, when they acquired the brand from private equity fund, August Equity Trust. Licenses to manufacture and sell Kangol apparel have been sold to many different companies including D2 and Topshop. The global rights to Kangol hats have been held by American hatmakers Bollman Headwear since 2002.
It was announced in February 2009 that Bollman were reviewing their worldwide operations, and on 6 April 2009, it was announced that the original factory would be closed with the loss of 32 jobs.
General Montgomery, wearing his iconic Kangol beret
25 April 2020 (18:30) - Firefighters from eight stations called to thatch fire in village
Dozens of firefighters were called to tackle a blaze at a thatched Suffolk property. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service received the call at 6.30pm on Saturday. The fire broke out at a semi-detached property in Egremont Street, Glemsford, near Sudbury.
Firefighters from Halstead, Sudbury, Long Melford, Clare, Haverhill, Wickhambrook, Bury St Edmunds and Ixworth were initially called to tackle the blaze. At 7.25pm, a ‘stop message’ was received to signal that the fire had been extinguished.
There are two semi-detached thatched properties in Egremont Street. Both are Grade II listed and date from the late 17th to early 18th century. It is not clear at this stage which one was affected by the fire.
News Source: Ipswich Star
Firefighters from Halstead, Sudbury, Long Melford, Clare, Haverhill, Wickhambrook, Bury St Edmunds and Ixworth were initially called to tackle the blaze. At 7.25pm, a ‘stop message’ was received to signal that the fire had been extinguished.
There are two semi-detached thatched properties in Egremont Street. Both are Grade II listed and date from the late 17th to early 18th century. It is not clear at this stage which one was affected by the fire.
News Source: Ipswich Star
Listing Details
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Entry Name: 32 and 34, Egremont Street
Listing Date: 10 January 1953 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1036659 English Heritage Legacy ID: 277950 Location: Glemsford, Babergh, Suffolk, CO10 County: Suffolk District: Babergh Civil Parish: Glemsford Built-Up Area: Glemsford Traditional County: Suffolk Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Suffolk Church of England Parish: Glemsford Church of England Diocese: St.Edmundsbury and Ipswich |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.095 / 52°5'41"N Longitude: 0.6683 / 0°40'5"E OS Eastings: 582875 OS Northings: 247430 OS Grid: TL828474 Mapcode National: GBR QGP.MSC Mapcode Global: VHJHF.JLNV |
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Entry Name: 53 and 55, Egremont Street
Listing Date: 9 February 1978 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1285471 English Heritage Legacy ID: 277941 Location: Glemsford, Babergh, Suffolk, CO10 County: Suffolk District: Babergh Civil Parish: Glemsford Built-Up Area: Glemsford Traditional County: Suffolk Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Suffolk Church of England Parish: Glemsford Church of England Diocese: St.Edmundsbury and Ipswich |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.0941 / 52°5'38"N Longitude: 0.6688 / 0°40'7"E OS Eastings: 582918 OS Northings: 247334 OS Grid: TL829473 Mapcode National: GBR QGP.MY1 Mapcode Global: VHJHF.JMYJ |
25 April 2020 (01:20) - Arsonists set fire to historic Leicester city centre church housing virtual Van Gogh exhibition
A Grade I listed church housing an innovative art exhibition showcasing the work of famous Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh in Leicester city centre has been targeted in a suspected arson attack. The alarm was raised in the early hours of Saturday morning after a fire broke out at All Saints Church, in Highcross Street, next to the John Lewis department store car park.
Forensic scene of crime officers from Leicestershire Police and a fire service investigation team, including a sniffer dog unit, were still at the scene yesterday afternoon, where a large wooden door at a side entrance to the historic building was badly damaged. It is not clear at this stage if the incident was an act of vandalism or an attempt by thieves to break into the church, which is home to Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. The exhibition opened in January but has been mothballed since last month by the coronavirus social distancing lockdown.
A resident and business owner in the area said she was awoken in the night by the "flashing lights" of emergency service vehicles."I was woken up by flashing blue lights at my window at about 2am," she said. "I looked out and saw all the police and fire service activity going on and went outside to have a look. There were two fire engines and two police cars in the street, where I also met the security officer from the exhibition who was the first on the scene and, apparently managed to put out the fire. He showed me a video he took of the blaze as he arrived at the church - it looked pretty fierce but he managed to get to it before it managed to spread. A door to a side entrance is badly damaged but it seems whoever it was didn't managed to get in. I think the internal alarm went off at about 1.15am. We checked through our CCTV and noticed a motion-activated security light go on at the John Lewis car park about 10 minutes before the security guard arrived and saw the fire, which was about to get out of hand."
She added: "It's a wonderful exhibition but is a digital, virtual reality sort of thing. It looks like they set fire to the doors to gain entry. I'd like the public to know that there aren't any actual Van Gogh paintings in the exhibition - just in case they thought there were, and they thought they could steal them. Fire investigators and a police forensic team were still at the church on Saturday afternoon when the door was being boarded up, so it seems the incident is being taken very seriously."
A Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "We got the call in the early hours, at about 1.20am to say there was a fire at the church in Highcross Street. Police were already in attendance and, when crews got there, it was confirmed that it was a door to the church that had been set alight but had been extinguished prior to us getting there. A hose reel jet was used to dampen down the scene.The fire was limited to the door, although there was some smoke-logging inside the building." She added: "Forensic scene of crime officers from the police and a fire investigation team, including a sniffer dog unit, attended the scene. It is believed that the cause of the fire was deliberate ignition. The incident was reported quite quickly and thanks to the police it was brought under control before spreading."
A police spokesman said: "We received a call just before 1.30am when officers in the city centre were made aware of a fire at All Saints Church, in Highcross Street. They attended alongside colleagues from the fire and rescue service. The fire was already out and caused damage to a door to the church building. It is being treated as arson and inquiries are ongoing."
Before closing, visitors to the exhibition were able to step inside the paintings of the 19th century Dutch post-impressionist master, one of the world's most famous artists, as part of a multimedia experience telling the story of his life and work. It included projections, recreations and interactive elements filling the exhibition space showcasing more than 200 paintings through the artist's eyes, with animation and an emotive soundtrack.The exhibition was due to run until May, however, the curators have been given permission to extend this once the lockdown measures are eased. Anyone with information about the incident, or those responsible, is asked to contact the police using the 101 number.
Built from the twelfth to nineteenth centuries, the Church of All Saints includes a Norman doorway and a richly carved thirteenth-century font. The church is also known as All Hallows and is one of five surviving medieval churches within the city. It is now redundant and the church was placed in the care of The Churches Conservation Trust in 1986.
News Source: Leicestershire Live
Forensic scene of crime officers from Leicestershire Police and a fire service investigation team, including a sniffer dog unit, were still at the scene yesterday afternoon, where a large wooden door at a side entrance to the historic building was badly damaged. It is not clear at this stage if the incident was an act of vandalism or an attempt by thieves to break into the church, which is home to Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. The exhibition opened in January but has been mothballed since last month by the coronavirus social distancing lockdown.
A resident and business owner in the area said she was awoken in the night by the "flashing lights" of emergency service vehicles."I was woken up by flashing blue lights at my window at about 2am," she said. "I looked out and saw all the police and fire service activity going on and went outside to have a look. There were two fire engines and two police cars in the street, where I also met the security officer from the exhibition who was the first on the scene and, apparently managed to put out the fire. He showed me a video he took of the blaze as he arrived at the church - it looked pretty fierce but he managed to get to it before it managed to spread. A door to a side entrance is badly damaged but it seems whoever it was didn't managed to get in. I think the internal alarm went off at about 1.15am. We checked through our CCTV and noticed a motion-activated security light go on at the John Lewis car park about 10 minutes before the security guard arrived and saw the fire, which was about to get out of hand."
She added: "It's a wonderful exhibition but is a digital, virtual reality sort of thing. It looks like they set fire to the doors to gain entry. I'd like the public to know that there aren't any actual Van Gogh paintings in the exhibition - just in case they thought there were, and they thought they could steal them. Fire investigators and a police forensic team were still at the church on Saturday afternoon when the door was being boarded up, so it seems the incident is being taken very seriously."
A Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "We got the call in the early hours, at about 1.20am to say there was a fire at the church in Highcross Street. Police were already in attendance and, when crews got there, it was confirmed that it was a door to the church that had been set alight but had been extinguished prior to us getting there. A hose reel jet was used to dampen down the scene.The fire was limited to the door, although there was some smoke-logging inside the building." She added: "Forensic scene of crime officers from the police and a fire investigation team, including a sniffer dog unit, attended the scene. It is believed that the cause of the fire was deliberate ignition. The incident was reported quite quickly and thanks to the police it was brought under control before spreading."
A police spokesman said: "We received a call just before 1.30am when officers in the city centre were made aware of a fire at All Saints Church, in Highcross Street. They attended alongside colleagues from the fire and rescue service. The fire was already out and caused damage to a door to the church building. It is being treated as arson and inquiries are ongoing."
