Admin phantom Posted May 11, 2017 Admin Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 Today is the anniversary of the horrendous Bradford City stadium fire Will never forget watching the images unfold live on TV, really horrific sight to see Saturday 11 May 1985, the day should have gone down in the history books as a day of celebration. Following nine months of sweat and hard graft, Bradford City were to be crowned the Third Division Champions - their first piece of sliverware in 56 years. But it turned out to be the day which sent shock-waves round the world as fire engulfed the antiquated Main Stand at Valley Parade and eventually claimed the lives of 56 supporters. 11,076 fans were present at Valley Parade on that fateful day when Bradford City met Lincoln City in the Bantams' final home match of the season. Over three thousand supporters were estimated to be in the main stand that day. Prior to kick off, they had witnessed Bradford-born captain Peter Jackson being presented with the Championship trophy by the Football League's Life President at the time, Dick Wragg. Unfortunately, the team's achievements were about to be tragically overshadowed. At 3.40pm the first signs were noticed and fire-fighting equipment was requested. Within four minutes the flames were visible and the Police began to evacuate people in the area of Block G. Match Referee Don Shaw from Sandbach stopped play three minutes before half-time with the score at 0-0 after having been alerted to the situation by one of his linesmen. The Football League subsequently ordered the scoreline at the time of the abandonment to remain. What followed will live in the memory forever. The events of the fire in the main stand resulted in 56 supporters tragically dying and approximately 265 injured. Reaction to the horror was instant with messages of sympathy arriving from the Queen, the Pope, the Prime Minister, Church leaders and a host of political figures from around the globe. According to forensic scientist Dr. David Woolley, the main cause of the fire was possibly the accidental dropping of a match or a cigarette stubbed out in a polystyrene cup. It was described as the worst fire disaster in the history of British football and the worst stadium disaster in Britain since 65 supporters perished at Ibrox in January 1971 at the end of a Rangers vs Celtic 'derby' fixture. On the instructions announced in the House of Commons by the Home Secretary, Leon Brittan, a seven day hearing was conducted at City Hall in Bradford from 5 June 1985. Statements from 77 witnesses were heard by appointed High Court Judge, Oliver Popplewell (sitting as Mr. Justice Popplewell) following a preliminary session on 23 May 1985. His interim blueprint on the findings, collated with the help of two assessors, was published on 24 July 1985. The tragedy unwittingly brought about new legislation governing safety at the nation's sports grounds and stadia. This was a move felt long overdue by many in view of some of the antiquated wooden stands that had been in use for decades, especially in the lower divisions. It also undoubtedly brought about an unprecedented united community spirit in Bradford, buoyed by world-wide messages of condolence and monetary contributions from a host of public events. The majority of the funding went towards a Bradford Disaster Appeal Fund (83% of the total, amounting to £3.35m, distributed to sufferers in November 1985) and a return to a new Valley Parade stadium. Following the disaster, Bradford City had to play all their 'home' League and Cup fixtures for the whole of the 1985/86 season and the first half of the following season at their adopted grounds of Bradford Northern RLFC (now Bradford Bulls) at Odsal Stadium in Bradford, Huddersfield Town (Leeds Road) and Leeds United (Elland Road).The dream of returning to Valley Parade though, came to fruition on 14 December 1986 with an emotionally charged commemorative fixture against an England X1, before a 15,000 full-house when Bradford City triumphed by a 2-1 scoreline. The 56 who will never be forgotten. Below are the 56 supporters who went to Valley Parade on 11 May 1985 to enjoy a football match and never left. Always remembered. [Official list as released to the National Press] ACKROYD, John Douglas 32 Baildon ANDERTON, Edmund 68 Bingley BAINES, Alexander Shaw 70 Bradford BAMFORD, Herbert 72 Bradford BULMER, Christopher James 11 Burley-in-Wharfedale COXON, Jack Leo 76 Bradford COXON, Leo Anthony 44 Halifax CRABTREE, David James 30 Bradford CRABTREE, Harry 76 Bradford DEMPSEY, Derek 46 Morley FIRTH, Muriel 56 Baildon FIRTH, Samuel 86 Bradford FLETCHER, Andrew 11 East Bridgford, Nottinghamshire FLETCHER, Edmond 63 Pudsey FLETCHER, John 34 East Bridgford, Nottingham FLETCHER, Peter 32 Gildersome FORSTER, Nellie 64 Bradford GREENWOOD, Felix Winspear 13 Denholme GREENWOOD, Peter 46 Denholme GREENWOOD, Rupert Benedict 11 Denholme HALL, Norman 71 Bradford HALLIDAY, Peter Anthony 34 Bradford HARTLEY, Arthur 79 Bradford HINDLE, Edith 79 Bradford HINDLE, Frederick 76 Bradford HODGSON, Moira Helen 15 Oakenshaw HUDSON, Eric 72 Bingley HUGHES, John 64 Bradford HUTTON, John 74 Bradford KERR, Walter 76 Bradford LOVELL, Peter Charles 43 Bradford LUDLAM, Jack 