AD1082/4a

Scrapbook of press cuttings concerning Bedford Volunteer Fire Brigade, including reports of small fires as well as the following [note: an asterisk (*) indicates accompanying photographs and numbers in square brackets refer to the page of the scrapbook containing the entry]:

1911-1935

From: 1911 To: 1935

- Beds Mercury cartoon about a remark that Captain Hill had been knocking on the Corporation door for seventeen years (1912) [frontispiece]; - "Winter's Pie" cartoon on fire engine stuck in snow and humorous story about fire calls [frontispiece]; - participation of Captain Hill of Bedford Brigade, who carried the Union Jack, in an international procession of firemen in Paris organised by French Federation of Fire Brigades (1911) [1]; - report of Annual Brigade competitions at Russell Park, Bedford (1911) [1]; - report of victory of Goldington Second XI (with only five men) over Bedford Volunteer Fire Brigade (all out 33!) by 66 runs at Russell Park (1911) [1]; - detailed report of destruction by fire ("mammoth furnishing establishment annihilated") of Longhurst & Skinner, Midland Road, Bedford and fires at neighbouring premises (1912) [2-4]*; - report of invitation by Blake Bros to Brigade to the Picturedrome to view films of the Longhurst & Skinner fire (1912) [4]; - detailed report of Annual Dinner at Town Hall (1912) [4-5]; - report of Brigade versus Goldington Reading & Recreation Room at billiards (won) and whist (lost) (1912) [5]; - very detailed report of the "sad, solemn, impressive and even majestic" funeral of Captain Augustus Hill (1912) [6-9]*; - very detailed report of fire at Queen's Engineering Works, Bedford in which an employee was killed and efficiency of water supply questioned (1912) [9-11]; - letters to the newspaper from the Coroner, W.H.Allen and Borough Engineer re fire at Queen's Works, that from W.H.Allen recommending a Municipal Brigade due to alleged insufficient equipment used by the Volunteer Brigade (1912) [11]; - letter to the newspaper criticising plans to make the Volunteer Brigade into a Brigade retained by the Borough (and the consequent increase in rates!) (1912) [11]; - article and letters re agitation for a Municipal Brigade to replace the Volunteer Brigade (1912) [12]; - fire at 7 Thurlow Street, caused by a pot of glue being ignited by a gas jet (1912) [12]; - details of report of the Town Council Watch Committee: exonerating Brigade from blame in delay in attending the Queen's Works fire; stating that the Brigade was equipped adequately to manage large fires; deciding against converting the Volunteer Brigade into a Municipal Fire Brigade (1912) [13-14]; - details of report by Waterworks Committee of Town Council re questions raised over water supply on the night of Queen's Works fire (1912) [13]; - report by Chief Fire Officer Corby on satisfactory nature of fire appliances at Bedford Workhouse (1912) [14]; - report of Brigade victory in four men, coachmen and engineer steamer (wet) drill at South Midland District competitions at Wokingham [Surrey] (1912) [14]; - report of success of Brigade in winning two prizes at NFBU national competitions at Crystal Palace [London] in combined steamer and life-saving drill and junior steamer drill (1912) [14]; detailed report of annual Brigade drill competitions at Russell Park (1912) [14]; - false alarm given by a man who "is suffering from a weak mind" and was removed to the Workhouse (1912) [15]; - report of unveiling of portrait of late Captain Hill at Mill Street Fire Station (1912) [15]; - fire in Curry & Co.'s shop, 67 High Street, Bedford (1912) [15]; - fire at Castle Rink, Bedford, including the rescue of sealions belonging to a circus company performing at the venue (1913) [15]; - report of Annual Dinner at Central Restaurant (1913) [16]; - fire at Central Omnibus Company garage, Whitbread Avenue, Bedford, destroying eight omnibuses (1913) [17]*; - arson of haystacks at Fenlake, Bedford and confession of arsonist (1913) [18]; - report of firemanship display by 1st Beds Scout Troop (1913) [18]; - arson by Suffragettes at J.T.Hobson & Co. timber yard, Duckmill Lane, Bedford (1913) [18]; - injury to Chief Officer Francis Corby of the Brigade whilst planing wood (1913) [18]; - detailed report of annual Brigade drill competitions in Russell Park (1913) [19]*; - alleged arson by Suffragettes at Hurst Grove House and 47 Chaucer Road, Bedford (1913) [20]; - destruction by fire of a large range of barns, three cottages and outbuildings at Bromham belonging to Bromham Estate (1913) [20]*; - report of firemen being ready to defend the Chancellor of the Exchequer (David Lloyd George) with their hoses if attacked by Suffragettes during a speech at Castle Rink, Bedford (1913) [20]; - detailed report of Annual Dinner at Central Restaurant, Bedford {1914) [21]; - report of experimental towing of the steamer "Victoria" behind a motor (1914) [22]; - fire at in clover stack at Grange Farm, Bromham, thought to be caused by sparks from nearby steam ploughing engines (1914) [22]; - fire at County Council farm near Cryselco Lamp Works, Kempston (1914) [22]; - report of Brigade's successes at