Hungerford Virtual Museum




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The original hand-operated fire pump obtained in 1702 (Fire Engine No 1) had been kept in Platt's brewery during the 19th century.

On Tuesday 14th June 1875 there was a severe fire in Eddington. Seven cottages were destroyed - and only one was insured. Contemporary reports describe the fire engine as inadequate, and plans were made to obtain a new steam fire engine. It seems that nothing much changed, however, for some years, as the same machine was in use in 1890.

NWN 7.7.1890: "That antiquated machine, by courtesy called the Borough Fire Engine, was again brought out on Monday evening, and used for the purpose of cleaning the windows of the Town Hall. This task was most efficiently performed and the "brigade" subsequently recounted with pardenable pride over a social pipe and glass the wondrous deeds they had accomplished."

NWN 10.7.1890: "Quite a commotion was caused in the street the other evening by the appearance of our old friend, the fire engine, which happily is not often required to do public duty. On this occasion, however, it was brought out for an airing, and after considerable labour on the part of a band of men and boys, a decent stream of water was brought to play upon the adjacent windows. The result of the experiments went on to show that in case of fire the "extinguisher" would not prove of great service. Perhaps the exhibition may result in the organization of a body of men, who might be drilled to use the engine with as much efficiency as this antiquated machine will allow. Better still if it convinces the authorities that it is time to consider the propriety of something better in the way of a defence against fire."

Marlborough Times 12.7.1890: "The Town Fire Engine was taken out for practice on Thursday evening, and as regards the hose proved to be practically useless in case of a fire. Only the first length of hose was of any use, the other lengths bursting when the pumping took place. There is no doubt the High Constable will do his best to put things in a better state, so that should a fire break out we may in some measure be able to cope with it. What the town wants, however, is a really good engine, which might be confidently relied upon."

Marlborough Times 26.7.1890: NEW FIRE ENGINE AND FIRE BRIGADE - As will be seen by an advertisement in another column a meeting is convened for the 18th August, at four p.m., for the purpose of raising funds for the purchase of a new Fire Engine and the formation of a Fire Brigade. This is one of the pressing wants of the town, for, should a fire break out, the result would be most disastrous, as our present engine is practically useless. Apropos of the above, we were at a convivial meeting some time ago when a topical song was sung, the following satirical verse being part of it:-
This town it has the best fire engine
In all the land.
No steam for it is ever needed
Only our own strong hand.
No great fire can stand against it,
Once we get him there,
And the pretty way it squirts the water
Makes all the people stare."
- We trust there will be a good meeting, which will result in the desired object being attained.

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Invitations were sent out (with advertisements in the local papers) asking all interested parties to attend a public meeting:

Hungerford, 23rd July, 1890

As the present state of the Hungerford Fire Engine appears to be severely criticised in various Papers, we, the undersigned, have decided to use out utmost endeavours to form an efficient Volunteer Fire Brigade, with modern equipments.

To accomplish this we ask all interested to attend a Public Meeting at the Town Hall, Hungerford, on Wednesday, August 13th, at 4 p.m., when Col. Willes has kindly promised to take the Chair.

H. D'O. W. Astley
J. Beard, Junr.
G. Cottrell.
G.E. Platt.

Perhaps as a result of all this interest, there is a surge of reports in the local papers about fires in the area:

Newbury Express 31.7.1890: "On Wednesday morning a hayrick, the property of Mr Wilson of Chilton, standing in a meadow by the Chilton road took fire, through overheating. No application was made for the fire engine and it was therefore not brought into requisition.