Before closing, visitors to the exhibition were able to step inside the paintings of the 19th century Dutch post-impressionist master, one of the world's most famous artists, as part of a multimedia experience telling the story of his life and work. It included projections, recreations and interactive elements filling the exhibition space showcasing more than 200 paintings through the artist's eyes, with animation and an emotive soundtrack.The exhibition was due to run until May, however, the curators have been given permission to extend this once the lockdown measures are eased. Anyone with information about the incident, or those responsible, is asked to contact the police using the 101 number.
Built from the twelfth to nineteenth centuries, the Church of All Saints includes a Norman doorway and a richly carved thirteenth-century font. The church is also known as All Hallows and is one of five surviving medieval churches within the city. It is now redundant and the church was placed in the care of The Churches Conservation Trust in 1986.
News Source: Leicestershire Live
The heavy wooden door to All Saints Church, in Highcross Street, Leicester, was badly damaged in the fire, but not breached
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(Image: Peter Fothergill)
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Entry Name: Former Church of All Saints
Listing Date: 5 January 1950 Last Amended: 23 August 2010 Grade: I Source: Historic England Source ID: 1074012 English Heritage Legacy ID: 188665 Location: Leicester, LE1 County: City of Leicester Electoral Ward/Division: Abbey Built-Up Area: Leicester Traditional County: Leicestershire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Leicestershire Church of England Parish: Leicester The Abbey Church of England Diocese: Leicester |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.6382 / 52°38'17"N Longitude: -1.1403 / 1°8'25"W OS Eastings: 458274 OS Northings: 304840 OS Grid: SK582048 Mapcode National: GBR FFJ.75 Mapcode Global: WHDJB.GY7C |
24 April 2020 (02:07) - Fire breaks out on Keir Street Edinburgh with elderly woman rescued from blaze
Firefighters are tackling a blaze which broke out in the early hours of the morning (Friday 24 April in Edinburgh. Four fire engines were sent to a tenement block in Keir Street, off Lauriston Place, when the alarm was raised at 2.07am on Friday.
Four fire engines descended on the fire and an elderly woman was walked to safety by firefighters and treated at the scene by ambulance crews, but did not need hospital treatment. One fire engine was still at the scene at 6.45am.
There are many historic tenement flats on Keir Street in Edinburgh City Centre, all of which are Category B listed and lie within the Old Town Conservation Area as well as the Edinburgh World Heritage Site.
News Source: STV News
Four fire engines descended on the fire and an elderly woman was walked to safety by firefighters and treated at the scene by ambulance crews, but did not need hospital treatment. One fire engine was still at the scene at 6.45am.
There are many historic tenement flats on Keir Street in Edinburgh City Centre, all of which are Category B listed and lie within the Old Town Conservation Area as well as the Edinburgh World Heritage Site.
News Source: STV News
There are many historic tenement flats on Keir Street in Edinburgh. (Image: Google)
Listing Details
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Entry Name: 14-20 (Even Nos) Keir Street, Including Boundary Wall and Railings
Listing Date: 29 March 2001 Category: B Source: Historic Scotland Source ID: 368539 Historic Scotland Designation Reference: LB29199 Building Class: Cultural Location: Edinburgh County: Edinburgh Town: Edinburgh Electoral Ward: City Centre Traditional County: Midlothian |
Coordinates
Latitude: 55.9457 / 55°56'44"N Longitude: -3.1972 / 3°11'49"W OS Eastings: 325325 OS Northings: 673164 OS Grid: NT253731 Mapcode National: GBR 8MJ.W3 Mapcode Global: WH6SL.VTPB |
23 April 2020 (18:30*) - Huge fire closes Huddersfield Road in Mirfield
A main road has been closed in Mirfield as a fire has erupted at a building on Huddersfield Road. Emergency crews were called to the scene just after 6.30pm this evening, April 23. The fire is reported to have started at a scrap yard at an industrial estate. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have been called to the scene and have closed Huddersfield Road.
Residents in the area have said that they can smell the fire from within their homes. Residents who live miles away have claimed that they can see the smoke from the fire. One person who lives in Meltham, 10 miles away, claims that they could see the smoke.
Update: A spokesperson from Mirfield Fire Station said that the fire took place beneath a disused railway line. "Approximately eight to ten cars caught fire in the scrapyard, and three appliances in total attended the scene", the spokesperson added. It caused Huddersfield Road to be shut for a while, and fire crews were at the scene for approximately an hour and a half. The cause of the fire is unknown and is still being investigated."
The fire was in one of the blue brick railway arches that is part of the remains of the Battyeford Viaduct. The structure carried the London & North Western Railway’s “Leeds New Line” (BR Spen Valley Line) incorporating Battyeford station, across the A644 Huddersfield Road and the River Calder further west on a lattice girder span. It was originally 193yds (176.5 metre) long and twelve arches survive from an original 18 or 20. The Railway and viaduct were built between 1895 and 1900. It opened on the 1st October 1900. Passenger services ceased in the 1950s; with full closure happening in stages between 1960 and 1990.
News Source: Yorkshire Live
Residents in the area have said that they can smell the fire from within their homes. Residents who live miles away have claimed that they can see the smoke from the fire. One person who lives in Meltham, 10 miles away, claims that they could see the smoke.
Update: A spokesperson from Mirfield Fire Station said that the fire took place beneath a disused railway line. "Approximately eight to ten cars caught fire in the scrapyard, and three appliances in total attended the scene", the spokesperson added. It caused Huddersfield Road to be shut for a while, and fire crews were at the scene for approximately an hour and a half. The cause of the fire is unknown and is still being investigated."
The fire was in one of the blue brick railway arches that is part of the remains of the Battyeford Viaduct. The structure carried the London & North Western Railway’s “Leeds New Line” (BR Spen Valley Line) incorporating Battyeford station, across the A644 Huddersfield Road and the River Calder further west on a lattice girder span. It was originally 193yds (176.5 metre) long and twelve arches survive from an original 18 or 20. The Railway and viaduct were built between 1895 and 1900. It opened on the 1st October 1900. Passenger services ceased in the 1950s; with full closure happening in stages between 1960 and 1990.
News Source: Yorkshire Live
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The Battyeford Viaduct (Credit: Google)
22 April 2020 (20:00*) - Fire breaks out at historic former mental health hospital in Rochdale
A fire broke out in a historic building which used to house a mental health hospital in Rochdale. Firefighters were called to Scott House, on Furbarn Road, near to Norden, on Thursday evening. Six fire engines arrived at the scene just after 8pm. The fire crews managed to bring the fire under control and left the scene after two hours. Residents said they could see a plume of smoke emitting from the building. Other people living nearby said they could hear the roof collapsing.
It was also once a former children's hospital and a children's home. During the First World War it was used as a military hospital. The property dates back to 1902, but has been derelict after the mental health hospital shut.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At just after 8pm on Wednesday, April 22, six fire engines from Rochdale, Heywood, Littleborough, Chadderton, and Whitefield fire stations were called to reports of a fire at a derelict building on Furbarn Road, Rochdale. Crews were quickly on the scene and extinguished the fire with the aid of breathing apparatus, ladders and breaking-in gear. Firefighters were in attendance for just under two hours.”
News Source: Manchester Evening News
It was also once a former children's hospital and a children's home. During the First World War it was used as a military hospital. The property dates back to 1902, but has been derelict after the mental health hospital shut.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At just after 8pm on Wednesday, April 22, six fire engines from Rochdale, Heywood, Littleborough, Chadderton, and Whitefield fire stations were called to reports of a fire at a derelict building on Furbarn Road, Rochdale. Crews were quickly on the scene and extinguished the fire with the aid of breathing apparatus, ladders and breaking-in gear. Firefighters were in attendance for just under two hours.”
News Source: Manchester Evening News
Firefighters brought the fire under control at Scott House, near Norden (Image: @CarlEHaslam/GMFRS)
22 April 2020 (16:30*) - Train delays after fire at Tyseley railway station
Passengers faced delays and alterations to services following a blaze that broke out beneath a staircase at Tyseley railway station. No-one was injured in the fire, which begun at around 4.30pm today, Wednesday, April 22, at the Wharfdale Road station. West Midlands Network tweeted: "Due to the fire service dealing with an incident trains will be rerouted and some delays/alterations may occur to trains running through #Tyseley please check before you travel."
West Midlands Fire Service said it sent two fire engines and a response vehicle with 13 firefighters to the scene. "At just gone 4.30pm we had reports of a fire underneath the stairs," the service said. We sent two fire engines with five crew on each and one response vehicle with three on board. The fire had broken out on a wooden construction between platforms one and two and any passengers were directed away from the smoke up another staircase. Network Rail did stoppage on trains. The fire is believed to be accidental and crew have left the scene although they will be going back to check at 9pm tonight." West Midlands Network added that trains would be unable to use platforms one and two whilst damage caused is assessed.
Great Western Railway opened Tyseley Railway Station in 1906.
News Source: Birmingham Live
West Midlands Fire Service said it sent two fire engines and a response vehicle with 13 firefighters to the scene. "At just gone 4.30pm we had reports of a fire underneath the stairs," the service said. We sent two fire engines with five crew on each and one response vehicle with three on board. The fire had broken out on a wooden construction between platforms one and two and any passengers were directed away from the smoke up another staircase. Network Rail did stoppage on trains. The fire is believed to be accidental and crew have left the scene although they will be going back to check at 9pm tonight." West Midlands Network added that trains would be unable to use platforms one and two whilst damage caused is assessed.