NFBU competitions at King's Park, Bournemouth [Hants](1914)[25]*; - fire at Kilrain's Dental Surgeries 39 High Street, Bedford, dealt with by Highland Territorial troops (1914) [24]; - need of Brigade for members following three members volunteering for the armed forces (1914) [24]; - report that five members of Brigade had volunteered for the army and that War Office notified Superintendents that no more must leave for army service unless sanctioned by local authorities (1915) [24]; - two photographs of Brigade with horse drawn steamer at a recruiting rally (1915) [24]*; - report of display of fire fighting by Beds Regt.Fire Brigade at Kempston Barracks (1916) [25]; - detailed report of destruction by fire of part of the east wing of Wrest Park, Silsoe, (then a military hospital) (1916) [25]; - summons of a farmer under Defence of the Realm Act and fine of 10 for failing to extinguish a fixed external light, a blazing haystack at Clapham Park Farm! (1916) [25]; - detailed report of destruction of two acres of timber and buildings at Hobson & Co.'s timber yard, New Wharf, St.Mary's, Bedford (1917)[26-27]*; - report of possibility of motor fire appliances for the Brigade and possibility of the Volunteer Brigade becoming a Municipal Brigade (1917) [28]; - fire at rear of Wells' premises, 23-27 High Street, Bedford (1917) [28]; - fire at W.G.Harris' bookbinding premises, Alexandra Road, Bedford (1918) [28]; - article from a Luton newspaper reporting new motor fire engine for Luton Brigade and comparing this (in somewhat gloating terms) to Bedford Brigade's new land hose reel (1918) [28]; - letter protesting at possible creation of a Municipal Fire Brigade (1918) [28]; - fire at Ship PH, St.Cuthbert's Street, Bedford (1918) [28]; - report of Tribunal held on Fire Brigade members and ten members given six months exemption from conscription (1918) [29]; - fire at NCOs' Mess, Rye Close, Kempston Road, Bedford (1918) [29]; - fire in bar at Southend Club, Bedford (1918) [29]; - detailed letter concerning composition and standing of any Municipal Fire Brigade in Bedford (1918) [29]; - fire at Education Department Chief Clerk's office, Shire Hall, Bedford (1918) [29]; - report of Special Committee that a motor engine and pump combined be purchased for Fire Brigade and, with listed existing equipment, be taken over by Town Council that additional premises in Gadsby Street be purchased for the Brigade (1919) [29]; - letters re proposed Municipal Fire Brigade (1919) [30]; - report of Town Council meeting at which report of Fire Brigade Special Committee re creation of a Municipal Brigade was referred back to Finance Committee (1919) [30]; - report of Town Council's agreement to convert the Volunteer Brigade into a Municipal Brigade (1919)[31]; - balance sheet of cost of carrying out proposals to make Volunteer Brigade into a Municipal Brigade (1919)[31]; - new scale of charges for calls made upon municipal Bedford Fire Brigade (1919) [31]; - fire at grocer's shop of H.Darrington, Harpur Street, Bedford (1919) [32]; - fire at North End Club, Bedford (1919) [32]; - report of Town Council Fire Brigade Management Committee that a Dennis 60 BHP 400/500 Turbine Motor Engine with first aid machine and escape carrier be purchased for the Brigade for 1,365, also that a fire escape for use with the machine be purchased for about 100 (1919) [32]; - Brigade competition drills held in private in the yard of Newland & Nash brewery, Bedford (1919) [32]; - report of testing of Brigade's new Dennis 60 BHP engine, watched by Harry Thody, first captain of the Volunteer Brigade in 1870 (1919) [32]; - reports of Brigade versus Goldington Reading & Recreation Room at billiards (won) and cribbage (lost) (1920) [33]; - report of Town Council Finance Committee of 45 to overhaul steamer "Alexandra" and sale of steamer "Victoria" to Shefford Brigade for 200 together with details of call out charges, wages etc. (1920) [33]; - photograph of Brigade discharging hoses into the river by Swan Hotel, watched by a large crowd [1920) [33]; - Shefford Brigade's christening of the steamer bought from Bedford as "Victory" (1920) [34]; - photograph of unnamed members of Brigade (1920) [34]; - attendance of Brigade at annual National Fire Brigades' Association competition drills at Eastbourne [Sussex], and report of victories in the steamer and life saving competitions (1920) [35]*; small fire in billiard room and kitchen of Red Lion Inn, Elstow (1920) [36]; - report of "foolish conduct" of passers-by in Mill Street continually hampering the turn out of the Brigade (1920) [36]; - report of Brigade versus Goldington Reading Room at billiards (won) and cribbage (lost) (1921) [36]; - detailed report of annual meeting of South Midland District of National Fire Brigades' Association at St.Cuthbert's Hall, Bedford (1921) [36]; - "most destructive fire" at 2a Wellington Street, Bedford (1921) [37]; - fire in wooden buildings at Corporation Dust Destructor site, Bedford (1921) [37]; - detailed report of Brigade Concert at Town Hall, in aid of Widows' & Orphans'Benevolent Fund of NFBA (1921) [37]; - fire at Clapham Park House (1921) [37]*; - agreement of Town Council that Fire Brigade be allowed to erect scaffolding at Corporation property in Newnham following withdrawal of permission to use Newland & Nash's yard for escape and ladder drill (1921) [38]; - success of Brigade in annual NFBA competitions at Ramsgate [Kent] in winning steamer and life saving drill (eighth consecutive victory) and knot tying cup (1921) [38]*; - successes of Brigade in South Midland District competitions at Letchworth [Herts] (1921) [38-39]; - fire at County Council Depot, London Road, Bedford (1921) [39]; - detailed report of annual Brigade competitions at new drill ground in Newnham Priory fields, Bedford (1921) [39]; - fire at Madame De Wight's hairdressing salon, 21 St.Peter's Street, Bedford (1921) [39]; - fire at new motor works in Bunyan Road, Bedford (1922) [40]; - report of Brigade versus Goldington Recreation Room at billiards (won) and cribbage (lost) (1922) [40]; - fire at Silver Street, Bedford (1922) [40]; - fire at Robert Chard's fancygoods shop, 14 Dame Alice Street, Bedford (1922) [40]; - report of Firemen's Benevolent Fund concert at Town Hall (1922) [40]; - fire at Jarvis' Brewery, Hassett Street, Bedford (1922) [40]; - report of Brigade participation in South Eastern District competitions at Bletchley Park [Bucks] and victory in hook-ladder and lifeline drill (1922) [41]*; - participation by Brigade in NFBA annual competitions at Basingstoke [Hants], without winning anything (1922) [41]*; - detailed report of annual Brigade competitions at Newnham Lane Drill Ground, Bedford (1922) [42]; - detailed report of annual Brigade competitions at drill-ground, Newnham Avenue, Bedford (1922) [43]*; - fire in warehouses of Dudeney & Johnston and Bacchus, Castle Lane, Bedford (1922) [43]; - destruction by fire of Bedford Chemical Co. (firelight manufacturers), Kempston Road, Bedford (1922, see also below, pp.52 and 59) [43]; - fire at Taylor's Box Factory, old County School buildings, Ampthill Road, Bedford (1922) [43]*; - fire at Howbury Hall (1923) [44]; - brief report, with excellent photographs, of serious fire at corner of Kingsley Road and Tennyson Road, Bedford (1923) [44]*; - fire at Dr.Clarke's consulting room, 15 Windsor Terrace, Goldington Road, - "disastrous fire" at Astell's Timber Mills, St.Leonard's Street, Bedford, photographs include four members of the Astell family inspecting the damage (1923 see also pp.64-65) [45]*; - reports of fire ("enormous destruction") at Maythorn & Son Ltd., Biggleswade and Bedford Brigade's role in tackling it (1923) [46]; - report of two Potton firemen pleading guilty to stealing workmen's tools from Maythorn & Son during the fire (1923) [46]; - fire at Turvey Lodge Farm (1923) [46]; - three victories for Brigade in South Midland District annual competitions at Southall [Middx] (1923) [46]; - report of Brigade attendance at NFBA annual competitions at Bexhill-on-Sea [Sussex] and victory in escape competition, photograph shows Second Officer J.Grice, and Firemen Dillingham, Henman, Hill, Hopkins, P.W.Northwood, Nutting and Willmer (1923) [46]*; - report of annual Brigade competitions at Newnham with works fire brigades from W.H.Allen Sons & Co.Ltd. and Peek Frean & Co.Ltd. also competing for Bedford Private Fire Brigades competitions (1923) [47]; - article on Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade's annual report, noting the Brigade had had 34 call outs in the previous twelve months (1923) [47]; - report of Brigade versus Goldington Reading & Recreation Room at billiards (lost) and cribbage (lost) (1923) [47]; - election of Brigade's Chief Officer, Francis Corby, as Vice-Chairman of Central Council of NFBA (1923) [47]; - Brigade participation in South Midland District annual competitions at British Empire Exhibition Stadium, Wembley [London] without winning anything (1924) [48]; - Brigade participation in NFBA annual competitions at Oxford and winning the Dixon Shield (1924) [48]; - report of annual Brigade and Private Brigades competitions at Newnham Lane, Bedford (1924) [48]*; - "tremendous blaze" at J.P.White & Sons Ltd.(The Pyghtle Works), Bromham Road, Bedford (1924) [50]*; - article on annual report of Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade, noting 21 calls in the past twelve months (1924) [51]; - fire at R.Rose & Co. Music repair shop, Dame Alice Street, Bedford (1924) [51]; - appointment of Chief Officer Corby as Chairman of NFBA and also of South Midland District (1925) [51]; - fire in living room at Igranic Works, 7 Bridge Road, Bedford (1925) [52]; - large fire at Fir Tree Firelighter Co., Cauldwell Walk, Bedford, accompanying report notes bravery of signalman Livett who stayed working in his signal box for six hours despite proximity of the fire (1925, see also above, pp.43 and 59) [52]*; - detailed report of outdoor church service in Russell Park in aid of NFBA Widows' & Orphans' Benevolent Fund, conducted jointly by rector of St.Mary's, minister of Mill Street Baptist church and a Field Major of Salvation Army (1925) [53]*; - haystack fire at Clapham Folly Farm (1925) [54]; - success of Brigade at South Midland District annual