A MEMORIAL and dedication service is to take place at Hereford Cathedral to mark the 30th anniversary of one of the biggest fires to hit the city.

Tragically, while tackling the fire at 'Sun Valley' on September 6, 1993, two firefighters lost their lives. 

At its height, 130 firefighters were at the scene, using 23 pumping appliances and in memory of David Morris and John Davies who never made it out of the factory, work has been ongoing to remember the pair.

RELATED NEWS:

A red plaque, funded by the Fire Brigade Union’s 100 lottery, was placed at Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum in July 2021. The public site on Dinmore Hill lies halfway between the two Firefighters’ hometowns of Hereford and Leominster. The woodland site, popular with families and walkers, is therefore seen as the perfect location to remember the men.

John Davies, who was 34, was a retained Firefighter from Leominster but as he worked in Hereford, would often attend emergencies in the city.

Meanwhile, 35-year-old David Morris was a fulltime Firefighter with 11 years’ service when he responded to the fire which started in a unit for defrosting meat.

Hereford Times:

Insulation panels in the factory ceiling meant smoke and flames travelled unnoticed through the roof space, setting fire to ceilings which collapsed.

In addition to the circular Red Plaque at Queenswood, a further permanent tribute of a lead plaque has been erected in the Lady Arbour Garden in the city’s most prominent landmark on the walls of Hereford Cathedral.

A memorial service will now take place at the cathedral at 5.30pm on Saturday, May 13. The Dean of Hereford The Reverend Canon Sarah Brown will lead the service and unveil the lead plaque.

OTHER NEWS:

Dignitaries including His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire and the High Sherriff of Herefordshire will be attending, alongside the Chief Fire Officer and members of Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority.

Students from Hereford’s NMITE University worked alongside the lead craftsmen on the project to create this fitting tribute, designed by Hereford firefighters.

The organising committee from Hereford Fire Station welcome all serving Firefighters past and present, along with any members of the public who wish to pay their respects, to join them at this service in Hereford Cathedral on Saturday May 13.

The organising committee from Hereford Fire Station welcome all serving firefighters past and present, along with any members of the public who wish to pay their respects, to join them.