Great Western Railway opened Tyseley Railway Station in 1906.
News Source: Birmingham Live
A fire broke out at Tyseley railway station (Credit: Google)
21 April 2020 (16:23) - Huge fire breaks out at historic Springfield Mill apartments near Nottingham
A large fire has broken out in a Derbyshire town this afternoon. More than a dozen fire crews are tackling the blaze at Springfield Mill, in Bridge Street, Sandiacre. Plumes of smoke can be seen for miles around as it billows from the apartment block. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue currently have more than a dozen units at the scene in Bridge Street. Crews from Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire have been called in to help tackle the blaze.
A spokesperson for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said: "Firefighters are currently dealing with a large fire at Springfield Mill on Bridge Street in Sandiacre. Eight fire engines, two aerial ladder platforms, two water carriers and a control room unit have been mobilised following a call received at 16.23 hours. Members of the public are being asked to avoid the area, remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed due to the smoke. Firefighters from Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Nottingham Road, Clay Cross, Belper, Highfields (Nottinghamshire), Stockhill (Nottinghamshire), London Road (Nottinghamshire) and Loughborough (Leicestershire) are in attendance."
Paul Whyatt, a reporter at the scene, says the fire is “spreading along the roof” of Springfield Mill. He added: “I’ve never seen so many fire engines and police at an incident. There’s at least 10 fire engines and scores of police cars. The fire appears to have started in the roof of the mill building, which consists of apartments. The building has been evacuated and residents and neighbours are watching the blaze from surrounding streets. People are doing their best to social distance but the volume of people, especially in a nearby open car park, is making that difficult. It is fair to say fire has spread significantly. A woman in tears is being comforted by a male close to the scene. Most likely she is among the many residents who will have to find somewhere else to sleep tonight.”
Derbyshire police issued the following statement on this afternoon’s fire: “We are currently attending a large fire at Springfield Mill in Sandiacre. We ask that you avoid the area and close your windows as there is a lot of smoke. Please do not congregate to watch and ensure that you remain mindful of current government guidance of staying at home unless making an essential journey. Coming to view this fire is not an essential journey.” A spokesperson for the fire service posted on Twitter to say crews expect to remain at the scene for “several hours”. At 8pm, the fire was “under control”, but a large emergency presence remained at the scene. In total 21 fire vehicles attended.
“Large plumes of smoke have been billowing in the air with debris falling below,” local resident Tom Walters, 29, said. “It’s awful to see, especially knowing that people are now without a home at the current time.”
“The fire raged through the top floor really quickly, but it soon escalated,” said Marie Talbot, 42. “The flames were pouring out the top, but I could see the firemen were already trying to tackle it and still are, flames are still visible at the moment.”
Mr Walters said it was a shame to see the “gorgeous old building” in this state, and Ms Talbot described Springfield Mill as “iconic”. Daniel Fenwick, 31, added: “The building is a beautiful piece of Nottingham heritage. It’s sad to see this happening to such a prominent building with so much history. I just hope everybody got out safely and have somewhere safe to go.”
Maggie Throup, MP for Erewash, has released a statement regarding today’s fire at Springfield Mill. She said: “I am aware of the developing situation at Springfield Mill in Sandiacre and have spoken to both the chief fire officer and the relevant Government Minister to ensure that help and support is being co-ordinated for those affected. I am being kept up to date with the situation on the ground and will be on hand to assist residents should they need my help over the coming days and weeks.”
At 1am, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service released an update saying work would continue into the morning. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue area manager Clive Stanbrook said: “Thanks to the rapid and effective firefighting carried out by crews, we have been able to save at least three quarters of the building by using fire breaks to prevent a catastrophic fire spread, which could have led to the loss of the whole building. Crews will continue to work late into the night to extinguish the fire that continues to burn in the roof space and bring the incident to the safest and quickest conclusion." A joint fire investigation will commence later today.
Update: Fire investigators worked throughout the day yesterday to find the cause of the fire at Springfield Mill which had been converted into flats and have said it was probably started accidentally. But they have been unable to establish the specific cause of what started the fire.
Situated next to the canal in the town centre, the Grade II listed Springfield Mill was built in 1888 as a lace mill for Terah Hooley, a wealthy local industrialist, by architect John Sheldon of Long Eaton. In 2005 it was converted into a modern apartment complex. It lies within the Canal Side Conservation Area.
News Source: Derbyshire Live
A spokesperson for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said: "Firefighters are currently dealing with a large fire at Springfield Mill on Bridge Street in Sandiacre. Eight fire engines, two aerial ladder platforms, two water carriers and a control room unit have been mobilised following a call received at 16.23 hours. Members of the public are being asked to avoid the area, remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed due to the smoke. Firefighters from Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Nottingham Road, Clay Cross, Belper, Highfields (Nottinghamshire), Stockhill (Nottinghamshire), London Road (Nottinghamshire) and Loughborough (Leicestershire) are in attendance."
Paul Whyatt, a reporter at the scene, says the fire is “spreading along the roof” of Springfield Mill. He added: “I’ve never seen so many fire engines and police at an incident. There’s at least 10 fire engines and scores of police cars. The fire appears to have started in the roof of the mill building, which consists of apartments. The building has been evacuated and residents and neighbours are watching the blaze from surrounding streets. People are doing their best to social distance but the volume of people, especially in a nearby open car park, is making that difficult. It is fair to say fire has spread significantly. A woman in tears is being comforted by a male close to the scene. Most likely she is among the many residents who will have to find somewhere else to sleep tonight.”
Derbyshire police issued the following statement on this afternoon’s fire: “We are currently attending a large fire at Springfield Mill in Sandiacre. We ask that you avoid the area and close your windows as there is a lot of smoke. Please do not congregate to watch and ensure that you remain mindful of current government guidance of staying at home unless making an essential journey. Coming to view this fire is not an essential journey.” A spokesperson for the fire service posted on Twitter to say crews expect to remain at the scene for “several hours”. At 8pm, the fire was “under control”, but a large emergency presence remained at the scene. In total 21 fire vehicles attended.
“Large plumes of smoke have been billowing in the air with debris falling below,” local resident Tom Walters, 29, said. “It’s awful to see, especially knowing that people are now without a home at the current time.”
“The fire raged through the top floor really quickly, but it soon escalated,” said Marie Talbot, 42. “The flames were pouring out the top, but I could see the firemen were already trying to tackle it and still are, flames are still visible at the moment.”
Mr Walters said it was a shame to see the “gorgeous old building” in this state, and Ms Talbot described Springfield Mill as “iconic”. Daniel Fenwick, 31, added: “The building is a beautiful piece of Nottingham heritage. It’s sad to see this happening to such a prominent building with so much history. I just hope everybody got out safely and have somewhere safe to go.”
Maggie Throup, MP for Erewash, has released a statement regarding today’s fire at Springfield Mill. She said: “I am aware of the developing situation at Springfield Mill in Sandiacre and have spoken to both the chief fire officer and the relevant Government Minister to ensure that help and support is being co-ordinated for those affected. I am being kept up to date with the situation on the ground and will be on hand to assist residents should they need my help over the coming days and weeks.”
At 1am, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service released an update saying work would continue into the morning. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue area manager Clive Stanbrook said: “Thanks to the rapid and effective firefighting carried out by crews, we have been able to save at least three quarters of the building by using fire breaks to prevent a catastrophic fire spread, which could have led to the loss of the whole building. Crews will continue to work late into the night to extinguish the fire that continues to burn in the roof space and bring the incident to the safest and quickest conclusion." A joint fire investigation will commence later today.
Update: Fire investigators worked throughout the day yesterday to find the cause of the fire at Springfield Mill which had been converted into flats and have said it was probably started accidentally. But they have been unable to establish the specific cause of what started the fire.
Situated next to the canal in the town centre, the Grade II listed Springfield Mill was built in 1888 as a lace mill for Terah Hooley, a wealthy local industrialist, by architect John Sheldon of Long Eaton. In 2005 it was converted into a modern apartment complex. It lies within the Canal Side Conservation Area.
News Source: Derbyshire Live
Image from Derbyshire Constabulary Drone Unit
Devastating fire at Springfield Mill building in Sandiacre (Image: Paul Clarke Photography)
Listing Details
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Entry Name: Springfield Mill Factory and Chimney
Listing Date: 2 May 1986 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1204469 English Heritage Legacy ID: 82289 Location: Sandiacre, Erewash, Derbyshire, NG10 County: Derbyshire District: Erewash Civil Parish: Sandiacre Built-Up Area: Sandiacre Traditional County: Derbyshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Derbyshire Church of England Parish: Sandiacre St Giles Church of England Diocese: Derby |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.9244 / 52°55'27"N Longitude: -1.287 / 1°17'13"W OS Eastings: 448027 OS Northings: 336566 OS Grid: SK480365 Mapcode National: GBR 7GF.RDH Mapcode Global: WHDGX.6RCG |
There is significant damage to the roof and upper floors. (Image: Derbyshire Live)
20 April 2020 (20:52) - 'Witless scumbags' blamed for causing serious fire at Victorian school building
Children breaking lockdown rules are suspected by angry locals of setting fire to an old school building. Firefighters from Halifax, Bradford and Rastrick were called out last night to the former Moorside Community Primary School on Keighley Road at Ovenden, Halifax. It took five fire crews about an hour to bring the fire under control, according to residents. Police and fire investigators are now looking into the cause of the blaze. Eight firefighters wearing breathing apparatus helped to put out the flames just before 9pm. A special aerial appliance was brought over from Bradford to get more water onto the flames.