55 Bradford McPHERSON, Gordon Stuart 39 Bradford McPHERSON, Irene 28 Bradford MASON, Roy 74 Silsden MIDDLETON, Frederick Norman 84 Bradford MITCHELL, Harold 79 Bradford MUHL, Elizabeth 21 Leeds NORMINGTON, Ernest 74 Shipley ORMONDROYD, Gerald Priestley 40 Bingley ORMONDROYD, Richard John 12 Bingley ORMONDROYD, Robert Ian 12 Bingley POLLARD, Sylvia Lund 69 Bradford PRICE, Herbert 78 Shipley ROBERTS, Amanda Jayne 20 Bradford SAMPSON, Jane 18 Leeds STACEY, William 72 Sleaford, Lincolnshire STOCKMAN, Craig Albert 14 Bradford STOCKMAN, Jane Ashley 16 Bradford STOCKMAN, Trevor John 38 Brighouse TURNER, Howard Malcolm 41 Bingley TURNER, Sarah Elizabeth 16 Bingley WARD, Simon Neil 18 Shipley WEDGEWORTH, Robert 72 Guiseley WEST, William James 78 North Hykeham, Lincoln WRIGHT, Adrian Mark 11 Bradford Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
italian dave Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 Thoughts today with all who lost their lives going to watch a football match, and their families. RIP. And thanks for posting Phantom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lost black rat Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 remember that day well driving home with my dad listening to the sad event unfold on the radio . RIP the 56 and all that have lost there life watching the game we all love Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BanburyRed Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 I think anyone of the OTIB family could post on here our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the supporters of Bradford City, the club, the families and supporters touched by the tragedy....and lest we should never forget those supporters, young and old, who went to enjoy the simple pleasure of a football match, yet never returned. RIP to those who perished. The football community never forgets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky89 Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 Chilling reading multiple names with the same surnames. Faiths, sons and daughters no doubt on a day out together watching the football. Mothers and wives at home waiting on their return. Heart wrenching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTFiGO!?! Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 It could be argued that H&S regulations have gone too far in sanitising the beautiful game, extreme incidents such as these could be used as a very valid counter-argument. ... I honestly think we should bring back the minutes silence (not clapping), as no words or noise seem appropriate enough. Abide with Me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'Orns Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 Always amazes me that this doesn't get more coverage, it's almost an afterthought compared to Hillsborough In my head Grandstand had cameras at the game and they were showing it live, then realised just how serious the fire was becoming and quickly went back to Des Lynam in the studio, anyone else remember?? Got one of those unexplainable soft spots for Bradford City - never forget Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bar BS3 Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 A truely hoffific event. RIP all those who lost their lives at a game of football that day. If anybody hasn't seen the footage, it's worth watching. I've seen it numerous times on fire training courses and every time it is really quite shocking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Hunt-Hertz Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 Didn't a lot of people die because the exits were blocked or locked? Very somber reading. RIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted May 11, 2017 Author Admin Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 22 minutes ago, Woodsy said: Always amazes me that this doesn't get more coverage, it's almost an afterthought compared to Hillsborough In my head Grandstand had cameras at the game and they were showing it live, then realised just how serious the fire was becoming and quickly went back to Des Lynam in the studio, anyone else remember?? Got one of those unexplainable soft spots for Bradford City - never forget Yes it was - the coverage from the programme is on youtube (at work and it's blocked so can't link it) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harry may Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 In my last job we had to do a mandatory fire awareness training course carried out by Glos Fire Service. They showed us stuff from Bradford that was not broadcast - it was truly horrific. And like the Pals battalions from WW1 , there are so many of the same surname and town/village on the roll of those who perished. Very,very sad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welcome To The Jungle Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 Will never forget the image of the guy staggering out the stand, completely on fire. Coppers and bystanders hitting him desperately to put it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ForeverRed Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 52 minutes ago, Woodsy said: Always amazes me that this doesn't get more coverage, it's almost an