competitions at - victories for Brigade in Escape Shield and combined steamer and life saving drill at NFBA annual competitions at Torquay [Devon], with photograph showing the following: Senior Fm.Hopkins; Fm.Henman; Fm.Nutting; CO Corby; Fm.Willmer; Fm.Dillingham; Fm.L.Grice; Fm.R.S.Northwood; Fm.T.G.Northwood; Miss Slood; and Mrs.Corby (1925) [54]*; - death of Fm.William George Davey of Hassett Street, Bedford (1925) [54]; - detailed report of annual Brigade competitions at Barker's Lane (1925) [55]; - very detailed report of autumn conference of NFBA in Bedford (1925) [55]; - death of Harry Thody, founder and first captain of Bedford Volunteer Fire Brigade from 1870 to 1887, then Chief Constable of Bedford from 1887 to 1906 (1925) [56]; - report of presentation to CO Corby on completion of 35 years service (1926) [56]; - re-election of CO Corby as Chairman of NFBA (1926) [56); - report of service in Russell Park in aid of NFBA Widows' & Orphans' Benevolent Fund, taken by vicar of St.Martin's, minister of Bunyan Meeting and a Field Marshal of the Salvation Army (1926) [56]*; - small fire at Woolworth's, Midland Road, Bedford (1926) [57]; - side-shows run by Brigade at Great Midsummer Fair ("Knock the Lady Out of Bed" and "The Pot Hat"!) (1926) [57]; - Brigade participation in NFBA annual competitions at Blackpool [Lancs] (1926) [57]; - agreement of Bedford Corporation to half fund a second motorised fire engine if the other half of the cost was met by certain parish councils (1926) [57]; - fire at Anthony's chemists and opticians, High Street, Bedford (1926) [57]; - possible arson following burglary at Cafe Dansant , Bedford (1926) [57]; - report of Brigade's participation in fire at thatched cottages (among 512 in Ampthill Rural District reported as unfit for human habitation) at West End, Cranfield (1926) [58]; - very detailed report of annual Brigade and Private Brigades (Allen's and Meltis) competitions at Newnham Lane, Bedford (1926) [58]; - fire at B.Swaffield's engine and magneto repairing workshop, Queen Street, Bedford (1926) [59]; - fire at Lincoln Works, Newell's Lane, Kempston (1926, see also p.60) [59]; - death of a nurse employed at 45 Lansdowne Road after methylated spirits ignited her clothing (1926) [59]; - report of second annual Fire Brigade Dance at Cafe Dansant, Bedford (1926) [59]; - fire at Fir Tree Firelighters Co., Kempston Road (1927, see also pp.43 and 52 above) [59]*; - fire at Lincoln Works, Newell's Lane, Kempston (1927, see also p.59) [60]; - report of Bedford RDC meeting at which it was decided to investigate the possibility of joining Bedford Corporation and certain parish councils to jointly fund a second fire engine for Bedford Fire Brigade (1927) [60]; - re-election of CO Corby as NFBA Chairman (1927) [60]; - letter in "Fire" from CO Corby noting that four members of Bedford Brigade totalled 134 years experience between them and each could still carry a man down an escape (1927) [60]; - letter to newspaper noting that in Bedford Brigade two men applied for 35 year service medals, three for 15 year service medals and one for a 10 year medal, and that 13 out of 21 have served over 10 years (1927) [60]; - fire in wooden buildings behind the Pavilion, Bedford Park (1927) [60]; - report of manoeuvres in Bedford Park and combined service in Russell Park in aid of NFBA Widows' & Orphans' Benevolent Fund (1927) [60]; - destruction by fire of Norman's Bakehouse, Wellington Street, Bedford (1927) [61]; - success of Brigade in South Midland District annual competitions at Aspley Mills, Hemel Hempstead [Herts] (1927) [61]*; - reports of Brigade establishment of a record of six victories in NFBA annual competitions at Bournemouth [Hants] (1927) [61]*; - report of Kempston UDC deferring a decision on whether to supply Kempston Fire Brigade with telephone bells and a new motor vehicle and this being seen as unfair to that Brigade (1927) [62]; - serious fire in a rickyard at Road Farm, Houghton Conquest (1927) [62]; - destruction by fire of F.R.Hockliffe's book and stationery shop, St.Loyes, Bedford (1927) [62]; - report of third annual Brigade dance at Cafe Dansant, Bedford (1928) [63]; - serious fire in the east wing of Southill House (1928) [63]*; - serious fire at Bletsoe Castle Farm (1928) [64]; - destruction by fire of building behind Clarence Hotel, St.John's Street, Bedford (1928) [64]; - report of three victories by Brigade in NFBA annual competitions at Newbury racecourse [Berks] (1928) [64]; - fire at Norman's coal merchants, Tavistock Street, Bedford (1928) [64]; - fire at Bedford Corporation Farm, off Newnham Lane, Bedford (1928) [64]; - serious fire at Astell Bros. timber yard, Cardington Road, Bedford, at which Brigade was hampered by low water pressure (1928, see pp.45 and 64) [65]*; - fire at East End Farm, Pavenham (1928) [66]; - fire at coach building works of E.Lamb, Newnham Street, Bedford (1928) [66]; - unanimous election of CO Corby as Honorary Life Member of NFBA (1928) [66]; - first use by Brigade for over forty years of escape equipment in Bedford in rescue from a fire in flats above H.Darrington & Son, grocery, corner of