Residents said the disused school had been repeatedly hit by vandals and vented their anger on social media. One blamed the fire on 'witless scumbags' who really ought to be inside their homes. A resident, who did not want to be named, said : "More than likely it was started by kids. It's happened a few times and it was kids then." Local councillor Anne Collins described the incident as a 'pity' but said there was no evidence the cause was arson. It is believed the building is owned by Calderdale Council which wants to demolish the old school and redevelop the site. Illingworth councillor Stephanie Clarke, a former pupil at the school, said it was "very disappointing" to hear about the damage.
A spokesperson said that 30 per cent of the school building had been on fire and that it was reported at 8.52pm. "Four fire engines and an aerial appliance attended to deal with a fire inside the now derelict building. WYFRS left the scene at 10.38pm and are assisting Police with an investigation into the cause of the fire. Fire crews attended from Halifax, Fairweather Green, Rastrick and Bradford."
Update: It has now emerged that the damaged building will have to be demolished. In a statement, Councillor Adam Wilkinson, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, described the damage as 'severe'. He added: "We are very sorry to hear about the fire at the old Moorside Community Primary School. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. The Council owns the building and our Building Control team has visited to assess the damage and make it safe. Unfortunately the damage is so severe that we have no option but to demolish the former school building, to protect people’s safety."
The school building is actually late Georgian, opening as a “school for the poor” in 1818.
News Source: Yorkshire Live
Residents said the disused school had been repeatedly hit by vandals and vented their anger on social media. One blamed the fire on 'witless scumbags' who really ought to be inside their homes. A resident, who did not want to be named, said : "More than likely it was started by kids. It's happened a few times and it was kids then." Local councillor Anne Collins described the incident as a 'pity' but said there was no evidence the cause was arson. It is believed the building is owned by Calderdale Council which wants to demolish the old school and redevelop the site. Illingworth councillor Stephanie Clarke, a former pupil at the school, said it was "very disappointing" to hear about the damage.
A spokesperson said that 30 per cent of the school building had been on fire and that it was reported at 8.52pm. "Four fire engines and an aerial appliance attended to deal with a fire inside the now derelict building. WYFRS left the scene at 10.38pm and are assisting Police with an investigation into the cause of the fire. Fire crews attended from Halifax, Fairweather Green, Rastrick and Bradford."
Update: It has now emerged that the damaged building will have to be demolished. In a statement, Councillor Adam Wilkinson, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, described the damage as 'severe'. He added: "We are very sorry to hear about the fire at the old Moorside Community Primary School. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. The Council owns the building and our Building Control team has visited to assess the damage and make it safe. Unfortunately the damage is so severe that we have no option but to demolish the former school building, to protect people’s safety."
The school building is actually late Georgian, opening as a “school for the poor” in 1818.
News Source: Yorkshire Live
Fire crews at the former Moorside Community Primary School (Image: Aimee Smith)
20 April 2020 (17:55) - Thatched cottage saved from fire by firefighters
A thatched cottage was saved from destruction by firefighters in Staffordshire. Flames took hold of the building's thatched roof in Swynnerton, near Stone, on Monday night. The alarm was raised by the building's occupants who managed to escape unhurt.
A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We were called at 5.55pm to reports of a fire in a thatched roof. We mobilised three pumps and the aerial platform from Longton. When crews arrived at the scene they requested a fourth appliance. We have two crews from Newcastle-under-Lyme, one from Longton, and one from Eccleshall as well as the aerial platform.” Around twenty firefighters tackled the blaze using hose reel jets to suppress the flames and main jets to extinguish the blaze in the loft space and thatched roof.
Graham Mills, Head of Emergency Response at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Firefighters worked very hard to extinguish the fire and remove some of the thatch to successfully contain the flames and save the remaining thatch. Thatch fires are notoriously difficult for firefighters to fight. Visually they look slow burning but they spread very rapidly once they take hold in the roof." Around 50 per cent of the roof has been destroyed.
The cottage, known simply as The Thatched Cottage, is Grade II listed and dates from the 17th century.
News Source: Express and Star
A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "We were called at 5.55pm to reports of a fire in a thatched roof. We mobilised three pumps and the aerial platform from Longton. When crews arrived at the scene they requested a fourth appliance. We have two crews from Newcastle-under-Lyme, one from Longton, and one from Eccleshall as well as the aerial platform.” Around twenty firefighters tackled the blaze using hose reel jets to suppress the flames and main jets to extinguish the blaze in the loft space and thatched roof.
Graham Mills, Head of Emergency Response at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Firefighters worked very hard to extinguish the fire and remove some of the thatch to successfully contain the flames and save the remaining thatch. Thatch fires are notoriously difficult for firefighters to fight. Visually they look slow burning but they spread very rapidly once they take hold in the roof." Around 50 per cent of the roof has been destroyed.
The cottage, known simply as The Thatched Cottage, is Grade II listed and dates from the 17th century.
News Source: Express and Star
Fire crews at the fire
Listing Details
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Entry Name: The Thatched Cottage
Listing Date: 25 April 1980 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1374207 English Heritage Legacy ID: 272383 Location: Swynnerton, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST15 County: Staffordshire District: Stafford Civil Parish: Swynnerton Built-Up Area: Swynnerton Traditional County: Staffordshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Staffordshire Church of England Parish: Swynnerton and Cotes Heath Church of England Diocese: Lichfield |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.9183 / 52°55'5"N Longitude: -2.2219 / 2°13'18"W OS Eastings: 385179 OS Northings: 335672 OS Grid: SJ851356 Mapcode National: GBR 15F.32F Mapcode Global: WHBD5.VX45 |
20 April 2020 (00:28) - Disused manor house in Ascot set alight in suspected arson
A derelict manor house was set alight in a suspected arson attack in Ascot on Sunday night. Thames Valley Police are appealing for information following a suspicious fire at the disused Winkfield Manor, Forest Road, just after midnight on Sunday. The fire was reported by neighbours and police were called at 12.28am, April 20. The blaze was brought under control by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, and following a thorough search of the building, no-one was found and nobody was injured.
Following fire investigations, it was confirmed that arson is suspected. Detective constable Dominique Barlow, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: "We are investigating the circumstances into this suspicious fire. Thankfully, the building was empty and has been unoccupied for a number of years, and no-one has been injured, but clearly this could have been far more serious. I am appealing to anybody who may have seen suspicious activity in the area overnight Sunday into Monday (19 /20 April) to contact police. Similarly, if you have any information that can assist this investigation, please get in touch."
The Georgian manor house of Winkfield Manor is not currently in use, although the associated cottages are used as sheltered accommodation
News Source: Bracknell News
Following fire investigations, it was confirmed that arson is suspected. Detective constable Dominique Barlow, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: "We are investigating the circumstances into this suspicious fire. Thankfully, the building was empty and has been unoccupied for a number of years, and no-one has been injured, but clearly this could have been far more serious. I am appealing to anybody who may have seen suspicious activity in the area overnight Sunday into Monday (19 /20 April) to contact police. Similarly, if you have any information that can assist this investigation, please get in touch."
The Georgian manor house of Winkfield Manor is not currently in use, although the associated cottages are used as sheltered accommodation
News Source: Bracknell News
Winkfield Manor House
19 April 2020 (22:21) - Fire at The Bowling Green in Sutton
Emergency services were called after a fire at a pub building on Sunday night (April 19). Police and the fire service attended The Bowling Green on Robins Lane, Sutton after 10pm. Crews spent almost 40 minutes at the scene. The fire service described the incident as a "small fire". The pub has been undergoing refurbishment. It is understood the police are investigating the fire.
A spokeswoman for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews were alerted at 10.21pm and on scene at 10.26pm. Two fire engines attended. Firefighters extinguished a small fire using a hose reel jet and then ventilated the property using a positive pressure fan. Fire crews left the scene at 10.58pm." No injuries have been reported due to the fire.
The earliest record of the pub shows that it existed in 1869. It closed in 2015. There was an application by GW Construction submitted to St Helens Council in April 2017 to convert the pub into a 14-bedroom HMO multiple occupancy housing but this was rejected in June 2017.
News Source: St Helens Star
A spokeswoman for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews were alerted at 10.21pm and on scene at 10.26pm. Two fire engines attended. Firefighters extinguished a small fire using a hose reel jet and then ventilated the property using a positive pressure fan. Fire crews left the scene at 10.58pm." No injuries have been reported due to the fire.
The earliest record of the pub shows that it existed in 1869. It closed in 2015. There was an application by GW Construction submitted to St Helens Council in April 2017 to convert the pub into a 14-bedroom HMO multiple occupancy housing but this was rejected in June 2017.
