On Sunday 24th February 2019 I had the pleasure of meeting Charles Neasham. Charles was a firefighter who served in the Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service for 25 years with my grandfather. He reached out to me after reading about William Wood Watches in the National Association of Retired Firefighters Magazine. Straight away we agreed to grab a pint when I was next in the North East of England. 

Newcastle & Gateshead Blue Watch

Above is an image taken from the 1970's of the Newcastle & Gateshead Blue Watch. My grandfather is sat on the front row in the middle of the image. Charles is stood diagonally to the left behind him.

Charles shared some fantastic stories about what it was like working for my grandfather who he described as a gentleman, up for a laugh, and a natural leader of the Blue Watch.

A sign from my grandfather 37 years later

In June 1982 when my grandfather was clearing out his locker to retire from the Fire Service after 25 years he gave Charles this green Newcastle & Gateshead tie. What is most remarkable is the logo on the tie, which is the side profile of an original British brass firefighters helmet. Which 37 years later has become the logo of William Wood Watches.  Some would call it a coincidence, I would say it’s a sign! - Pleasure meeting you Charles.