GVFB unveils new Honours Board to celebrate 40 Commanding Officers

The GVFB held a special event to unveil a new Honours Board on Saturday, celebrating the 40 Commanding Officers.

In a proud moment for the Geddington Volunteer Fire Brigade (GVFB), a new Honours Board was unveiled at the Fire Station on Grafton Road, commemorating the 40 Commanding Officers (COs) who have led the brigade since its formation. The polished wooden board, with the names of each CO painted in striking gold letters, begins with the brigade’s first leader, Matthew (Jim) Harker, affectionately known as “The Chief.”

The unveiling, organized by the current CO, Graeme Atkins, was a special occasion that saw former COs return to witness the tribute. Among the attendees was Roger Miles, the earliest surviving CO, who served in 1988, as well as Colin Issit, who thanks to the global pandemic, was the only CO to serve two terms.

The event provided a moment for reflection on the brigade’s rich history, which began in 1977 as a village response to the national firemen’s strike, and went on to become a voluntary charity with the aim of helping local organisations and residents.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Graham Storey for his craftsmanship in creating the beautiful Honours Board. The materials and costs for the board were generously donated by the family of former CO Bob Austin (CO in 1986) following a collection at his funeral earlier this year. Their combined efforts have created a lasting tribute to the brigade’s legacy and those who have led it over the years.

After the formal unveiling, many attendees enjoyed a ride on GVFB’s iconic fire engine, “Queen Eleanor,” making their way in true brigade style to a celebratory dinner at The Star Inn. The fire engine, a 1953 airfield tender named after Geddington’s famous Queen Eleanor, has long been a symbol of the brigade and remains a beloved feature at village events.

The dinner at The Star Inn was filled with laughter and nostalgia, as former COs shared stories from their years of service, reconnecting with old friends and remembering the brigade’s many adventures. It was a fitting end to a day that honored the history and the spirit of the GVFB.

Today, the GVFB remains an active and beloved part of the Geddington community, hosting events throughout the year for the benefit of local residents. The annual Senior Citizens’ Dinner, held in the village hall, is a highlight, bringing together elderly residents for a night of food and entertainment. Another major event is the highly anticipated “Squirt,” which draws hundreds of attendees each year as the GVFB competes against the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) in a “fun sort-of water-based tug-of-war”.

The funds raised by the brigade are strictly used for charitable purposes, supporting their mission “to provide assistance to and raise funds for the benefit of residents of the parish of Geddington, Newton & Little Oakley.” In addition to charitable work, the brigade holds regular social events for its members, which are entirely self-funded and separate from the charity’s proceeds. The charitable activities are overseen by dedicated Trustees, who ensure that all actions are compliant with the Charity Commission’s guidelines, reflecting the brigade’s commitment to serving the community responsibly and with care.