| 18 April 1902 - Northampton Mercury
A Presentation to Mr. F. J. Simpson, who is Captain of the Higham Ferrers Fire Brigade, from the members of the Fire Brigade in recognition of his marriage on Wednesday next. The presentation was made at the engine house, and the gift consisted of a very handsome aneroid barometer in oak case, supplied by Messrs Knight and Sons, jewellers, Rushden, and Northampton. Mr. Simpson expressed great surprise when the presentation was made. At the same time thanked the members.
Since Mr. Simpson has been captain of the Brigade he has done much for it. The members have been better equipped, the engine house has been renovated, and a greater length of hose has been obtained, which in case of need would be found most useful.
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Borough of Higham Ferrers
Fire Brigade
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in future the Fire Brigade will be called together by Rocket Signals fired from the vicinity of the Fire Station.
Two Detonating Rockets sent up at an interval of
about 20 seconds will be the Signal.
Residents in the Borough who see or hear the Signals and have reason to suppose that any member or members of the Brigade have not seen or heard the Signals, are respectfully requested to assist by informing the member or members in question that the Signal has gone.
F. JOSEPH SIMPSON,
28th Sept. 1903 Captain.
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Rushden Argus, 2nd November 1917, transcribed by Kay Collins
Long Service – Veterans of Higham Ferrers Fire Brigade
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The long service firemen in the Higham Ferrers Brigade.
Top row: Firemen G. Lucas (25 years), A. Lambert (10 years),
A. H. Stokes (10 years), F. Twelvetree (20 years), W. Pettitt (25 years).
Bottom row: Vice-Captain A. H. Martin (25 years),
Chief Officer A. Sudborough, Engineer J. E. Smith (25 Years).
The men were presented with medals by his Worship the Mayor (Ald. T. Patenall) some time ago, in recognition of their long and faithful service.
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The Rushden Argus, 6th February 1920
Veteran Fire-fighters
Brigade’s Remarkable Long Service Record
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l-r standing: G Lucas (31 yrs), Lambert (10), Alex Stoles (10), Fred Twelvetree (20), and W. Pettit (31).
Sitting: Vice-Capt. Martin (31), Capt. Sudborough, and Engineer Smith (31). [3 years after picture above but service records differ!]
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Colin Bryant Collection
Courtesy of Rushden Museum
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Competition Winners? undated
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Rushden Argus, Friday, July 13, 1928, transcribed by John Collins
Higham Ferrers Fire Brigade - Voluntary Service the Best
Long-service medals presented at Annual Dinner
The value of voluntary service was the keynote of the speeches at the annual dinner of the Higham Ferrers Fire Brigade, held last Friday. The captain of the brigade, Mr. A. Sudborough, presided, supported by the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. F. Walker), the Deputy Mayor (Mrs. F. J. Simpson), Alderman F. D. Brazier, Councillor J. W. Barker, Councillor H. R. Patenall, Councillor W. E. Powell, Major F. J. Simpson (Town Clerk), and the secretary of the brigade (Mr. H. H. Carmichael). Visitors present were the captain of the Rushden Fire Brigade (Mr. R. F. Knight) and the following retired members of the Higham brigade: Ex-Second Officer Martin, ex-Engineer J. E. Smith, and ex-Firemen W. Pettitt, G. Lucas, and S. Middleton. A good menu was provided, the speeches were in happy vein and not too long, and the songs, rendered by Miss Meadows and Mr. C. Beeby, with Mr. A. Pack at the piano, were well chosen.
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The Fire Brigade in the 1920s with a cup
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In the 1930s with another cup
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The Old Coffee Tavern was taken over as headquarters
for the National Fire Service in 1939.
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Wartime Fire Brigade
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1939 a few members of the NFS in Wood Street
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National Fire Service 1943
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