News Source: St Helens Star
Police at The Bowling Green
Building History
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection / Stephen Wainwright)
On September 6th 1869 landlord Richard Mather had his licence renewed at the annual licensing sessions despite having recently been fined 10 shillings for permitting drunkenness on his premises. He had also been summoned to the last Petty Sessions after a quarrel with his wife but had not been convicted. Mather promised the licensing magistrates that he would exercise greater caution in future. On May 10th 1870 it was stated in the St Helens Newspaper that Mather owed the owner of the Bowling Green £28 to £30 for beer and rent and was refusing to give up his licence unless he was discharged from paying his debt.
Hewitt Page was the landlord in the 1871 census - During the 1870s five individuals with the Christian name of James were landlords. This series began in October 1873 when the licence was transferred from Thomas Peers to James Bullen. - In August 1876 the licence was transferred from Thomas James Kelson to James Lawler and then to James Parker in July 1877. In August 1878 the licence was transferred from Charles Turner to James Millward and then to James Birchall, who was recorded as the licensee in the 1881 census.
On May 14th 1883, Alfred Golden applied for the temporary transfer of the licence from Birchall. Superintendent Johnson told the Bench that there was an objection to the application as Golden had married his wife while her first husband was serving 5 years in prison for stealing a horse. She had re-married bigamously while apparently believing that her husband was dead. As Golden’s character was considered good, his application was allowed.
James Grice was publican in 1891 and his licence was transferred in 1894 to John Addison - On Saturday night February 4th 1899, elderly Irishman John Matthews entered the Bowling Green drunk and was ordered out by John Addison. In revenge he smashed a window, for which he was fined £1 and costs in St Helens Police Court and ordered to pay for the damage.
Alfred Hunter was 'licensed victualler' in the 1901 and 1911 censuses. His licence was transferred to his wife Margaret in September 1918. - Mr. Baines was licensee c.1930 - Brenda Macdonald wrote from Sydney, Australia: "Mum's school friend Margaret Baines was the daughter of the licensee and although Mum was never allowed in the front door of the pub (only children who lived there were allowed), the girls used to play on the footpath outside the pub door, which is now fenced off, and were given milk to drink on hot days." - Widow Ellen Bickerstaffe was the publican in 1939.
(Researched by Heritage & Ecclesiastical Fire Protection / Stephen Wainwright)
On September 6th 1869 landlord Richard Mather had his licence renewed at the annual licensing sessions despite having recently been fined 10 shillings for permitting drunkenness on his premises. He had also been summoned to the last Petty Sessions after a quarrel with his wife but had not been convicted. Mather promised the licensing magistrates that he would exercise greater caution in future. On May 10th 1870 it was stated in the St Helens Newspaper that Mather owed the owner of the Bowling Green £28 to £30 for beer and rent and was refusing to give up his licence unless he was discharged from paying his debt.
Hewitt Page was the landlord in the 1871 census - During the 1870s five individuals with the Christian name of James were landlords. This series began in October 1873 when the licence was transferred from Thomas Peers to James Bullen. - In August 1876 the licence was transferred from Thomas James Kelson to James Lawler and then to James Parker in July 1877. In August 1878 the licence was transferred from Charles Turner to James Millward and then to James Birchall, who was recorded as the licensee in the 1881 census.
On May 14th 1883, Alfred Golden applied for the temporary transfer of the licence from Birchall. Superintendent Johnson told the Bench that there was an objection to the application as Golden had married his wife while her first husband was serving 5 years in prison for stealing a horse. She had re-married bigamously while apparently believing that her husband was dead. As Golden’s character was considered good, his application was allowed.
James Grice was publican in 1891 and his licence was transferred in 1894 to John Addison - On Saturday night February 4th 1899, elderly Irishman John Matthews entered the Bowling Green drunk and was ordered out by John Addison. In revenge he smashed a window, for which he was fined £1 and costs in St Helens Police Court and ordered to pay for the damage.
Alfred Hunter was 'licensed victualler' in the 1901 and 1911 censuses. His licence was transferred to his wife Margaret in September 1918. - Mr. Baines was licensee c.1930 - Brenda Macdonald wrote from Sydney, Australia: "Mum's school friend Margaret Baines was the daughter of the licensee and although Mum was never allowed in the front door of the pub (only children who lived there were allowed), the girls used to play on the footpath outside the pub door, which is now fenced off, and were given milk to drink on hot days." - Widow Ellen Bickerstaffe was the publican in 1939.
Near Miss
19 April 2020 (20:55*) - Man tries to start fire outside Guildhall in Plymouth city centre
19 April 2020 (20:55*) - Man tries to start fire outside Guildhall in Plymouth city centre
A man has been detained by police after attempting to start a fire in the doorway of a church in Plymouth. Police and firefighters were called to St Andrew's Church shortly before 9pm on Sunday (April 19).
An eyewitness said: "There was a man in green hoodie trying to start a fire behind a statue in the car park beside the Guildhall. A lady on the bus phoned the police, they attended with fire brigade."
The Devon and Corwnall Police Force Incident Manager, who oversees all live incidents across the region, confirmed police attended an incident in the city. He said: "Police were called to St Andrew's Church.We received a report of a male in the vicinity who was lighting a fire in the doorway. Police attended and detained the male. There was no damage. The male was taken to another location." It was confirmed that no arrests were made in relation to the incident.
Although reported as St Andrew’s Church, the incident was actually at the Guildhall which is a Grade II listed building. The Guildhall, including the Great Hall, Assize Courts and former City Treasury were built 1870 - 74. Designed by Norman and Hine of Plymouth, who were the winners of a competition judged by Alfred Waterhouse. The building was reduced to a shell during the Blitz, the part containing the Municipal Offices subsequently demolished, the rest re-roofed, restored and reopened in 1959.
News Source: Plymouth Live
An eyewitness said: "There was a man in green hoodie trying to start a fire behind a statue in the car park beside the Guildhall. A lady on the bus phoned the police, they attended with fire brigade."
The Devon and Corwnall Police Force Incident Manager, who oversees all live incidents across the region, confirmed police attended an incident in the city. He said: "Police were called to St Andrew's Church.We received a report of a male in the vicinity who was lighting a fire in the doorway. Police attended and detained the male. There was no damage. The male was taken to another location." It was confirmed that no arrests were made in relation to the incident.
Although reported as St Andrew’s Church, the incident was actually at the Guildhall which is a Grade II listed building. The Guildhall, including the Great Hall, Assize Courts and former City Treasury were built 1870 - 74. Designed by Norman and Hine of Plymouth, who were the winners of a competition judged by Alfred Waterhouse. The building was reduced to a shell during the Blitz, the part containing the Municipal Offices subsequently demolished, the rest re-roofed, restored and reopened in 1959.
News Source: Plymouth Live
Police officers and firefighters at the scene (Image: El Bell)
Listing Details
|
Entry Name: 1 Dovemount Place, the Station Hotel
Listing Date: 18 November 2008 Category: C Source: Historic Scotland Source ID: 400057 Historic Scotland Designation Reference: LB51198 Building Class: Cultural Location: Hawick County: Scottish Borders Town: Hawick Electoral Ward: Hawick and Denholm Traditional County: Roxburghshire |
Coordinates
Latitude: 55.4283 / 55°25'41"N Longitude: -2.7853 / 2°47'7"W OS Eastings: 350397 OS Northings: 615214 OS Grid: NT503152 Mapcode National: GBR 85ZN.SX Mapcode Global: WH7XG.5TXG |
19 April 2020 (18:15) - Firefighters rush to tackle flames in Edinburgh property
A fire has broken out in a property in the Capital after two cars were alight in an underground car park. Firefighters were called to tackle the blaze in Anderson Place. Police were also in attendance. A passerby said: “I could hear the explosion in Leith.”
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said crews were called to the fire at about 6.15pm. She said: “Two cars were alight in a car park underneath a property in Anderson Place. The fire is now out and crews have left the scene.”
This significant and substantial industrial complex, comprising of 4- and 8-storey brick and rubble-built buildings formed the original warehouses, sugar refinery, maltings and bonded warehouses of the Bonnington Sugar Refinery Company. The complex is Category B listed with the south and west blocks built around 1860 and the north block in 1905. It is the largest bonded warehouse to survive in Edinburgh and is an important part of the industrial fabric of Leith and of Scotland. The sugar refinery was a large scale industrial operation, producing over 250 tons of refined sugar each week. It was converted to residential use in 2004.
News Source: Edinburgh Evening News
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said crews were called to the fire at about 6.15pm. She said: “Two cars were alight in a car park underneath a property in Anderson Place. The fire is now out and crews have left the scene.”
This significant and substantial industrial complex, comprising of 4- and 8-storey brick and rubble-built buildings formed the original warehouses, sugar refinery, maltings and bonded warehouses of the Bonnington Sugar Refinery Company. The complex is Category B listed with the south and west blocks built around 1860 and the north block in 1905. It is the largest bonded warehouse to survive in Edinburgh and is an important part of the industrial fabric of Leith and of Scotland. The sugar refinery was a large scale industrial operation, producing over 250 tons of refined sugar each week. It was converted to residential use in 2004.
