peekaygee73
Sith Lord
- Joined
- Sep 1, 2014
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Apologies, I've not posted for ages and have posted on previous anniversaries but needed to share this.
The 40th anniversary of the Bradford City fire was on 11th May this year. To recognise the anniversary the BBC broadcast a new documentary; 'Unforgotten: The Bradford City fire'. It's still available on iPlayer.
I'm a long-time Bradford City fan, and on 11th May 1985 I was a couple of months away from my 12th birthday. City were celebrating their promotion from the old third division as champions and were presented with the cup ahead of kick-off against Lincoln City. Of the crowd that attended that day, 56 fans would not make it home - the result of a tragic accident. For a time this was going to be my first match, as a friend was going to get me a ticket to go with him and his dad (my dad was never a football fan, having been completely put off by his only experience of live football at Anfield in the late 60s where someone pissed in his coat pocket!). For some reason the ticket never materialised so I didn't get to go. My friend did, and luckily for him both he and his dad were unharmed. However, 2 of the victims were at the same school as me. Felix Greenwood (13) and Rupert Greenwood (11) died in the fire, along with their dad Peter (46). Their mum, Hazel, is one of the contributors to this documentary.
You'll find City fans and Bradford residents don't like to talk about that day much. The footage is kept under strict control by Yorkshire TV (though you'll still find it on youtube and other places online) and is generally only used for fire prevention training. There's never been a need to hold someone accountable for it, unlike Hillsborough (which as the inquiry eventually proved was 100% the right decision). Almost all accepted the Bradford fire was a tragic accident. One of the results of this stoic approach is the fire becoming a forgotten disaster, and it's surprised me how many of those in their mid-40s and under have heard nothing about it. It's clear those affected by the disaster want it to be remembered, and I think that's why this documentary is so important as it allows those involved in the day - players, staff, fans, family and residents - to tell their stories.
I haven't watched the documentary yet and I'm told it's a hard watch but sensitively handled. I'd recommend anyone watch it, even if you think you know the story. I'd also recommend 'Four Minutes to Hell' by Paul Firth as the only book on the subject worth reading - sadly it's out of print, but get hold of it if you can. And then, please tell your families and friends about that day in May 1985, when 54 Bradford City fans and 2 Lincoln City fans never returned home just because they attended a football match.
The 40th anniversary of the Bradford City fire was on 11th May this year. To recognise the anniversary the BBC broadcast a new documentary; 'Unforgotten: The Bradford City fire'. It's still available on iPlayer.
I'm a long-time Bradford City fan, and on 11th May 1985 I was a couple of months away from my 12th birthday. City were celebrating their promotion from the old third division as champions and were presented with the cup ahead of kick-off against Lincoln City. Of the crowd that attended that day, 56 fans would not make it home - the result of a tragic accident. For a time this was going to be my first match, as a friend was going to get me a ticket to go with him and his dad (my dad was never a football fan, having been completely put off by his only experience of live football at Anfield in the late 60s where someone pissed in his coat pocket!). For some reason the ticket never materialised so I didn't get to go. My friend did, and luckily for him both he and his dad were unharmed. However, 2 of the victims were at the same school as me. Felix Greenwood (13) and Rupert Greenwood (11) died in the fire, along with their dad Peter (46). Their mum, Hazel, is one of the contributors to this documentary.
You'll find City fans and Bradford residents don't like to talk about that day much. The footage is kept under strict control by Yorkshire TV (though you'll still find it on youtube and other places online) and is generally only used for fire prevention training. There's never been a need to hold someone accountable for it, unlike Hillsborough (which as the inquiry eventually proved was 100% the right decision). Almost all accepted the Bradford fire was a tragic accident. One of the results of this stoic approach is the fire becoming a forgotten disaster, and it's surprised me how many of those in their mid-40s and under have heard nothing about it. It's clear those affected by the disaster want it to be remembered, and I think that's why this documentary is so important as it allows those involved in the day - players, staff, fans, family and residents - to tell their stories.
I haven't watched the documentary yet and I'm told it's a hard watch but sensitively handled. I'd recommend anyone watch it, even if you think you know the story. I'd also recommend 'Four Minutes to Hell' by Paul Firth as the only book on the subject worth reading - sadly it's out of print, but get hold of it if you can. And then, please tell your families and friends about that day in May 1985, when 54 Bradford City fans and 2 Lincoln City fans never returned home just because they attended a football match.
