It is with great sadness that the Wannell Family inform you of the death of Chris Wannell on 8^th February.  Chris was born in Chippenham in 1941 and rumour has it, his love of the fire brigade came from when his mother pushed his pram past the fire station as the Fire Brigade were “turning out”.  Chris joined the Auxilary Fire Service in the early 1960’s, and then the Wiltshire Fire Brigade, serving as a retained firefighter in Chippenham initially, and then, after falling for Audrey the love of his life, he moved to Wootton Bassett, and quickly became a member of the Wootton Bassett Fire Crew. 

Chris and Audrey married in 1967 and subsequently had two children Heather and Martin. Chris was elected as a Town Councillor in the very early 70’s and he also became a founder member ofthe Carnival Committee in 1971.  In 1975 the Wannell family were joined by another much loved member of the family – “Martha” the fire engine.  She was bought from Passey’s scrap yard and restored to her former glory in less than a year, with the help of the Wootton Bassett Fire Fighters.

Chris continued his Council work and also helped to organise fire engine rallies to raise funds for the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund (now the Fire Fighters Charity).  He also became Chairman of the local Scout Association.  Chris continued to take an active role in all things Wootton Bassett – it has been said that if you cut him in half, it would say Wootton Bassett like a stick of rock!

Through his work with the Carnival Committee Chris became good friends with George Scarrott & Sons Fun Fairs, and right up until his death he was one of their closest friends.  On one occasion George Scarrott and Chris visited the House of Commons to present on the plight of the travelling showman – something which he still passionately fought for up unto his death.

 Chris was for many years an engineer at St Ivel in Wootton Bassett, whilst continuing his work as a retained fire fighter.  He also served the town as Mayor on two occasions (as did his wife Audrey).  Chris clocked up over 40 years of service to the Town Council.

Chris finished his active fire fighting career on 19^th October 1996 as Officer in Charge of the local station.  Throughout his time there he
had taught many a young Scout and Guide about Fire Safety, attended many fires and accidents, saved lives, and brought on the skills of many young fire fighters.

After his retirement from the Wiltshire Fire Brigade he continued to work tirelessly to raise in excess of £100,000 for the Fire Fighters Charity through his work with “Martha”.  He received the Fire Fighters Charity Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 and this was one of his proudest achievements.  He was treated as a VIP at the awards ceremony – and his award was a strongly guarded secret.  Even though he was sat next to his good friend James Gray MP and the Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell he still did not twig that he was a winner, until the slide show commenced with a view of the rear wheel of his beloved “Martha” and he exclaimed “it’s me”!

In the latter years of his life, whilst still working tirelessly for his community, Chris enjoyed time at steam rallies with his grandchildren Bradley, Poppy, Daisy and Holly.  He attended many local rallies and some which were a little further afield such as the Great Dorset Steam Fair and the Isle of Wight Steam Rally.

In his last days he was still answering the call to help others, which bears testament to his huge affection for the town of Royal Wootton Bassett and the Wiltshire and Dorset Fire and Rescue community.  He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and especially his family.  Heather and Martin said “As children we learned early on to share the most precious thing we had – our Dad.  He saved many lives and we are very proud of him”

As the Covid rules do not permit more than 30 at his funeral, we will drive Chris through the streets he loved on his last “shout” on the back of his beloved fire engine “Martha” closely followed by “Belinda” his beautiful 1930’s fire engine, and we would encourage everyone who wishes to stand on the High Street and Clap as the cortege passes
by (whilst maintaining Social Distancing)