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Meet emergency services local legend Wilfred Andrews Snr

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Scott Andrews and Wilf Andrews with various pictures

30 years later and Wilfred Andrews Snr has not been forgotten.

The North East community still remember his remarkable work in both law enforcement and the fire service.

Sentimental treasures recently rediscovered by his family brought back fond memories of the local legend.

Wilfred Andrews Snr launched his career in 1932 as a Police Constable, walking the beat in Tynemouth. Fast forward 13 years, and his hard work had paid off. Successfully climbing the ladder, he became the Company Officer in Charge of Tynemouth Fire Station.

Wilfred Andrews Snr’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed. His devoted service to his local community earned him an MBE from Her Majesty the Queen when he was 48.

Wilfred Andrews Snr

Wilfred Andrews Snr while he worked for the emergency services
Credit: Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

Service Delivery Manager for Tynemouth Community Fire Station, Martin Farrow, said: “It was a great privilege for Wilf, Scott and his family to share their special nostalgic memories with us.

“We are very proud of our fire service heritage and especially of people who’ve made such a difference in yesteryear that has helped us become what we are today. Mr Andrews was obviously deeply regarded by the local people for his achievements to be recognised by Her Majesty the Queen with the MBE.

It was made extra special as Mr Andrews’ accolade uniquely bridged both the Fire Service and the Police – representing two areas of the blue light family and showing the dedication he had towards the communities that he served.”

Switching from police to fire services in 1933, Wilfred Andrews Snr continued to thrive in his career, taking on vital roles protecting the community during WWII. Starting as Column Officer, he later became Acting Divisional Officer (1941) and then Divisional Officer (1942).

He organised, controlled and trained the Auxiliary Fire Service, Police and Fire Brigade in Tynemouth and took charge of the Division of Tynemouth, Wallsend, Blyth, Whitley Bay, Seaton Valley, Longbenton and Forest Hall throughout the war.

Regional Commissioner, Sir Arthur Lambert, also commended him after an enemy action raid on Tyneside.

Wilfred Andrew Snr protected the region he called his home right from his birth in Blyth to his passing, clearly proud of his North East roots.

After his retirement from the emergency services, he ventured into other avenues, including working with his family in the local amusement trade, also as a chief security officer. He had three children, Wilfred, Una and Michael, from his marriage with Margaret. After Margaret’s passing, he later remarried Kathleen.

Wilfred Andrew Snr’s final career move was becoming the landlord of The Three Heads in Thropton near Rothbury.

Wilf Andrews and his son Scott Andrews recently stumbled across a “box of delights” holding “priceless memories” of his impressive life. The family shared the precious photographs with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service in North Tyneside, as well as the history they’ve recently discovered by exploring the British newspaper Archive.

The photos are now proudly displayed in Wilf Andrews office beside Wilfred Andrew Snr’s MBE, the Certificate from Her Majesty the Queen and the heritage items of the Defence medal.

Wilf Andrews said: “As a little lad growing up in North Tyneside I had to always keep my nose clean and be careful what I did as everyone knew my dad.”

 

Credit: Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

Until he was three, Wilf Andrews lived in North Shields Fire Station: “It was quite good growing up in a fire service family. I used to go down to a number of the fire stations with my dad.  I loved all of the different yarns he used to spin about the fire brigade including dramatic stories about some of the fires he’d attended.

“I remember him talking about when he collected a brand new fire engine and drove it all the way up to the North East. Excellent memories!

“I knew all of the firefighters that used to work with my dad. They were lovely fellas. I used to have a good craic with them. Everyone seemed to admire my dad. They all talked about him in a good way.”

Wilfred Andrews Snr with former colleagues

Wilfred Andrews Snr attended Chief Fire Officers’ conferences
Credit: Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

Wilf added: “I’ve always been very proud of me dad, and for what he achieved.  People used to come up and tell me what he was like during the war.

“He seemed to be a courageous type of guy, and when he died, a Police Inspector said some nice words about him – saying that he was always the first person in when there was a fire and he would rally the crews by telling them ‘…come on lads let’s get it sorted.’”

Wilf Andrews described the impression he got from his father was that “he was never ever intimated by anybody,” believing this bravery is how he managed to accomplish what he did.

The stories of Wilfred Andrews Snr have been passed down to his great grandchildren.

