THEY were the lucky ones.
They survived one of Huddersfield’s worst-ever disasters, 60 years ago.
Now those who lived through the horrific Booth’s fire, and their families, are being invited to a get-together.
The aim of the event on Saturday, is to give them all a chance to meet each other and to ask them to support a campaign for a plaque in memory of those who died in the tragedy.
The fire, on October 31, 1941, swept through the Huddersfield clothing factory, run by H Booth and Sons.
Forty nine workers died in the blaze on John William Street.
Others were badly injured but managed to escape – some by jumping 40 feet from windows.
H Booth and Sons Ltd was a prominent five-storey converted warehouse that stood back-to-back with the Empire Cinema in the town centre, facing the railway viaduct on the opposite side of the road.
Most of the victims were buried in a mass grave.
Richard Heath, who last year launched a campaign to install a plaque on the remaining wall of Booths, now within Tesco, has organised Saturday’s reunion along with artist Keith Hanselman, 80, who lost his brother in the tragedy.
Richard, from Heckmondwike, who was not involved in the fire, but has a keen interest in the incident, said: “Having had such a response from recent stories about survivors, we are hoping that people will come along and just get a chance to chat to one another.
“Anyone who is interested in learning about the fire or joining the plaque campaign is more than welcome to come along.
“This really is our last chance for the memorial plaque.
“There are only a handful of survivors and we need to remember what happened.
“It is part of Huddersfield’s history.”
The coffee morning will be held at Mr Heath’s coffee shop, the Merrie England, in Kirkgate, at 11am on January 21.
To get in touch with Richard call him on 01924 516 160 or on 01924 401 376.