Lime Street and Harpur Street (1928) [66]; - fire at Scrum Hall, (Goldington Road?), Bedford (1928) [66]; - notification of Brigade vacancies for men between 19 and 35 (1928) [66]; - fire aboard a "Dreadnought" omnibus in Ray's Yard, Cauldwell Street, Bedford (1928) [66]; - fire at Thurleigh Village Hall (1929) [67]; - fire at Alma Stationery Co., Priory Street, Bedford (1929) [67]; - report of Brigade Ball at Corn Exchange, Bedford (1929) [67]; - report of Leighton Buzzard and Bletchley [Bucks] Brigades refusing to attend a fire on Stockgrove Estate because Soulbury parish [Bucks] had refused to sign an agreement towards the maintenance of those brigades (1929) [67]; - small fire at Royal County Theatre, Midland Road, Bedford (1929) [67]; - destruction by fire of G.Newell's bakehouse, Sharnbrook (1929) [67]; - small fire at Queen's Works, Ford End Road, Bedford (1929) [67]; - small fire at Bedford Educational Association Kindergarten School, 14 The Crescent, Bedford (1929) [67]; - destruction by fire of rare books in collection of P.Anderson of 94 Foster Hill Road, Bedford, including first edition of Clarendon's History of the Great Rebellion (1670) and manuscripts of Tel-el-Amarna letters (era of Pharaoh Amenhotep IV "Akhenaten" of Egypt) (1929) [67]; - Bedford Brigade attendance at fire at cinema in St.Neot's [Hunts] (1929) [68]; - success of Bedford Brigade at District drill competitions, Maidenhead [Berks] (1929) [68]; - fire at Biddenham Estate cottage at Church End, Biddenham (1929) [68]*; - fire at Whitbread Avenue, Bedford in premises shared by Bedford Steamboat Co.Ltd. and H.D.Chew, coachbuilder (1929) [68]*; - report of annual Brigade drill competitions at Newnham Lane (1929) [69]; - Brigade participation in annual NFBU drill competitions at Shanklin [Isle of Wight] (1929) [69]*; - fire in lockup garages, 185 Castle Road, in which a man was severely burned (1929) [70]; - fire destroying three cars in A.Cooper's Garage, Elstow (1929) [70]; - report that due to Bedford RDC willingness to share the cost the Corporation would purchase for the Brigade: a Dennis low load line motor fire engine of 250-300 gallons capacity (955);a trailer pump of 200-250 gallons capacity (365) and two sets of "Salvus" half hour patent oxygen breathing apparatus (40/2/0) (1929) [70]; - fire at rear of C.& G.Gascoigne Bros, blacksmiths and engineers, Beckett Street, Bedford (1929) [70]; - fire in outbuilding of Toc H Club, St.Loyes, Bedford (1929) [70]; - report of annual Brigade Christmas tree party (1930) [70]; - reports that Kempston UDC were prepared to enter into an agreement for use of Bedford Brigade (1930) [70]; - report of Brigade Ball at Corn Exchange (1930) [70]; - small fire at King's Arms PH, St.Mary's Street, Bedford (1930) [70]; - fire at G.Harrison & Son ("The Little Dust Pan"), supply stores, 14 Ford End Road, Bedford (1930) [71]; - resignation of F.Kingston, Brigade secretary since 1902 (1930) [71]; - serious fire in lockup garages in Grove Place, Bedford (1930) [71]; - fire at Dawson Bros, motor cycle agents, corner of Cauldwell Street and Great Butts Street, Bedford (1930) [71]; - article on possible greater "municipalisation" of Brigade (1930) [72]; - delivery of Brigade's second fire engine and first tests of all new plant (1930) [72]; - retirement of W.N.Mead after 38 years service in Brigade (1930) [72]; - fire at Bishopstone House, private mental asylum, Ashburnham Road, Bedford (1930) [72]; - report of Brigade successes at NFBA annual competitions at Bexhill-on-Sea [Sussex] (1930) [72] - first use of new Brigade trailer pump in fire at North End Farm, Stagsden (1930) [73]; - fire aboard a Bedford to London bus in London Road, Bedford (1930) [73]; - Bedford RDC concern at the size of the bill (45/14/6) received for Brigade attendance at North End Farm, Stagsden fire and dissatisfaction with agreement made with Bedford Town Council over use of the Brigade (1930) [73]; - fire at Church Farm, Ravensden (1930) [73]; - fire at Howard Works, Bedford (1930) [73]; - fire at Crow Hill Farm, Bolnhurst (1930) [73]; - article on annual report of Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade, noting that there had been 43 call outs in the previous twelve months (1930) [73]; - report of annual Brigade Ball at Corn Exchange (1931) [74]; - fire in roof of Souldrop church due to new heating system (1931) [74]; - fire at H.E.Randall, boot shop, 72 High Street, Bedford (1931) [74]; - reports of destruction by fire of Odell Castle (1931) [74]*; - fire in a car at Bransom & Robertson Garage, 182 Goldington Road, Bedford (1931) [75]; - fire in garage at David Robinson Ltd., St.Peter's Street, Bedford (1931) [75]; - Brigade successes at South Midland District drill competitions at Uxbridge [Middx] (1931) [75]; - successes of Brigade at NFBA competitions at Morecombe Bay [Lancs] (1931) [75]; - brief report of annual Brigade competitions at Newnham Lane (1931) [75]; - fires at Hurst Grove tennis pavilion and at Empire Meat Co. 62 High Street as a result of Bonfire Night (1931) [76]; - resignation of James Stock after 31 years Brigade service (1931) [76]; - report of Chief Officer