News reports located on this page = 2.

102 year old ex-firefighter relives pass out

MERSEYSIDE Fire and Rescue Service's oldest surviving former Firefighter relived his pass out when he was presented with a restored axe by the Chief Fire Officer at the Service's Heritage Centre. Thomas Beevers, 102, who grew up in Bootle and now lives in Maghull, originally received the axe in 1950 when he passed out from his recruit course.  When the Great, Great, Grandfather attended MFRS' pass out parade in April 2019 as an invited guest, he told the Chief Fire Officer about his axe but mentioned it had rusted in his shed. The Chief offered to have it restored at MFRS' workshops and Thomas, known as Tom, said MFRS could keep the axe in the Heritage Centre. However, it was decided to surprise Thomas by returning the axe to him; rust free and newly mounted on a plaque made from salvaged mahogany from Croxteth Fire Station along with original cap badges from Warrington and City of Liverpool. Before the surprise presentation, Thomas enjoyed a tour of the centre which included looking at a collection of historic vehicles and photos, reminiscing about his time with the Service and enjoying afternoon tea. He also climbed up into the driving seat of a 1931 Leyland Metz turntable ladder engine which is on display in the centre; the very same engine he had operated during his firefighting career.  Thomas said:- "It's been a great day, remembering the old times; and the axe is fantastic. It was sitting in my shed and got so rusty… It's not rusty any more! I'll take it home and show it to my family and friends."

Born in 1917, Thomas joined the Army in 1935 where he served in the Royal Tank Regiment and during World War II was posted in Egypt, Palestine and Iraq. In 1946, he left the Army and 4 years later joined Warrington Fire Brigade, transferring to Liverpool Fire Brigade; which became Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service; shortly afterwards. During his time with the brigade, he worked at a number of stations including Long Moor Lane and Hatton Garden. He eventually left the brigade for a job on the docks. Tom has:- a daughter, a granddaughter, 3 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. One of his family is following in his footsteps and embarking on a military career. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service CFO, Phil Garrigan, said:- "We thought it would be a fitting gesture to restore the axe for Thomas and surprise him with it. He enjoyed his visit with us and kept us entertained with his memories of the past. Thomas is an inspiration to us all."

Liverpool Dementia Information Day

PEOPLE living with dementia and their carers can find out more about the condition and the support services available via Liverpool Dementia Information Day. The event is organised as part of World Alzheimer's Month, the free event, on Wednesday, 25 September 2019, will see a packed programme of speakers at the Conference Centre at LACE, as well as 30 organisations hosting information stalls. The event has been organised by Liverpool Dementia Action Alliance. Doors are open from 10am to 6pm, with Cllr Paul Brant, cabinet member for social care and health, starting the talks programme at 10.30am, by launching Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group's joint:- 'Dementia Forward Plan 2019 to 2024.'

Other talks include:-

► 11am  - House of Memories, National Museums Liverpool's dementia awareness programme

► 1.30pm - Jackson Lees Solicitors on Lasting Power of Attorney and wills

► Noon - Healthiness, exercise classes for everyone

► 2.30pm - Local Solutions, carers assessments

► 5pm - Martin Farran, director, Adult Services and Health, Liverpool City Council.

The complete programme of talks is on Dementia Action Liverpool's website. All talks will be supported by a BSL interpreter.

There will also be 3 hour long Dementia Friends sessions, running at 11am, 1.30pm, and 3.30pm. Dementia Friends is the Alzheimer's Society initiative that aims to improve everyone's awareness and understanding of the condition. Anyone looking for support services in Liverpool, Wirral, and Knowsley can do so online the Live Well Directory.

The Conference Centre at LACE is on Croxteth Drive, L17 1AA where there is ample parking.  To reach LACE by public transport, take the:- 75, 76, 80 or 80A bus from the Town Centre and alight on Ullet Road.

Cllr Paul Brant, cabinet member for health and social care, said:- "We all know that more and more people are now living with dementia and this not only impacts their lives but also those of their loved ones. Our commitment to people living with dementia is reflected in the Council's ₤30m investment in its two new dementia hubs which will open by the end of the year. The information day is a great opportunity for all these fantastic organisations to share how they can support people and it is a brilliant 1 stop shop for anyone who is caring for someone living with dementia. There is plenty of incredible work going on in the City, but there is always more that we can do and that is why we are using the opportunity to launch our joint forward plan.  The Council and Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group have developed the plan following extensive engagement. It sets out how we will help people in Liverpool through their dementia journey; from helping them to stay healthy and hopefully preventing the condition all the way through to supporting people to approach the end of their life with dignity."

Chair of Liverpool Dementia Action Alliance Ruth Eley said:- "This will be a great showcase of all Liverpool's excellent services and activities for people living with dementia and family carers and should be valuable to anyone with a personal or professional interest in the condition, or just wanting to know a bit more about dementia. We're really pleased so many public, private and community organisations are taking part as well as people affected by the condition, particularly our friends from SURF - the Service Users Reference Forum. I would also encourage everyone to find out about becoming a Dementia Friend. Come along to one of our three sessions next Wednesday and find out how you can help to create more awareness and understanding of the condition."