Church volunteers provide support at Bosley Wood Flour Mill

Volunteers from The Salvation Army supported emergency services personnel following the Bosley Wood Flour Mill explosions and fire on Friday 17 July. 

Throughout the day and late into the evening two of The Salvation Army’s emergency support vehicles and a team of nine people were on site providing refreshment and support to those attending to the major incident. A relief vehicle replaced them during the night and further volunteers manned two vehicles on the Saturday and Sunday. Support will continue to be provided as long as it is needed. 

On Friday, volunteers served around 400 Mars bars were distributed as well as hot food, sandwiches, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and squash. 

The Salvation Army has four emergency support vehicles based in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, together with a network of vehicles based across the UK. Between April 2014 and March 2015 the four vehicles were called out to 53 incidents, with 38 of these since April this year. 

Divisional Emergency Response Co-ordinator for The Salvation Army in the Central North area Major Nigel Tansley, who is chaplain to the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and was recently awarded MBE for services to the Fire Brigade, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those still missing after the incident and at Bosley Wood Flour Mill and with those who have been affected. We are continuing to provide a listening ear to those who need someone to talk to and continue to support the emergency services as they attend to the incident.” 

Paul Hancock, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, said: “I would like to personally thank The Salvation Army and their volunteers who have supported all those at the scene over the past days. We are so grateful for the comfort you bring to those working in such difficult conditions.” 

Among those at the incident were volunteers from the Macclesfield Salvation Army.