of Fire Brigade, noting 37 call outs in previous twelve months (1931) [76]; - fire in M.A.Lee second-hand clothing shop, St.John's Street, Bedford (1932) [76]; - report of annual Brigade Ball at Corn Exchange (1932) [76]; - fire at Colworth House, Sharnbrook (1932) [77]; - serious fires at College Farm, Great Barford and Hinwick Lodge (1932) [77]; - fire in furniture store at rear of Blakeman's shop, 25 St.John's Street, Bedford (1932) [77]; - report of annual Brigade competitions at Newnham Lane (1932) [78]; - report of Chief Officer of Fire Brigade, noting fewer fires in Borough but more in Rural District in previous twelve months (1932) [78]; - profile of Bedford Brigade (1933) [79]; - report of annual Brigade Ball at Corn Exchange (1933) [79]; - fire at Oakley Hunt Kennels, Milton Ernest (1933) [79]; - fire following head-on crash of two heavy lorries at Stoke Mills Turn, Sharnbrook (1933) [80]*; - destruction by fire of Vass' corn mill and bakehouse, Pulloxhill (1933) [80]; - fire at Croote Farm Cottage, Willington (1933) [81]; - detailed report of annual Brigade drill competitions at Newnham Lane (1933) [81]*; - small fire at English Brothers timber works, London Road, Bedford (1933) [82]; - small fire at Carpenter's Arms PH, Priory Street, Bedford (1933) [82]; - fire at Biddenham Dairies Ltd., 82 Bromham Road, Bedford (1933) [82]; - retirement of J.E.Grice, Brigade Second Officer since 1912 and member of the Brigade since 1892 and his replacement by Foreman E.Hopkins (1933)*; - annual report of Chief Officer of the Brigade, including statistics on causes of fires attended in previous twelve months (1933) [82]; - fire at Hanging Gate PH, Harrowden, Bedford (1933) [83]; - report of injury to CO Corby and death of his wife in a car accident at Snetterton [Norfolk], also reports funeral of Mrs.Corby (1933) [83]; - report of funeral of Mrs.Corby at Holy Trinity, Bedford (1933) [84]; - report of inquest on Mrs.Corby (verdict of accidental death with criticism of Norfolk County Council for failing to salt the road in question) (1933) [84]; - fire at J.White's Banana Stores, Midland Road, Bedford (1934) [84]; - detailed report of destruction by fire of two cottages at Buryfields, Keysoe (1934) [87]*; - small fire at Stafford, Rogers & A.W.Merry Ltd., Horne Lane, Bedford (1934) [88]; - detailed report of annual Brigade competitions at Newnham Avenue (1934) [88]*; - very detailed report of large fire at Samuel Foster Ltd., High Street, Kempston at which the water supply failed (1934) [89]; - detailed report of Kempston UDC's criticism of Bedford Brigade for taking the wrong apparatus to Foster's fire, unlike Kempston Brigade (1934) [89]; - report of controversy over hydrants and water pressure resulting from Foster's fire in Kempston (1934) [90]; - CO Corby's reply to KUDC criticism of Bedford Brigade at Foster's fire that Brigade only had one type of appliance and so could not have sent "the wrong one" (1934) [90]; - Alderman Sowter's rejection of KUDC criticism of Bedford Brigade re Foster's fire (1934) [90]; - photographs of fire at Foster's, Kempston (1934) [91-93]*; - report of Bedford and private Brigades' participation in local drill competitions at Stewartby (1934) [93]; - fire at H.Darrington & Son, grocery, Harpur Street, Bedford (1934) [94]; - fire at a cheese stall at Bedford Market (1934) [94]; - fire in Bedford Modern School armoury, Clarendon Street playing fields, Bedford (1934) [94-95]*; - report of talk by CO Corby "Fires & Fire Fighting" at meeting of Natural History & Archological Society (1934) [95]; - report of heated debate at Kempston UDC meeting when one member objected to replies by CO Corby and Alderman Sowter [see above p.90] to previous criticism of the Bedford Brigade by himself and other members' lingering dissatisfaction over the part played by Bedford Brigade at the fire Foster's fire (1934) [95]; - fire at Elstow Lodge, home of J.B.Graham, clerk to Bedfordshire County Council (1935) [96]; - report of annual Brigade Ball at Corn Exchange (1935) [96]; - report of funeral of Fireman Ernest Frank Hills at Bedford Cemetery (1935) [96]*; - fire at A.J.Riddy's bakehouse, Cleveland Street, Kempston at which Bedford Brigade assisted Kempston Brigade [A.J.Riddy had been the member of Kempston UDC most vociferous in his criticism of Bedford Brigade over the Foster's fire, see p.90] (1935) [97]; - brief report of Brigade participation in South Midland District annual competitions at Aylesbury [Bucks] (1935) [97]; - report of Brigade rescuing a cat from a tree (noted as an unusual job) (1935) [97]; - presentation of King's Silver Jubilee Medal to CO Corby and Second Officer Hopkins (1935) [97]; - Brigade participation, without winning anything, in NFBA competitions at Hastings [Sussex] (1935) [97]; - fire at Crowshaw's bat works, Holme Street, Bedford (1935) [98]; - fire at Wood Farm, Willington (1935) [98]; - fire in office at Queen's Works, Hurst Grove, Bedford (1935) [98]; - fire at Dutch Barn at Medbury Farm, Elstow, exacerbated by lack of water for Brigade (1935) [99]; - detailed report of annual Brigade competitions at Newnham Lane (1935) [99].