News Source: Edinburgh Evening News
Firefighters have been called to tackle the blaze in Anderson Place
Listing Details
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Entry Name: 2 Anderson Place and 3-33 (Odd Nos) Breadalbane Street (Former Bonnington Bond)
Listing Date: 29 April 1988 Category: B Source: Historic Scotland Source ID: 363951 Historic Scotland Designation Reference: LB27016 Building Class: Cultural Location: Edinburgh County: Edinburgh Town: Edinburgh Electoral Ward: Leith Walk Traditional County: Midlothian |
Coordinates
Latitude: 55.9718 / 55°58'18"N Longitude: -3.1815 / 3°10'53"W OS Eastings: 326359 OS Northings: 676053 OS Grid: NT263760 Mapcode National: GBR 8R6.2R Mapcode Global: WH6SM.3598 |
19 April 2020 (13:45) - Police are treating major fire at Devon country club as arson
A large fire which caused major damage to a derelict building is being investigated as arson by police. Six fire engines and dozens of firefighters spent hours tackling the blaze at the former Lenwood Country Club in Northam near Bideford yesterday. Numerous 999 calls were received after nearby residents spotted smoke billowing from the roof of the building around 1.45pm. The fire could be seen from miles around.
A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "Two crews from Bideford and one crew from Barnstaple were mobilised. On arrival the officer in charge requested an additional appliance from Appledore. The fire was involving a two storey derelict building, where fire was issuing from the ground and first floor. Additional assistance from an additional appliance from Torrington, an aerial ladder platform and a water carrier was also requested. The crews got to work using two breathing apparatus, three main jets and two hose reel jets. The fire was extinguished by 9pm last night but we had crews there overnight and today dampening down hot spots."
Police have this morning confirmed they are treating the incident as arson. A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police are treating a fire which caused considerable damage to a derelict building at Northam near Bideford on Sunday 19 April as arson. The fire happened at the disused Lenwood Country Club. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police”
The former Lenwood Country Club is a Georgian manor house once owned by the family of Sir Christopher Wren. It has not been used since 2007.
News Source: Devon Live
A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "Two crews from Bideford and one crew from Barnstaple were mobilised. On arrival the officer in charge requested an additional appliance from Appledore. The fire was involving a two storey derelict building, where fire was issuing from the ground and first floor. Additional assistance from an additional appliance from Torrington, an aerial ladder platform and a water carrier was also requested. The crews got to work using two breathing apparatus, three main jets and two hose reel jets. The fire was extinguished by 9pm last night but we had crews there overnight and today dampening down hot spots."
Police have this morning confirmed they are treating the incident as arson. A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police are treating a fire which caused considerable damage to a derelict building at Northam near Bideford on Sunday 19 April as arson. The fire happened at the disused Lenwood Country Club. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police”
The former Lenwood Country Club is a Georgian manor house once owned by the family of Sir Christopher Wren. It has not been used since 2007.
News Source: Devon Live
Large flames have been seen enveloping the building in Northam (Image: Abbie Dunn)
18 April 2020 (19:15) - Former RAF site near Ramsey targeted twice by arsonists
RAF Upwood, not far from Ramsey, was targeted on both Friday and Saturday evening.
On the first occasion, a crew and the water carrier from Ramsey were called out at 6.52pm where they saw a large amount of smoke issuing from the site. On arrival they found a large bonfire containing wood, tyres and rubbish. The firefighters were not able to return to their station until 9.40pm.
On Saturday, at 7.15pm, crews from Ramsey and Huntingdon arrived to find smoke issuing from a derelict building. This time, the firefighters did not return to their bases until 9pm after putting out the flames. Anyone with information on either fire is asked to contact police on 101 or by visiting www.cambs.police.uk to submit an online report.
RAF Upwood was shut by the Ministry of Defence in 1994, but attempts to develop the land failed to take off. The site, which has been subject to arson attacks and vandalism over the past decade, was built in 1917 for the Royal Flying Corps - before it became home to RAF squadrons and expanded from 1936. The airbase has played host to both British and American services and was the set of a 1953 Hollywood movie.
In November last year, it was announced that Evera Homes would begin clearing the site in the summer and would build 160 homes and five acres of employment space in the first phase of redevelopment. Adrian Sail, of Strawsons, said the site had become vulnerable to vandalism and graffiti. "When it was an operational airbase all these buildings would have been pristine, the grass cut neat and tidy, but clearly it has been empty now for over 20 years," he said. "It is big enough to accommodate 450 houses which the Local Plan has allocated, and in due course these buildings will be demolished."
The plan involves retaining the guardroom, the administration block, water tower and the former commanding officer's home, Upwood Hill House, together with some buildings near the hangars, with the aim of retaining a sense of the former RAF station. In a statement, Huntingdonshire District Council said it hoped any development would "maintain the character of the historic RAF use".
Upwood Hill House was built by a Farm owner of the local land before the airfield was built, but in September 1917, the War Department requisitioned Hill Farm, then owned by Lord de Ramsey, for use as an Emergency Landing Ground. The Ministry of Defence used it as accommodation whilst RAF Upwood was still in use, with one family living downstairs and another upstairs.
News Source: Peterborough Today
On the first occasion, a crew and the water carrier from Ramsey were called out at 6.52pm where they saw a large amount of smoke issuing from the site. On arrival they found a large bonfire containing wood, tyres and rubbish. The firefighters were not able to return to their station until 9.40pm.
On Saturday, at 7.15pm, crews from Ramsey and Huntingdon arrived to find smoke issuing from a derelict building. This time, the firefighters did not return to their bases until 9pm after putting out the flames. Anyone with information on either fire is asked to contact police on 101 or by visiting www.cambs.police.uk to submit an online report.
RAF Upwood was shut by the Ministry of Defence in 1994, but attempts to develop the land failed to take off. The site, which has been subject to arson attacks and vandalism over the past decade, was built in 1917 for the Royal Flying Corps - before it became home to RAF squadrons and expanded from 1936. The airbase has played host to both British and American services and was the set of a 1953 Hollywood movie.
In November last year, it was announced that Evera Homes would begin clearing the site in the summer and would build 160 homes and five acres of employment space in the first phase of redevelopment. Adrian Sail, of Strawsons, said the site had become vulnerable to vandalism and graffiti. "When it was an operational airbase all these buildings would have been pristine, the grass cut neat and tidy, but clearly it has been empty now for over 20 years," he said. "It is big enough to accommodate 450 houses which the Local Plan has allocated, and in due course these buildings will be demolished."
The plan involves retaining the guardroom, the administration block, water tower and the former commanding officer's home, Upwood Hill House, together with some buildings near the hangars, with the aim of retaining a sense of the former RAF station. In a statement, Huntingdonshire District Council said it hoped any development would "maintain the character of the historic RAF use".
Upwood Hill House was built by a Farm owner of the local land before the airfield was built, but in September 1917, the War Department requisitioned Hill Farm, then owned by Lord de Ramsey, for use as an Emergency Landing Ground. The Ministry of Defence used it as accommodation whilst RAF Upwood was still in use, with one family living downstairs and another upstairs.
News Source: Peterborough Today
Derelict buildings at the former RAF base
18 April 2020 (15:30) - Building fire in rural Somerset thought to have been deliberate
A fire in a derelict building in rural Somerset is thought to have been started deliberately. Avon Fire and Rescue posted on its website that Firefighters were called to Rhodyate Hill, in the North Somerset village of Congresbury, at 3.30pm on Saturday (April 18). The crews managed to put out the fire on Saturday afternoon but they believed this was deliberate.
The fire log reads: "Crews from Yatton, Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon were mobilised to reports of a fire. On arrival, crews found a fire affecting a derelict building. Firefighters used one 45mm jet to extinguish the fire and a thermal imaging camera to detect hotspots within the building. The cause is thought to be deliberate." In a tweet, Yatton Fire Station said it had limited access to the unoccupied house when it was dealing with the fire.
The fire service has revealed the number of deliberate fires it had attended since lockdown is at an average of 5.2 a day - up from 3.6 before March 23. Assistant chief fire officer Simon Shilton said: “It is so disappointing to see that at a time when we all need to be coming together to support one another we still have people committing crimes and ruining our local communities."
The building is called Hill Cottage and was sold at auction in 2016. Prior to that had been within the same ownership for over 50 years. At the point of sale, the property was in need of modernisation. Since the sale the building has been vacant and suffered from vandalism. All of the windows of the property have been smashed and any lead of the property has been removed. The remote location of the house makes it an easy target.
On the 23rd March 2020, a planning application was submitted to North Somerset Council for the demolition of the existing dwelling and the erection of replacement dwelling and new garage. No decision has yet been made, but the Parish Council has recommended that the application is approved.
Whilst the building is clearly old, it is not listed and does not appear on any local list, nor is it in any Conservation Area. The exact date of the building’s construction is not known, but it was most likely built between 1821 and 1840. It appears on the earliest map available, the 1840s Tithe North Somerset map. The map appears to show the building with two sections which also broadly reflects how the building appears in reality, and therefore it may originally have been two dwellings. The house was assessed and the planning proposal was discussed with Historic England. However, although it was considered to be of local historic interest, it was not considered to be of such importance that it would be nationally listed by Historic England. This is because it has been substantially altered from the original cottage. It is a very sad end to such a lovely 200 year old cottage.
