Wakefield fireman celebrated

Simon Ladley was recently awarded his Gold Star service medal for completing 25 years as a volunteer fireman for the Wakefield Brigade. The station turned out in force at the ceremony held at Wakefield School Hall for dinner, drinks and speeches. The Nelson Volunteer Brigade covered the local patch, so the crew could let their hair down. “It doesn’t feel like 25 years, but sometimes it feels like more,” says Simon. “I have been around the Brigade since about the age of five as my father is also a long-serving member. I was 18 when I first joined. At the time, I was working in the village and the Brigade was in need of day-time members.” Looking back, he says career highlights would be the camaraderie among all the people he has worked with. “The Fire Brigade is another family for me,” he says. Simon is pictured with his wife Liz. Photo: Melissa Woodhouse.