Following installation of a piped water supply, c.1922, (see The Barwicker No.67), which included the provision of fire hydrants, the Parish Council turned its attention to a request from the Tadcaster Rural District Council, regarding the provision of a stand pipe and hose to connect to the hydrants and provision of suitable storage for them.
Appropriate wooden boxes were constructed locally to house the equipment, one for Scholes, and one for Barwick. The one in Barwick was attached to the then high wall, adjacent to Jack Heap’s field. (Rectory wall). By breaking a small glass panel it gave one access to the village fire bell (this ex-ship’s bell, was subsequently acquired by the Barwick Historical Society and is stored in the Resource Centre).
The ringing of this bell would summon members of the local volunteer Fire Brigade. After accessing the equipment they would then ‘proceed to the seat of the fire’.
A volunteer Fire Brigade (unpaid) had been formed at the request of the Parish Council to serve both Barwick and Scholes, and a subsequent minute of the Parish Council records its ‘Best thanks to Councillors Holmes and Weatherall’ for the enthusiastic way in which they have come forward to assist in its formation’. The clerk was also instructed to write to all the individual members conveying this Council’s high appreciation and praise.
It would appear that having to physically carry items of equipment when attending a fire must have required Herculean effort. In July 1924 the Parish Clerk was instructed to purchase 2 additional fire bells, one to be fitted in the yard of the Black Swan in Barwick and one adjacent to the Council Chamber in Scholes, and also to contact ‘Jones Taxis’ of Cross Gates to move men and appliances to the ‘seat of the fire’ at a moments notice, and also to replace the used hoses into the box on the Rectory wall. (I can only assume that Mr Jones was somewhat less than enthusiastic about entering into such a contract as there is no further reference to this in the Minutes.)
In August 1924 however, the Clerk was authorised to purchase 2 old Lewis Gun Carriages from a Mr Tillotson of Barnbow, for an undisclosed sum. Unfortunately, as the gun carriages were only flat-topped, the equipment carried thereon kept falling off. One month later the Parish Council authorised a purchase of a quantity of wood to construct a suitable ‘body’ on the top of each of the carriages.
In November 1924 the Fire Brigade was allowed to purchase 4 lengths of second hand hose - subject to them being in a ‘first class condition’. Shortly after this date it was agreed to insure 12 firemen, in the total sum of £200 at a premium of £3 per annum. In February 1925 it was agreed that Mr W Crosland, the generally accepted (and popular) Captain of the Fire Brigade be confirmed as such by the Parish Council. At the same time Mr P Weatherall of Scholes was appointed as Vice Captain. It was further agreed that 4 lengths of hose should be purchased every year.
In March 1928 the Captain requested, and it was agreed to purchase,
1 new hose-repairing machine
1 Turncock key
New shafts for handcart
30 Red Armbands
In February 1929 the late and present captains of the brigade were summoned to meet with the Parish Council to answer questions regarding the recent conduct of the brigade. After discussion it was agreed that Legal Advice from Bromets of Tadcaster be obtained and it was resolved that the future of the brigade be considered at the next full meeting.
In March 1929 following advice received from Bromets, it was resolved to form a sub-committee to go fully into matters. In April 1929 it was unanimously resolved that 2 separate brigades should be formed. Each brigade would consist of:
12 insured members
3 lengths of hose (100 yards)
1 Turncock
1 Standard
1 3-way Union
1 cart lamp
1 large ball of hemp
In addition the then respective captains to be officially notified that when organising Whist Drives etc. they must make it quite clear to members of the general public that the proceeds are for the benefit of members of the brigades.
In June 1929 a special meeting was held in the Gascoigne Arms to identify a suitable place to dry out the hoses after use. Permission was requested and granted for the use of the farm in the occupation of a Mr Stone (Main Street Farm). It was noted that pulleys and certain other tackle would be needed. It was eventually agreed that the sum of £1 per annum should be paid to Mr Stone for the use of his barn.
In July 1929 the number of insured firemen was reduced from 24 to 14. The Barwick captain then reported about the adverse condition of the wheels on the carts (square and ready to drop off!). The Council agreed to purchase ‘suitable’ wheels.
In April 1931 the Council instructed the Clerk to ascertain as to whether the Barwick Postmaster would, in the event of receiving telephonic communication from Scholes, in the event of any fire, be prepared to sound the warning bell, summoning the brigade - and to pass on to the Captain, or his deputy, the detailed information that he had received. The Barwick Postmaster subsequently agreed.
At a later date, according to the late Tommy Kirk (see The Barwicker No.1) a motor car was purchased for the sum of £17. 10s. from a well known local builder, Mr W Brown. For some strange reason that event was not recorded in the Parish Council minute. This car was apparently driven by Mr Fred Lovatt together with a crew of four to carry the necessary equipment to the ‘Seat of the Fire’. This same car was subsequently used to tow a trailer pump.
In December 1935 the Captain requested a supply of waders (quantity unknown) and the Parish Council subsequently provided one pair only at a cost of 18/2d.
In May 1937 the Parish Council formed a Special sub-Committee to discuss a request from the Captain asking for a remuneration of £5 (minimum) per annum together with 1/-d for each practice - a minimum of 7 practices per annum. The Committee is also to discuss a report from the Captain regarding inadequate equipment and the necessity for the ‘warning bell’ which needs to be replaced by an electric siren. The Parish Council decided to deal with all these requests by convening a Public meeting to discuss all matters relating to the brigade.
If such a meeting did take place there is no reference to it in the minutes. It would appear however that Tadcaster Rural District Council, possibly towards the end of 1938, became the responsible authority for the Fire Brigade.
Vic Cullen (left) and Billy Markham.
(Photograph from Bygone Barwick)