News Source: Bristol Live
The fire log reads: "Crews from Yatton, Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon were mobilised to reports of a fire. On arrival, crews found a fire affecting a derelict building. Firefighters used one 45mm jet to extinguish the fire and a thermal imaging camera to detect hotspots within the building. The cause is thought to be deliberate." In a tweet, Yatton Fire Station said it had limited access to the unoccupied house when it was dealing with the fire.
The fire service has revealed the number of deliberate fires it had attended since lockdown is at an average of 5.2 a day - up from 3.6 before March 23. Assistant chief fire officer Simon Shilton said: “It is so disappointing to see that at a time when we all need to be coming together to support one another we still have people committing crimes and ruining our local communities."
The building is called Hill Cottage and was sold at auction in 2016. Prior to that had been within the same ownership for over 50 years. At the point of sale, the property was in need of modernisation. Since the sale the building has been vacant and suffered from vandalism. All of the windows of the property have been smashed and any lead of the property has been removed. The remote location of the house makes it an easy target.
On the 23rd March 2020, a planning application was submitted to North Somerset Council for the demolition of the existing dwelling and the erection of replacement dwelling and new garage. No decision has yet been made, but the Parish Council has recommended that the application is approved.
Whilst the building is clearly old, it is not listed and does not appear on any local list, nor is it in any Conservation Area. The exact date of the building’s construction is not known, but it was most likely built between 1821 and 1840. It appears on the earliest map available, the 1840s Tithe North Somerset map. The map appears to show the building with two sections which also broadly reflects how the building appears in reality, and therefore it may originally have been two dwellings. The house was assessed and the planning proposal was discussed with Historic England. However, although it was considered to be of local historic interest, it was not considered to be of such importance that it would be nationally listed by Historic England. This is because it has been substantially altered from the original cottage. It is a very sad end to such a lovely 200 year old cottage.
News Source: Bristol Live
200 year old Hill Cottage
17 April 2020 (19:19) - 60 firefighters from two counties battle major thatch fire near Devizes
More than 60 firefighters battled a major fire at a thatched property near Devizes overnight. At the height of the fire, around 12 fire crews from Wiltshire and Somerset were at the serious incident in Plough Lane, Marston – with the initial 999 call coming in at just after 7pm.
Fire appliances from Devizes, Westbury, Trowbridge, Calne, Warminster, Pewsey, Swindon, Marlborough, Wilton, Chippenham, Amesbury and Frome all attended the scene. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service asked local residents to close their windows and doors last night as the plumes of smoke filled the air. Some firefighters remained working at the scene this morning, at 8am. They are expected to remain there for more of today as they dampen down the property and use thermal imaging to detect hot spots.
The cause of the blaze is thought to be an electricity supply fault which sent sparks onto the thatch; this was witnessed by a passerby who phoned 999 to report it. SSE were also at the incident working to locate and isolate the fault. No one has been injured in the fire, and all households are safe and accounted for.
The fire was at a Grade II listed, 17th century cottage, known as The Homestead.
News Source: Wiltshire 999s
Fire appliances from Devizes, Westbury, Trowbridge, Calne, Warminster, Pewsey, Swindon, Marlborough, Wilton, Chippenham, Amesbury and Frome all attended the scene. Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service asked local residents to close their windows and doors last night as the plumes of smoke filled the air. Some firefighters remained working at the scene this morning, at 8am. They are expected to remain there for more of today as they dampen down the property and use thermal imaging to detect hot spots.
The cause of the blaze is thought to be an electricity supply fault which sent sparks onto the thatch; this was witnessed by a passerby who phoned 999 to report it. SSE were also at the incident working to locate and isolate the fault. No one has been injured in the fire, and all households are safe and accounted for.
The fire was at a Grade II listed, 17th century cottage, known as The Homestead.
News Source: Wiltshire 999s
Credit: Pewsey Fire Station
The 17th century cottage known as The Homestead has suffered significant damage. (Credit Estelle Legg)
Listing Details
|
Entry Name: The Homestead
Listing Date: 3 April 1987 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1258707 English Heritage Legacy ID: 445533 Location: Marston, Wiltshire, SN10 County: Wiltshire Civil Parish: Marston Traditional County: Wiltshire Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Wiltshire |
Coordinates
Latitude: 51.3101 / 51°18'36"N Longitude: -2.0474 / 2°2'50"W OS Eastings: 396792 OS Northings: 156774 OS Grid: ST967567 Mapcode National: GBR 2VB.Z1F Mapcode Global: VHB4M.GBHJ |
The pretty cottage before the fire (Credit: Google)
17 April 2020 (16:32) - Thatched roof blaze near Eye tackled by dozens of firefighters
More than a dozen fire crews were called to a thatch fire in a village near this afternoon. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service were called to The Street in Stoke Ash just after 4.30pm. A spokesman for the service said the fire was found in the roof of a semi-detached property. Hose reels and breathing apparatus were used to tackle the fire but much of the roof was destroyed in the blaze. Firefighters were able to stop the fire from spreading to the next door property and managed to salvage possessions from inside. In total, 15 crews from across Suffolk and Norfolk were called to help put out the fire. No injuries were reported at the property. A stop was called on the fire at 6.38pm and fire crews are beginning to leave the scene.
The spokesman said that relief crews would remain on the scene to monitor the property well into the evening to strip away thatch and tiles and make it safe. Among the appliances that attended the scene were four from over the border in Norfolk. Crews from Diss, Long Stratton, Stradbroke, Eye, Debenham, Needham Market, Stowmarket, Haverhill, Ixworth and Newmarket all attended.
The fire was under control and a stop called to the incident shortly before 7pm with seven fire engines still at the scene. The remaining crews left overnight with only a small number of firefighters left checking for hot spots and carrying out an investigation this morning.
Originally this was one house, but is now two semi detached Grade II listed cottages known as Oak Hall Cottage and Oak Cottage. The core is a 15th century former open hall. It was converted into a two-cell lobby entry house in the 17th century. It was remodelled in the 18th century as two cottages. In the late 18th century in- line extensions were on each gable end. They were altered and extended 1980's and the roof was destroyed by fire 1981.
News Source: Diss Mercury
The spokesman said that relief crews would remain on the scene to monitor the property well into the evening to strip away thatch and tiles and make it safe. Among the appliances that attended the scene were four from over the border in Norfolk. Crews from Diss, Long Stratton, Stradbroke, Eye, Debenham, Needham Market, Stowmarket, Haverhill, Ixworth and Newmarket all attended.
The fire was under control and a stop called to the incident shortly before 7pm with seven fire engines still at the scene. The remaining crews left overnight with only a small number of firefighters left checking for hot spots and carrying out an investigation this morning.
Originally this was one house, but is now two semi detached Grade II listed cottages known as Oak Hall Cottage and Oak Cottage. The core is a 15th century former open hall. It was converted into a two-cell lobby entry house in the 17th century. It was remodelled in the 18th century as two cottages. In the late 18th century in- line extensions were on each gable end. They were altered and extended 1980's and the roof was destroyed by fire 1981.
News Source: Diss Mercury
The fire tore through the roof of a thatched home in Stoke Ash Picture: IXWORTH FIRE STATION/SUFFOLK FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE
Listing Details
|
Entry Name: Oak Cottage Oak Hall Cottage
Listing Date: 14 October 1983 Last Amended: 14 July 1988 Grade: II Source: Historic England Source ID: 1032260 English Heritage Legacy ID: 281669 Location: Stoke Ash, Mid Suffolk, Suffolk, IP23 County: Suffolk District: Mid Suffolk Civil Parish: Stoke Ash Traditional County: Suffolk Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Suffolk Church of England Parish: Stoke Ash with Thwaite Church of England Diocese: St.Edmundsbury and Ipswich |
Coordinates
Latitude: 52.2879 / 52°17'16"N Longitude: 1.1016 / 1°6'5"E OS Eastings: 611634 OS Northings: 270060 OS Grid: TM116700 Mapcode National: GBR TJX.HBQ Mapcode Global: VHL9M.1RQG |
17 April 2020 (15:30*) - 'Absolutely gutted' - campaigners react to major blaze at Brandon Stadium
A campaigner who fought to save the historic Brandon Stadium has said she is “absolutely gutted” after another blaze at the deteriorating site. Donna Tully said she is resigned to the “slow death” of the dream to save the former home of the Coventry Bees speedway team. A fire in the grandstand of the dilapidated building sent plumes of white smoke billowing into the nearby area this afternoon (April 17). Six engines, an incident van and an assortment of response cars were called to the site, which six miles east of Coventry in Brandon. At least a dozen firefighters attended the incident at its height, using a platform and laying down a hose reel from a point on the Rugby Road.
