Firestyle Magazine Issue 3 - Spring 2016 | Página 17

So, why should I join NARF? (The National Association of Retired Fire Fighters) By Ian Ferguson (Editor of the NARF News) That’s a good question and one which I get asked quite a lot. I guess in many respects it’s down to the type of person an individual is as to whether someone joins the National Association of Retired Fire fighters (NARF). It all depends on whether that individual is someone who is a social person and wants to stay a part of the Fire Service family, or maybe they think that it will benefit them by being a member of NARF. One question that may be asked is “What’s in it for me by being a member?” There are many facets of being a member of NARF, There’s the social interaction of keeping in touch with former colleagues with regular branch meetings and get togethers, but there are also the support mechanisms that retired members can turn to and NARF can offer help or guidance to members on a wide range of issues from pensions and benefits claims, to help with arranging convalescence or physiotherapy for either themselves or a member of their families at one of the Fire Fighters Charity nationwide facilities. Keeping members in touch and abreast of developments with both their Fire Service and State pensions is an important part of being a member as there are so many changes and developments taking place in both of those areas, we feel it is vital that we keep up to date with these important issues. NARF has two seats on the PSPC (Public Service Pensioners Council) and our delegates attend regular conferences from which they provide information to branch officials, who then cascade information that is available to members. NARF is the only dedicated national voice for retired Fire fighters and it is important that this voice is maintained for all of our benefits. There are two types of NARF membership and people can chose which type they would prefer. There’s Branch membership, in which a member is attached to the Branch that is closest to where they live or alternatively, there’s direct membership, in which a member for whatever reason isn’t attached to a Branch, but will still receive information, communications and feedback from the Direct Membership secretary. National membership fees are currently £5 per year for Branch membership and £6 for Direct membership for which you will receive all of the benefits previously mentioned, plus you will receive our quarterly magazine, NARF NEWS which will be delivered to your home address that is full of information, stories and articles that are useful and interesting to members. If you’d like to join NARF, you can do so by visiting the NARF website at www. narfire.org.uk where you can fill in the online application form and we’ll take it from there. It’s so easy to do, so If you’re retired from the Fire Service or you ’re in your last year of service, you are eligible to join and remember, membership is open to anyone and everyone who has ever worked in the Fire Service in whatever role, uniformed, non uniformed or support. We are all part of that big Fire Service family and hope you will consider joining NARF. NARF has been fighting for the rights of retired members since 1968, almost 50 years and with your help and support we hope we can continue to do so. Thank you for taking the time to read this and if you require any further information, please make contact through our website at www.narfire.org.uk 17