A former Crewe firefighter has compiled an insightful new book about the fire service in Crewe titled - 'Cooling the Flames of Crewe.'

The local piece has been created by 66-year-old, Gareth Roberts, who lives in Nantwich.

Gareth first started the research as a lockdown project, writing the account of his time as a firefighter at Crewe Fire Station from 1979 to 2009 - then put it all together.

Cooling the Flames of Crewe was started by Gareth Roberts as a lockdown project. It is available to buy now (Gareth Roberts).

The book details firefighting in Crewe throughout time with the Crewe Volunteer Fire Brigade, Crewe Corporation Fire Brigade, the AFS and NFS during the Second World War and Cheshire County Fire Brigade.

Gareth Roberts said: "My interest in the fire service has stayed with me since my retirement.

"I've remained connected with the service as a representative of the National Association of Retired Firefighters and as a Director of the Flamesavers Credit Union.

"With a collection of photos and scrapbooks from my fire service days, it seemed a good opportunity during lockdown to do more research about the history of firefighting in Crewe."

Former Crewe firefighters - Ken Gardner, Barrie Lunt, John Roberts, Dave Holman, Ray Stafford, Rod Broome, Dave McCabe and Janssen Bostock - have also contributed by recollecting moments in their careers.

Malcolm Smith, former Rolls-Royce Fire Officer, has added a chapter about the Rolls-Royce Fire Brigade.

What the new Crewe book looks like from the front. It can be purchased for £15 (Gary Palin).

Mr Roberts added: "After contacting my former colleagues and fire officers who previously worked at Rolls-Royce and Crewe Railway Works, I felt I had enough material to create a local book."

Crewe Works Fire Brigade is included with input from former Crewe Works Fire Officer, Chris Thorley,

Another chapter gives details about the various incidents (Shouts) of interest in the Crewe area throughout time.

Local Fire Brigades Union representatives describe reasons why firefighters took to the picket lines in the late 1977/78, 2002/03 and in 2014.

The 250 page book has been published by MPire Books (Mark Potts).

What the 250-page Crewe book looks like from the back. Gareth Roberts was a firefighter at Crewe Fire Station for 20 years (Gareth Roberts).

It includes over 200 photos and is priced at £15.

Delivery is free to anyone within a five mile radius of Crewe/Nantwich and payment can be made on delivery - postage (recorded delivery) is an additional £5.

A limited number of books have been printed and they are already available.

To reserve a copy please contact Gareth via email: [email protected] or mobile: (07583891047). Please provide details of your name, address and phone number.

Proceeds from the book sales will be donated to The Firefighters Charity.

Ryan Parker and Jonathan White.

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