Scott Andrews said: “When the bairns were little, for Show and Tell, they would proudly take family memorabilia to school about their great grandad Wilfred. Their class mates always liked to hear the fascinating stories passed down through the generations about the police and fire service.

“It’s all about the importance of family.  We are always talking about our grandad as he’s an integral part of our history. We’re extremely lucky to have someone who lived life to the full and had an amazing lifetime of stories to share with us.”

The beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and emergency service hero continues to be a “respected pillar” of the community.

 

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Karen’s Diner on Tour is BACK IN NEWCASTLE!!

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Karens Diner on Tour Newcastle upon Tyne

Karen’s Diner on Tour coming to town on tour and ‘well if y’all show up in force we’ll either come as a longer term pop up or simply just stay put for a while until we’ve insulted everyone in the North East!’

We have spoken to the top Karen who assures everyone who went last time that Bottomless means BOTTOMLESS!

At our pop-up Karen’s you will be greeted and waited upon by rude waiters who in return are expecting you to give it full Karen. A place where you can complain until the cows come home because we literally don’t care. You can expect good food, good fun and a dining experience like you’ve never had before. Let us know if it’s your birthday, if your name is Karen and for the love of Karen don’t ask to speak to the manager….

Your ticket includes a delicious BOTTOMLESS pizza and BOTTOMLESS prossecco or select spirits and mixers as well as select soft drinks drinks for a full 90mins

*We cater for all allergens

You will get full and authentic Karen experience – our games, our waitstaff and the full works. Decent food provided by the venue (we hope) and BOTTOMLESS booze for those who love a drink. This is a dining experience like no other – literally. Come enjoy the OG Karen’s from OG Karen’s.

Don’t accept imitations – book now to avoid missing out!

Get your tickets here: https://explorehidden.com/public/event/details/karens-diner-on-tour-newcastle-1557060?aff=3w51557060y6I

See our two below YouTube videos from the last time they were in the toon to see what to expect…


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Raoul Moat Drama Coming Soon To ITV

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It looks set to be one of ITV’s biggest dramas this year and The Hunt for Raoul Moat is being brought to screen by the same people responsible for smash hit shows Line of Duty, Bodyguard and Vigil.

It was confirmed last April that production on the series had commenced, nearly 12 years after Moat gunman shot ex girlfriend Samantha Stobbart and her new boyfriend Christopher Brown, with Brown dying from his injuries. After fleeing Samantha’s home in Birtley, Moat, who had been released from prison just days earlier, went on the run, shooting on duty policeman PC David Rathband in the face as he sat in a patrol car on the outskirts of Newcastle and leaving him blind.

From there, Moat headed for Northumberland, forcing the quiet village of Rothbury into a lockdown as police launched a frantic search for him. The hunt for Moat reached its conclusion with a tense stand-off between the killer and the police on a riverbank, with Moat eventually shooting himself and dying from his injuries as he was rushed to Newcastle General Hospital.

ITV announced three parter The Hunt for Raoul Moat almost a year ago, as filming got underway in Yorkshire, with a cast including ex Bodyguard star Matt Stokoe as Moat and Inspector George Gently actor Lee Ingeleby as police chief Neil Adamson.

ITV have yet to officially announce an release date for The Hunt for Raoul Moat, but is expected to be form part of the channel’s spring programming.

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Jason Miller’s Story with Stage 4 Cancer – How positivity is key in every cancer journey

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Jason Miller’s story on staying positive 

Although thinking and acting positively might help you cope with cancer, it’s normal and sometimes unavoidable to feel angry and scared.

Positive thinking is frequently urged on those battling with cancer. But, it is not always simple. It might be terrifying to deal with cancer and its treatment. All effected can experience low moods and worry about the future especially how your loved ones will cope.

Being upset and scared can be a sign of courage and can show that you are ready to face an uncertain future. Nonetheless, there are occasions when it can be beneficial to make an effort to replace negative thoughts with more uplifting ones.

We sat down with Jason Miller who takes us through his journey after discovering he had an aggressive stage 4 tumor. We learn how not only the diagnosis was a sign for him to put affairs in order for his family but also how he ended up surviving through his positive outlook!

 

Are you or anyone else effected by the content raised in this video?

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones.

Call free on 0808 239 06 25

 

We bring you news coverage from North East Sports, News, History, Culture and much more… Follow our page for more content.

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