afterthought compared to Hillsborough In my head Grandstand had cameras at the game and they were showing it live, then realised just how serious the fire was becoming and quickly went back to Des Lynam in the studio, anyone else remember?? Got one of those unexplainable soft spots for Bradford City - never forget Yes, I totally agree, went to watch City get a creditable 1 - 1 draw just a month or two before this happened, and it came as such a shock. I always hope the best for Bradford after that. RIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 18 minutes ago, harry may said: In my last job we had to do a mandatory fire awareness training course carried out by Glos Fire Service. They showed us stuff from Bradford that was not broadcast - it was truly horrific. And like the Pals battalions from WW1 , there are so many of the same surname and town/village on the roll of those who perished. Very,very sad. They used this quite often in fire training, I went to one in Bedminster years back staggering watching it how quickly it spread. Never been in a room of people so silent before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
22A Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 At a "Fire Awareness" course at work we were shown film of that fire to emphasise how quickly it spread. Those spectators stood on terracing to the sides of the stand were able to comfortably move away. Those who had been sat in the stand had difficulty in moving freely because of the seat legs etc. Lincoln were the visitors that day and one of their fans sadly perished. On the last day of the following season, Lincoln were relegated to Div 4 and 12 months later were relegated again to the Conference. One more point in 1987 and Burnley, not Lincoln would have dropped out of the League. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
123456789000 Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 1 hour ago, Woodsy said: Always amazes me that this doesn't get more coverage, it's almost an afterthought compared to Hillsborough In my head Grandstand had cameras at the game and they were showing it live, then realised just how serious the fire was becoming and quickly went back to Des Lynam in the studio, anyone else remember?? Got one of those unexplainable soft spots for Bradford City - never forget It's shocking really. I'm not at all comparing the tragedy of the two events or saying that one is worse than the other, but whenever the Hillsborough anniversary comes around, you hear about nothing else for a few days. Today on the BBC football page the Bradford story is the 6th highest story, put there as an afterthought. It's absolutely shocking that the BBC and other outlets give less attention to this purely because Bradford are a 'smaller' club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
22A Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 1 hour ago, Kotsy said: Today on the BBC football page the Bradford story is the 6th highest story, put there as an afterthought. It's absolutely shocking that the BBC and other outlets give less attention to this purely because Bradford are a 'smaller' club. Back in1985, it was only Yorkshire TV who had cameras there as that match was going to feature on the regional Sunday afternoon highlights programme. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkeh Posted May 11, 2017 Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 saw the title and was hoping this was about Bradford Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted May 11, 2017 Author Admin Report Share Posted May 11, 2017 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldstandrobin Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Thanks Phantom for posting this. We should never forget what happened to our fellow football supporters that day. We go to see our team to have a good afternoon out and our loved ones expect to see us come home either moaning or on cloud nine, our thoughts must still be with those families whose loved ones did not return that day, may they take strength in knowing others still feel for them in the football family. RIP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red-Robbo Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Still remember seeing it live on TV. Was shaken by the scenes. All the more horrifying is the suggestion it may have been deliberate arson by the club chairman! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bristol Rob Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 1 minute ago, Red-Robbo said: Still remember seeing it live on TV. Was shaken by the scenes. All the more horrifying is the suggestion it may have been deliberate arson by the club chairman! Indeed, the Guardian ran a story on that a while back. Guardian Link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hampshire Red Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Thanks Phantom. One shouldn't try to compare different tragedies in football and Hillsborough was nothing like Bradford. Linked to Hillsborough of course (by the same set of fans) was Heysel which also seems to be forgotten, especially by those on Merseyside. Today though is respect to those families from Bradford. Good post Mon