Keeping the flame alive – wish comes true for retired fireman at an Eye care home

An Eye care home resident, and retired fireman, was delighted when the team organised a special visit to local fire department.   

87-year-old, Brian Yallop, from Care UK’s Hartismere Place, on Castleton Way, was taken to visit the crew at Great Yarmouth Fire Station, where he spent over a decade as a firefighter.

The lifestyle team at Hartismere Place decided to organise the special surprise after hearing about Brian’s fond memories of his time working for the fire service, in particular his time at Great Yarmouth Fire Station.

On the day, Brian was greeted by Peter Harris, who looks after fire investigations and worked alongside Brian during his time at Great Yarmouth. Peter and the crew showed Brian around the truck, let him try on their kit, and even spray the hoses, as well as chatting about how things have changed since Brian retired.   

Brian started as a firefighter, before progressing to senior divisional officer at Great Yarmouth Fire Station. Brian then went on to serve as deputy chef at Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire. Later in his career, Brian was also in charge of overseeing High Wycombe Fire Station before retiring after 40 years of service in 1993.

Brian said: “It was great to go back and see people who still remember me at the station and to see how the equipment has changed – I cannot believe how large the new engines are!”

Claire Martin, Home Manager at Hartismere Place, said: “We had an amazing day with the crew from Great Yarmouth Fire Station.   

“Here at Hartismere Place, we strive to support residents to lead fulfilling lives, and are always looking to find new and exciting ways to help them re-connect with their hobbies, interests and past careers. To see the smile on Brian’s face when he visited the fire service he worked at over a decade was incredible, and he had a wonderful time sharing his memories with the crew and chatting about things had changed since his retirement. 

“It was certainly a day to remember – and one we’ll be fired up about for many months to come!”  

Hartismere Place has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential, residential dementia, as well as short term respite care. Set to open its doors this month, the Hartismere Place Day Centre will be open to the community on Tuesdays and Thursdays.