A FIREFIGHTER from Trowbridge who witnessed one of the Queen Mother's holiday homes burning to the ground has retired after 30 years' service.
John Newman, 55, picked up a long service award at Trowbridge Fire Station on Monday, in front of his former colleagues.
Mr Newman, a retained firefighter, of Eastbourne Road, was still a new recruit when the manor house at Spye Park caught fire, and was involved in the rescue of many priceless paintings and artifacts.
He joined the brigade in March 1974, once braving a burning barn in Melksham after early reports suggested children were trapped inside.
He now plans to swap the bells of the fire engine for the bells of a church tower, joining his wife as a bellringer at St James's Church.
Reflecting on his career, Mr Newman said: "I think one thing that has changed over the years is the severity of road crashes and how they affect people.
"The older cars were probably stronger and slower. I have seen more deaths through road crashes than I have in house fires."
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