ami Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YorkshireSection Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 There was a lot of news on the incident yesterday up here, I remember watching this on tv as it happened, tragic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin phantom Posted May 12, 2017 Author Admin Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 On Thu May 11 2017 at 13:54, 22A said: Back in1985, it was only Yorkshire TV who had cameras there as that match was going to feature on the regional Sunday afternoon highlights programme. This is the original YTV recording. If you haven't seen this footage before please be aware there are UPSETTING SCENES. Even now watching it back it's emotionally really hard to watch https://youtu.be/v6iTSAwGo1Y Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 I remember going there for a cup game on a night time a while after. Think we scored very early and from then on just wanted the game to end. All I could do is look at the newly built stand the images I saw on the TV were going through my head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanterne Rouge Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 I never found out about it until the Sunday morning. We played Reading (?) at home on the Saturday and I headed off with the then Mrs RRH for a couple of days in a cottage in Tintern straight afterwards - no car radio, no mobiles in them days. I could not believe it when I saw the Sunday papers, it left me feeling sick inside. RIP to all those who perished and strength to those who they left behind. One thing is for sure, we will never forget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
You Do The Dziekanowski Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 On 11/05/2017 at 10:15, phantom said: Today is the anniversary of the horrendous Bradford City stadium fire Will never forget watching the images unfold live on TV, really horrific sight to see Saturday 11 May 1985, the day should have gone down in the history books as a day of celebration. Following nine months of sweat and hard graft, Bradford City were to be crowned the Third Division Champions - their first piece of sliverware in 56 years. But it turned out to be the day which sent shock-waves round the world as fire engulfed the antiquated Main Stand at Valley Parade and eventually claimed the lives of 56 supporters. 11,076 fans were present at Valley Parade on that fateful day when Bradford City met Lincoln City in the Bantams' final home match of the season. Over three thousand supporters were estimated to be in the main stand that day. Prior to kick off, they had witnessed Bradford-born captain Peter Jackson being presented with the Championship trophy by the Football League's Life President at the time, Dick Wragg. Unfortunately, the team's achievements were about to be tragically overshadowed. At 3.40pm the first signs were noticed and fire-fighting equipment was requested. Within four minutes the flames were visible and the Police began to evacuate people in the area of Block G. Match Referee Don Shaw from Sandbach stopped play three minutes before half-time with the score at 0-0 after having been alerted to the situation by one of his linesmen. The Football League subsequently ordered the scoreline at the time of the abandonment to remain. What followed will live in the memory forever. The events of the fire in the main stand resulted in 56 supporters tragically dying and approximately 265 injured. Reaction to the horror was instant with messages of sympathy arriving from the Queen, the Pope, the Prime Minister, Church leaders and a host of political figures from around the globe. According to forensic scientist Dr. David Woolley, the main cause of the fire was possibly the accidental dropping of a match or a cigarette stubbed out in a polystyrene cup. It was described as the worst fire disaster in the history of British football and the worst stadium disaster in Britain since 65 supporters perished at Ibrox in January 1971 at the end of a Rangers vs Celtic 'derby' fixture. On the instructions announced in the House of Commons by the Home Secretary, Leon Brittan, a seven day hearing was conducted at City Hall in Bradford from 5 June 1985. Statements from 77 witnesses were heard by appointed High Court Judge, Oliver Popplewell (sitting as Mr. Justice Popplewell) following a preliminary session on 23 May 1985. His interim blueprint on the findings, collated with the help of two assessors, was published on 24 July 1985. The tragedy unwittingly brought about new legislation governing safety at the nation's sports grounds and stadia. This was a move felt long overdue by many in view of some of the antiquated wooden stands that had been in use for decades, especially in the lower divisions. It also undoubtedly brought about an unprecedented united community spirit in Bradford, buoyed by world-wide messages of condolence and monetary contributions from a host of public events. The majority of the funding went towards a Bradford Disaster Appeal Fund (83% of the total, amounting to £3.35m, distributed to sufferers in November 1985) and a return to a new Valley Parade stadium. Following the disaster, Bradford City had to play all