Thame Fire Officer Honoured By Colleagues

A Long-serving Thame Fire officer has been honoured by his colleagues.
Robin Lockwood, affectionately known as the ?Thatch King of Oxfordshire,? because of his expertise and special interest in thatch fires, retired after 30 years in the service, last December. But it became obvious at his farewell party on Friday (January 14), that his commitment to the job will influence his colleagues at the Thame fire station for a very long time to come.
Presenting him with his Certificate of Service, Oxfordshire?s Chief Fire Officer, John Parry, spoke movingly of how Robin had influenced, supported and encouraged his fellow officers and maintained very high standards. He spoke of the unstinting support of Robin?s wife, Pauline, who, with Robin, has now moved to near Minehead in Somerset.
Robin?s successor, Andy Ford, said: ?Robin leaves a big hole to fill. He has been a fantastic influence, leading through example and will be sorely missed.?
Robin himself spoke emotionally of the thanks he owed to he sons, who missed so much swimming, football and other childhood activities because he was ?on call?; to his mum and dad, who always had to spend Christmas at his home even though they would have like to have spent it at their own home from time to time; But most of all to Pauline who he described as ?a brick?.
?She never complained about the stench I would often bring home with me, the stories, the moans and groans, the spoiled meals and not being able to go out because I was on call,? he said.
Robin spoke of the pride he felt in having worked with all his fellow officers, and spoke fondly of those who were no longer around. Looking forward to the future, spoke of his intension to take up sea fishing again and use the rod that his mates had presented him with.
Both the Station Managers from Wheatley and Watlington thanked Robin for his support of them and also presented him with gifts.
It was obvious by the end of the speeches and just before the real celebrations began, that Robin Lockwood was indeed, a role model for anyone to be proud to follow.