Steve Takes Over

Hi everyone its Steve Morris here, I'm finally able to take over my blog .

First of all I must say a big thank you to my brother-in-law Gaz Dewar, without whom this blog would not have got off the ground. And also equally to my friend Carl Haslam who very kindly is willing to place this on the internet for everyone whose interested.

Cheers fellas, you've both done me proud.

This past week has seen a very moving and solemn event which I was very pleased to be able to attend. I was given the greatest honour of laying the wreath on behalf of the Fireservice at this year's Rememberance Sunday parade.

At this point I must also thank Brian Wiggins. He very kindly asked me in the first place if I'd like to represent the Fireservice on Rememberance Sunday, an honour that he himself has had the privilege to undertake for many years.

The day began with Pauline "my wife to be" and myself arriving at Bolton Central Firestation early Sunday morning. And together, with Pauline's parents Breda and Barry and her sister Helen, we entered the station I had turned out from all those months ago, on 25th June 2008.

I must say, it was quite eerie returning over a year later. But made much easier when I saw Carl approaching me with his trusty camara round his neck, and a welcoming smile on his face. And it wasn't long before I was met by the lads of Blue Watch, of which I was a member before I transferred onto Green's many years ago. But still, I recognised a few faces, Tim Bolton, Jan Chadwick and Andy Stevenson to name but a few. It was good to see also Mick Dargan who is a member of my watch. He walked across to greet me, which was nice of him. He must have been rostered-in on that day to work with Blue Watch, a part of our shift system that frankly I for one am NOT going to miss.

The Station was all hustle and bustle. Some firefighters had come in to specifically march in the parade which they do every year. Alongside them were other public services such as the police. And amongst others, of course our armed forces, of which we are always grateful and proud of in times of war, or peace.

When the time came we all walked across to Bolton Town Hall Square where the Cenotaph is situated, to take up our places alongside the others. Lots of people had come to lay their wreathes and pay their respects, which was nice to see. I walked across with Brian Wiggins and Dave Kirkham, who incidentally is my Borough Commander although you wouldn't know it to talk to him, he's a pretty down to earth guy.

When we arrived I saw my sister Sharon. She had come along to pay her respects, and support me. She stood alongside Gary her husband and Hayley their daughter.

The weather that morning could have been kinder, but the rain wouldn't and didn't stop play. Every man, woman and child stood silent and proud and the many wreath layers undertook their respective duties with great dignity.

Then came my turn to lay our wreath. I was flanked by Brian, who was there to ensure everything was done most properly, and that I didn't fall or trip, a most embarrassing occurrence if ever there was one. In fact, I had to recite a mantra to myself as I wobbled towards the cenotaph, that went something like ,"don't fall, don't fall, don't fall there's hundred's of people watching, so don't fall". Anyway, I made it!

After the ceremony we were invited into the Town Hall to meet the Mayor along with other guests who attended the ceremony.... Which was nice.

This is the end of my first blog. I would like to thank everyone who has written to me and expressed their well wishes. I have truly been overwhelmed with your support, and it means so very much to me.

Once again, thank you all.

Until the next time.

FF Steve Morris

PS Don't forget to test your smoke alarm every week.