their 'home' League and Cup fixtures for the whole of the 1985/86 season and the first half of the following season at their adopted grounds of Bradford Northern RLFC (now Bradford Bulls) at Odsal Stadium in Bradford, Huddersfield Town (Leeds Road) and Leeds United (Elland Road).The dream of returning to Valley Parade though, came to fruition on 14 December 1986 with an emotionally charged commemorative fixture against an England X1, before a 15,000 full-house when Bradford City triumphed by a 2-1 scoreline. The 56 who will never be forgotten. Below are the 56 supporters who went to Valley Parade on 11 May 1985 to enjoy a football match and never left. Always remembered. [Official list as released to the National Press] ACKROYD, John Douglas 32 Baildon ANDERTON, Edmund 68 Bingley BAINES, Alexander Shaw 70 Bradford BAMFORD, Herbert 72 Bradford BULMER, Christopher James 11 Burley-in-Wharfedale COXON, Jack Leo 76 Bradford COXON, Leo Anthony 44 Halifax CRABTREE, David James 30 Bradford CRABTREE, Harry 76 Bradford DEMPSEY, Derek 46 Morley FIRTH, Muriel 56 Baildon FIRTH, Samuel 86 Bradford FLETCHER, Andrew 11 East Bridgford, Nottinghamshire FLETCHER, Edmond 63 Pudsey FLETCHER, John 34 East Bridgford, Nottingham FLETCHER, Peter 32 Gildersome FORSTER, Nellie 64 Bradford GREENWOOD, Felix Winspear 13 Denholme GREENWOOD, Peter 46 Denholme GREENWOOD, Rupert Benedict 11 Denholme HALL, Norman 71 Bradford HALLIDAY, Peter Anthony 34 Bradford HARTLEY, Arthur 79 Bradford HINDLE, Edith 79 Bradford HINDLE, Frederick 76 Bradford HODGSON, Moira Helen 15 Oakenshaw HUDSON, Eric 72 Bingley HUGHES, John 64 Bradford HUTTON, John 74 Bradford KERR, Walter 76 Bradford LOVELL, Peter Charles 43 Bradford LUDLAM, Jack 55 Bradford McPHERSON, Gordon Stuart 39 Bradford McPHERSON, Irene 28 Bradford MASON, Roy 74 Silsden MIDDLETON, Frederick Norman 84 Bradford MITCHELL, Harold 79 Bradford MUHL, Elizabeth 21 Leeds NORMINGTON, Ernest 74 Shipley ORMONDROYD, Gerald Priestley 40 Bingley ORMONDROYD, Richard John 12 Bingley ORMONDROYD, Robert Ian 12 Bingley POLLARD, Sylvia Lund 69 Bradford PRICE, Herbert 78 Shipley ROBERTS, Amanda Jayne 20 Bradford SAMPSON, Jane 18 Leeds STACEY, William 72 Sleaford, Lincolnshire STOCKMAN, Craig Albert 14 Bradford STOCKMAN, Jane Ashley 16 Bradford STOCKMAN, Trevor John 38 Brighouse TURNER, Howard Malcolm 41 Bingley TURNER, Sarah Elizabeth 16 Bingley WARD, Simon Neil 18 Shipley WEDGEWORTH, Robert 72 Guiseley WEST, William James 78 North Hykeham, Lincoln WRIGHT, Adrian Mark 11 Bradford So many families and young kids, A truly horrendous tragedy RIP - Should never go to match and not return. 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Calculus Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 A friend of mine was there and in his usual place at the open end with the fire to his right hand side. As the fire took hold some went to the front, which was fenced, and managed to get out. Those that went to the back of the stand to the entrances (the stand was on a steep slope) found locked doors and no way out. My friend saw one old man trying to get out but not being fast enough to beat the flames. In the end, he realised that he wasn't going to get out and just sat down and waited for the flames to take him. Imagine seeing that at a Saturday afternoon's football? That image has never left my mate after all these years, it never will and he still finds it difficult to talk about. For Bradford, Hillsborough and all the others - never again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsfan Posted May 12, 2017 Report Share Posted May 12, 2017 Barnsley played Bradford away on the last day of the season 2 years ago, a couple of days before the 30th anniversary and I felt compelled to go half an hour early so I could spend some time at the memorial, something I have done several times over the years when we play them. I always find it incredibly moving. Like someone mentioned above, the thing that gets you is the multiple names with the same surname and their ages. I am not going to pick out names but 3 of them are clearly a father and his 2 young sons. Imagine, you wave your husband and kids off and none of them come home. Bloody hell. I can't watch the footage without being shocked all over again, every single time, at the speed with which it took hold once it hit the roof. The whole thing took 4 minutes from the point the game stopped to the point the stand was gone. 4 minutes! Saw an interview some years ago with John Helm, the commentator on the day about how much it affected him. He has never been able to watch the footage back. We have had a bit of a soft spot for Bradford at Barnsley, not just in solidarity in relation to the fire but due to how fantastic their fans were on the day we were promoted to the Premier League in 97. They really needed something from that game themselves to stay up but really joined the celebrations with us. Many of our fans went to their game in hand the following Tuesday as a result, which they won to stay up. I certainly know who I am rooting for in the Play off final. I find it very sad that it never gets the coverage that it should. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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