item

Hill, Augustus,
Federation des Sapeurs Pompiers Francais,
Longhurst & Skinner,
Blake Brothers,
Goldington Reading & Recreation Room,
Allen, W.H.,
Corby,
Corby, Francis,
National Fire Brigades Union,
Curry & Company,
Central Omnibus Company,
J T Hobson & Company,
Lloyd George, David,
Cryselco Ltd,
Kilrain's Dental Surgeries,
Wells,
Harris, William G.,
Darrington, Henry,
Newland & Nash Ltd,
Dennis,
Thody, Harry,
National Fire Brigades Association,
de Wight,
Chard, Robert,
Jarvis & Company,
Dudeney & Johnston Ltd,
Bedford Chemical Company,
Taylor, E.F. & Company,
Clark, James Charles,
Astell Brothers Ltd,
Astell,
Maythorn & Son Limited,
Grice, James Edward,
Dillingham,
Henman,
Hill,
Hopkins,
Northwood, P.W.,
Nutting,
Willmer,
W. H. Allen Sons & Company Limited,
Peek Frean & Company Limited,
J P White & Sons Ltd.,
R.Rose & Co.,
Fir Tree Firelighter Company,
Livett,
Grice, Leslie Robert,
Northwood, Reginald Sydney,
Northwood, Thomas George,
Slood,
Davey, William George,
Anthony & Son,
Meltis Limited,
Swaffield, Basil,
Fire,
Norman's Machine Bakery,
Norman, Albert,
Hockliffe, Frederic R.,
Lamb, Edgar,
H.Darrington & Son,
Ray, Frederick,
Alma Stationery Company,
Newell, G.,
Bedford Educational Association,
Anderson, Percy,
Amenhotep IV,
Bedford Steamboat Company Limited,
Chew, Henry Douglas,
Cooper, A.,
C and G Gascoigne Brothers,
Toc H,
G.Harrison & Son,
Harrison, George Frederick,
Kingston, Frank,
Dawson Brothers,
Mead, Walter N.,
Howard Engineering Works,
Randall, H.E. Limited,
Bransom & Robertson,
Stock, James,
Lee, M.A.,
Blakeman & Sons,
Oakley Hunt,
Vass,
English Brothers,
Biddenham Dairies Limited,
Hopkins, Ernest,
White, J.,
Stafford, Rogers & A.W. Merry Limited,
Samuel Foster Limited,
Sowter, William Ernest,
Graham, Jos Bramwell,
Hills, Ernest Frank,
Riddy, Arthur John,
Crowshaw, William,
Cooper, Edward

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Southend Club, Bedfordshire County Council, Norfolk County Council, Bedford North End Club, Newland & Nash Limited, Bedford Swan Hotel, Elstow Red Lion, other church buildings, concerts, national charities, hairdressers, garages, Jarvis and Company, fancy goods, Firemen's Benevolent Fund, Dudeney & Johnston Limited, Bedford Chemical Company, Bedford County School, E F Taylor & Co Ltd, box manufacturer, timber trade, Maythorn & Son Limited, theft, Turvey Lodge Farm, Peek Frean & Company Limited, J.P.White & Sons Limited, R.Rose & Company, musical instruments, Igranic Electric Company Limited, Fir Tree Firelighter Company, Baptist individuals, clergy names index, Salvation Army, Clapham Folly Farm, police personnel, Bunyan Meeting, Congregational individuals, F.W.Woolworth & Company, fun fairs, chemists, Anthony & Son, optician, Bedford Cafe Dansant, Meltis Limited, nurse, Bedford Rural District Council, bakeries, Kempston Urban District Council, telephone, Houghton Conquest Road Farm, books, stationers, Bletsoe Castle Farm, Bedford Clarence, coal trade, Bedford Corporation Farm, Astell Brothers Ltd, Pavenham East End Farm, H.Darrington & Son, village halls, Alma Stationery Company, Bedford Royal County Theatre, Bedford Kindergarten Training College, Bedford Steamboat Company Limited, coachbuilder, motor vehicles, blacksmiths, engineers, C.