Campaigner Donna Tully said: “I’m absolutely gutted. I’ve been going to that stadium since I was a toddler. The closure was a sad loss to the oval racing community. We had hoped we could save our stadium but as time went on it was inevitable that we were losing the battle. Sadly the fire today is one of many and of course something that had always been anticipated within the oval community. It’s a similar trend. Not only that but it’s clear that the site isn’t secure enough to stop this from happening. On a whole it’s a slow and painful death of the stadium we once loved. So many fond memories. It’s just really sad.” However, Jeff Davies refused to give up hope that the site could be revived. He wrote on Twitter: “We are aware the stadium is on fire and are told there are 4 fire engines including a turntable ladder in attendance. They can burn the grandstand to the ground but the fact remains, Brandon is the best site for speedway to return. WE CAN REINSTATE IT.”
At the stadium, plumes of smoke could be seen rising through the roof from behind the entrance to the stadium. Residents living near the site were advised to close doors and windows in alerts on social media channels issuing advice on behalf of the emergency services. Four pumps were still in attendance this evening (April 17) as crews continued to bring the fire under control at the site, which is set around half a mile off the Rugby Road. There were no reports of injuries.
While the fire service has not commented on the cause, the empty stadium has been hit by arsonists before. In March, crews were called out to a small fire started in the main building using chairs, old tyres and rubbish. At the time, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service slammed whoever was responsible for the “mindless” arson attack, saying it was "tying up crews" who should be responding to genuine emergencies. The Bees' former home, also known as Coventry Stadium, closed in 2016 after hosting speedway events since 1928. Campaigners have been battling to bring speedway back to the venue.
No speedway or stock car racing events have taken place at Brandon since the stadium’s current owners Brandon Estates closed it at the end of the 2016 season. Following the closure, the company unveiled plans to develop the stadium site for housing leading to a long-running planning battle. Brandon Estates has said previously that it has taken a range of measures, in line with advice from Rugby Borough Council, to secure the site.
For more information on the history of the stadium, please see the entry on the 11th March 2020
News Source: Coventry Live
Campaigner Donna Tully said: “I’m absolutely gutted. I’ve been going to that stadium since I was a toddler. The closure was a sad loss to the oval racing community. We had hoped we could save our stadium but as time went on it was inevitable that we were losing the battle. Sadly the fire today is one of many and of course something that had always been anticipated within the oval community. It’s a similar trend. Not only that but it’s clear that the site isn’t secure enough to stop this from happening. On a whole it’s a slow and painful death of the stadium we once loved. So many fond memories. It’s just really sad.” However, Jeff Davies refused to give up hope that the site could be revived. He wrote on Twitter: “We are aware the stadium is on fire and are told there are 4 fire engines including a turntable ladder in attendance. They can burn the grandstand to the ground but the fact remains, Brandon is the best site for speedway to return. WE CAN REINSTATE IT.”
At the stadium, plumes of smoke could be seen rising through the roof from behind the entrance to the stadium. Residents living near the site were advised to close doors and windows in alerts on social media channels issuing advice on behalf of the emergency services. Four pumps were still in attendance this evening (April 17) as crews continued to bring the fire under control at the site, which is set around half a mile off the Rugby Road. There were no reports of injuries.
While the fire service has not commented on the cause, the empty stadium has been hit by arsonists before. In March, crews were called out to a small fire started in the main building using chairs, old tyres and rubbish. At the time, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service slammed whoever was responsible for the “mindless” arson attack, saying it was "tying up crews" who should be responding to genuine emergencies. The Bees' former home, also known as Coventry Stadium, closed in 2016 after hosting speedway events since 1928. Campaigners have been battling to bring speedway back to the venue.
No speedway or stock car racing events have taken place at Brandon since the stadium’s current owners Brandon Estates closed it at the end of the 2016 season. Following the closure, the company unveiled plans to develop the stadium site for housing leading to a long-running planning battle. Brandon Estates has said previously that it has taken a range of measures, in line with advice from Rugby Borough Council, to secure the site.
For more information on the history of the stadium, please see the entry on the 11th March 2020
News Source: Coventry Live
Fire crews in attendance at Brandon Stadium (Image: CoventryLive)
17 April 2020 (08:51) - Large fire destroys roof and leaves barn unsafe
A bonfire accidentally getting out of control led to a large fire which destroyed the roof of derelict barn near Burton. Nine fire engines and 45 firefighters from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called out to the barnhouse, in Burton Road, Needwood, and spent around five hours tackling the fire. The fire was so fierce it made the building was too unsafe for them to go inside so they had to tackle it from outside. It was later revealed the fire had been started accidentally when a nearby bonfire spread.
Neighbour Valerie Brown said: "I had a phone call to say a neighbouring property was on fire, just before 9am. I was horrified. I was worried about the lady who lives across from it so I was rushing across to make sure she was out. They are working to convert an old stables into a home. They have been burning a bonfire for a couple of days. It’s been awful this morning."
Fire crews the received a call at 8.51am this morning, Friday, April 17, to a report of a fire in the roof of the barnhouse Crews from Tutbury, Cheadle, Barton-under-Needwood, Uttoxeter, Lichfield, Stone and two crews from Burton all attended. There were no reports of injuries. An officer from East Staffordshire Borough Council also attended as the building was deemed unsafe. Firefighters say they split the fire into three sectors and used three main jets, two hose reel jets, two sets of breathing apparatus and an open water supply from a nearby fishery to tackle the flames, as well as a water carrier. Western Power Distribution was also on the scene to isolate the electricity supply.
Gary Fox, fire station manager based at the Staffordshire fire and Rescue Service headquarters, said: "We have had six pumping vehicles here and a couple of specialist vehicles like the water carrier. When the first crew arrived the fire was well alight. We utilised a local fishery for water support and ran water lines across the field. "It has a dangerous structure [the barn] so an officer from East Staffordshire Borough Council has been down to inspect the property as it’s so badly damaged. The fire was started accidentally from a nearby bonfire. We will be here for a while as there are still hotspots in the walls and on the floor. The building is unstable so it’s not safe for us to enter and we are having to deal with it externally."
Station Manager Fox continued, “The building was being used to store building materials and was in very close proximity to an occupied house and farm outbuildings recently converted for housing. Although they were empty, there was a real risk of the fire spreading to all of the nearby buildings which could have had a devastating effect. We continue to urge people not to burn rubbish, manure or start any sort of bonfire as there’s a huge risk that it could get out of control or in this case, blow towards a building that ends up with catastrophic damage. The risk of bonfires getting out of control is high and often the smoke can aggravate people’s health conditions. We understand that Covid-19 is having a huge impact of people’s daily lives and while it’s great that people are staying at home to help save lives, choosing to start a bonfire could also put lives at risk.”
The buildings are steeped with history. Kingstanding (King’s Standing) Hall and barns date back to the 18th century where they were originally the royal hunting lodge for King George IV. Later, it was owned by the Duchy of Lancaster. The buildings are currently being converted into an exclusive, gated development of four homes
News Source: Derbyshire Live
Neighbour Valerie Brown said: "I had a phone call to say a neighbouring property was on fire, just before 9am. I was horrified. I was worried about the lady who lives across from it so I was rushing across to make sure she was out. They are working to convert an old stables into a home. They have been burning a bonfire for a couple of days. It’s been awful this morning."
Fire crews the received a call at 8.51am this morning, Friday, April 17, to a report of a fire in the roof of the barnhouse Crews from Tutbury, Cheadle, Barton-under-Needwood, Uttoxeter, Lichfield, Stone and two crews from Burton all attended. There were no reports of injuries. An officer from East Staffordshire Borough Council also attended as the building was deemed unsafe. Firefighters say they split the fire into three sectors and used three main jets, two hose reel jets, two sets of breathing apparatus and an open water supply from a nearby fishery to tackle the flames, as well as a water carrier. Western Power Distribution was also on the scene to isolate the electricity supply.
Gary Fox, fire station manager based at the Staffordshire fire and Rescue Service headquarters, said: "We have had six pumping vehicles here and a couple of specialist vehicles like the water carrier. When the first crew arrived the fire was well alight. We utilised a local fishery for water support and ran water lines across the field. "It has a dangerous structure [the barn] so an officer from East Staffordshire Borough Council has been down to inspect the property as it’s so badly damaged. The fire was started accidentally from a nearby bonfire. We will be here for a while as there are still hotspots in the walls and on the floor. The building is unstable so it’s not safe for us to enter and we are having to deal with it externally."
Station Manager Fox continued, “The building was being used to store building materials and was in very close proximity to an occupied house and farm outbuildings recently converted for housing. Although they were empty, there was a real risk of the fire spreading to all of the nearby buildings which could have had a devastating effect. We continue to urge people not to burn rubbish, manure or start any sort of bonfire as there’s a huge risk that it could get out of control or in this case, blow towards a building that ends up with catastrophic damage. The risk of bonfires getting out of control is high and often the smoke can aggravate people’s health conditions. We understand that Covid-19 is having a huge impact of people’s daily lives and while it’s great that people are staying at home to help save lives, choosing to start a bonfire could also put lives at risk.”
The buildings are steeped with history. Kingstanding (King’s Standing) Hall and barns date back to the 18th century where they were originally the royal hunting lodge for King George IV. Later, it was owned by the Duchy of Lancaster. The buildings are currently being converted into an exclusive, gated development of four homes
News Source: Derbyshire Live
The fire in Needwood (Image: Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service)
