Former Silsden firefighter Tom Shuttleworth dies, aged 81 (From Craven Herald)

Former Silsden firefighter Tom Shuttleworth dies, aged 81

12:09pm Thursday 27th December 2012 in News

A Silsden man who was made an MBE for serving with the town's fire brigade for almost three decades has died aged 81.

Tom Shuttleworth led the retained firefighters at Silsden Fire Station before retiring in 1980.

Tom, who most recently lived at the Gables Nursing Home in Silsden, had been married to wife Mary for 60 years.

Tom joined Silsden's retained fire crew when he was 19 and did an 18-month stint before being called up for National Service.

After three years with the RAF, he rejoined the town's part-time brigade in 1955 and remained until his retirement in 1980. He was station officer for 20 years. Shortly after retiring, he was awarded the MBE in recognition of his outstanding service.

When Tom and Mary married in 1952 the fellow firefighters provided a guard of honour and raised their axes for the couple to walk through.

During the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary party they were delighted when Tom’s former colleagues performed a similar guard of honour.

Tom ran a joinery business in Silsden for many years, passing it to his son in 1992, and he and Mary were keen caravanners.

Tom was a former member of Steeton Male Voice Choir and current members were invited to sing at his funeral this week in Silsden Methodist Church.