& G.Gascoigne Brothers, Toc H, Bedford Kings Arms, Christmas, G.Harrison & Son, Dawson Brothers Limited, Bedford Bishopstone House private mental asylum, Stagsden North End Farm, Ravensden Church Farm, Bolnhurst Crow Hill Farm, H.E.Randall Limited, Bransom & Robertson, David Robinson Limited, tennis, Empire Meat Co, Bonfire Night, Great Barford College Farm, Blakeman & Sons, hunting, MILLS, Willington Croots Farm, Bedford Carpenters Arms, Priory Street, Biddenham Dairies Limited, Harrowden Hanging Gate, Rogers & A.W.Merry Limited Stafford, Samuel Foster Limited, alderman, grocers, Bedford Modern School, Bedfordshire Natural History Society, markets, cake, cats, Willington Wood Farm, bat maker, Elstow Medbury Farm, BEDFORD, KEMPSTON, Paris, Bedford Russell Park, GOLDINGTON, Bedford Midland Road, Bedford Queens Engineering Works, Bedford Thurlow Street, Wokingham, Crystal Palace, Bedford Mill Street, Bedford High Street, Bedford Castle Rink, Bedford Whitbread Avenue, Fenlake, EASTCOTTS, Bedford Duckmill Lane, Hurst Grove House, Bedford Chaucer Road, BROMHAM, Bournemouth, Kempston Barracks, Wrest Park (house), SILSOE, CLAPHAM, Bedford New Wharf, St. Mary Bedford, Bedford Alexandra Road, LUTON, Bedford St Cuthbert's Street, Bedford Rye Close, Bedford Kempston Road, Bedford Southend, Bedford Shire Hall, Bedford Gadsby Street, Bedford Harpur Street, SHEFFORD, Eastbourne, ELSTOW, Bedford St.Cuthert's Hall, Bedford Wellington Street, Clapham Park (house), Newnham, Ramsgate, Letchworth, Bedford London Road, Bedford Newnham Priory Fields, Bedford St.Peter's Street, Bedford Bunyan Road, Bedford Silver Street, Bedford Dame Alice Street, Bedford Town Hall, Bedford Hassett Street, Bletchley, Bletchley Park, Basingstoke, Bedford Newnham Lane, Bedford Castle Lane, Bedford Ampthill Road, Renhold Howbury Hall, Bedford Kingsley Road, Bedford Tennyson Road, Goldington Road Windsor Terrace, Bedford, Bedford Goldington Road, Bedford St.Leonard's Street, BIGGLESWADE, POTTON, TURVEY, Southall, Bexhill-on-Sea, Wembley, Wembley British Empire Exhibition Stadium, Oxford, Bedford Pyghtle Works, Bedford Bromham Road, Bedford Bridge Road, Bedford Igranic Works, Bedford Cauldwell Walk, St. Mary Bedford, Elstree, Torquay, Bedford Barkers Lane, St.Martin Bedford, Blackpool, CRANFIELD, Cranfield West End, Bedford Queen Street, Kempston Newells Lane, Bedford Lansdowne Road, Bedford Park, Hemel Hempstead, Hemel Hempstead Aspley Mills, HOUGHTON CONQUEST, Bedford Saint Loyes, SOUTHILL, Southill Park, Bedford St.John's Street, Newbury, Newbury Racecourse, Bedford Tavistock Street, Bedford Cardington Road, PAVENHAM, Bedford Newnham Street, Bedford Lime Street, Bedford Scrum Hall, Bedford Cauldwell Street, THURLEIGH, Bedford Priory Street, Bedford Corn Exchange, LEIGHTON BUZZARD, Soulbury, Stockgrove Park, SHARNBROOK, Bedford Ford End Road, Bedford The Crescent, Bedford Foster Hill Road, Amarna, St.Neots, Maidenhead, Biddenham Church End, BIDDENHAM, Shanklin, ELSTOW, Bedford Beckett Street, Bedford St.Mary's Street, Bedford Grove Place, Bedford Great Butt Street, Bedford Ashburnham Road, Ashburnham Road Bishopstone House, Bedford, Stagsden North End, STAGSDEN, RAVENSDEN, BOLNHURST, SOULDROP, Odell Castle, ODELL, Morecombe Bay, Bedford Hurst Grove, Colworth House, GREAT BARFORD, Hinwick, PODINGTON, Podington Hinwick Lodge, MILTON ERNEST, Milton Ernest Oakley Hunt Kennels, Sharnbrook Stoke Mills, PULLOXHILL, WILLINGTON, Eastcotts Harrowden, EASTCOTTS, Snetterton, Holy Trinity Bedford, KEYSOE, Keysoe Buryfields, Kempston High Street, Bedford Horne Lane, Bedford Market, Bedford Clarendon Street, Elstow Lodge, Kempston 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