At the half-yearly National Council meeting in October, President John Littleton presented out-going President Francis Byrne with a ‘Thank you’ gift from the Association for all his work and efforts during his tenure as President.

The West Midlands Branch of the NARF has a new President in Simon Tuhill. Simon was appointed as Chief Fire Officer of the West Midlands Fire Service on the 06^th January 2025.

Simon was delighted to take up the role of President of the West Midlands Branch of the National Association of Retired Firefighters (NARF), and reported that NARF plays a vital role as a voice of pensioners and their dependants, and as a source of support and camaraderie. 

The professionalism that the NARF committee demonstrate in all their work on behalf of the association, pensioners and their families is evident, and I know it is greatly appreciated. 

He went on to say “I remain committed to supporting the association in their efforts, and to improving the service we provide to pensioners. I look forward to working with the committee to delivering on that commitment.”

The West Midlands Branch look forward to working with Simon over the coming years and seeing him at meetings.

The flagship event for the Trust will take place at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire, DE13 7AR, on Monday 1st September 2025.

The Service will commence at 1200 and will be held in the ‘Aspects’ building at the Arboretum, following which attendees will be invited to process to the wreath-laying part of the event, which will take place at the Firefighters Monument, located within the Firefighters Memorial Garden at the Arboretum.

Following the wreath-laying, we will process back to the Aspects building for refreshments.

Attendees should be free to depart from 1500hrs.

There is ample parking at the Arboretum and there is a discount on the parking fee if paid in advance