Shortly after 11 o'clock on the same morning the fire bell at the Corn Exchange was rung, and on enquiry I found that the house of Mr Cassam Killick, who formerly resided here, but now lives at Shefford Woodlands, was on fire, and that a messenger had just arrived for help. The engine was got out and horsed, and in the space of about ten minutes after the messenger had arrived, the horses galloped briskly towards the Woodlands. On arriving there it was found that the flames had obtained a strong hold of the building, which was enveloped in flames. The engine was soon set to work but although nothing could be done to save Mr Killick's house, the fire was prevented from spreading to the adjoining post office and outhouses. As it was, the building itself was completely burnt down, only the furniture being saved. There was fortunately no lack of water, a large pond close at hand being filled by the recent rains. It is supposed that the fire originated in the bakehouse, where there was a fire burning. Mr Killick's furniture was insured in the Royal Farmer's Insurance Company, but it is not known whether the house, which is the property of the Marquis of Downshire, is insured."

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The planned meeting received wide local support, and it is reported (Marlborough Times, 18.8.1890) that:

"Capt. Church and the Newbury Fire Brigade will come to Hungerford on that day, and will run out the hose at the Canal Bridge and extinguish an imaginary fire in Moon-lane. They will also give a display with four jets near the Canal Bridge at 3.30pm."

[On the day, the planned demonstration in Moon Lane did not take place. Whilst Newbury's steam fire engine "was quite capable of forcing the water to that spot, they were unable to obtain the necessary hose. A London firm had promised the loan of it, but a letter was received on Monday, stating they could not fulfil their promise unless the Hungerford people were prepared to buy the hose after it had been used. This they could not do, as it would have cost £170".]

The public "Fire Brigade" meeting duly took place, and was widely reported in the local papers. Col Willes presided, and amongst those present were the Rev J B Anstice, the High Constable, Mr T Fruen, Mr R Barker, Mr W H Dunn, Major Aldridge, Mr D'O W Astley, Mr G Cottrell, Captain Church (Newbury), Mr J Platt, Mr H J Beard, Gen Cherry, Mr A W Neate, Rev J F C Denning, Mr G Platt jun., Mr F Church, Mr F Low, Mr Kidd, Mr M Goulter, and Mr J Adnams. The Chairman explained that the town "had now two engines, whether one was made before the flood or shortly after he could not say, and the other, what they termed their newest one, was 168 years old"! [=1722. I believe this is actually the 1702 engine - HLP]

After some discussion on the merits of a "steamer" as opposed to another manual engine resulted in an agreement that a steamer was required - and Capt Church advised it would cost about £600. Mr G Platt offered to find "a proper house for it". A Committee was appointed (comprising Messrs Willes, Cherry, Anstice, Fruen, Adnams, Astley, Beard, Cottrell and Platt), and subscriptions started to come in, £107 being collected at the meeting.

The Committee advertised for further public subscriptions (aiming for £650), and the money was soon obtained or promised.
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Marlborough Times 12.9.2891: A NEW FIRE ENGINE - The effort to raise money for the purchase of a new steam fire engine has been successful, the sum needed, £600, having been either collected or promised. The engine, which is to be a 3-horse one, will cost £400, and the hose and necessary appliances a further sum of £200. The order for the engine has been given to Messrs Cottrell and Co of the Eddington Iron Works. A fire brigade will at once be formed, and a great need will this be satisfied."

Parish Magazine 1.10.1891: The Committee have ventured to order a Steam Fire Engine, though all the money required has not yet been raised, in the hope that some further donations will come in before the end of the year. The following Fire Brigade has been formed: Messrs G Cottrell (Captain), G E Platt (Lieutenant), J Beard (Sergeant), W Sperring and A Deer (Engineers), H Hoskings, H D'O W Astley, A Killick, J Adnams, A Cundell, F Jessett, and W Alexzander."

Such was the excitement in the town at this time, that there were even false alarms:

NWN 24.9.1891: A dense volume of smoke was observed issuing from the hamlet of Leverton yesterday morning, and which was thought to augur a journey for the 'Spitter', but some members of the anticipated new brigade, promptly harnessed a horse, and with a wagonette, made all haste to the seat of the supposed fire. Upon their arrival, they found no faire, but the promptness of their turn-out may be a precursor of what we may expect when a call is received, after the formation of the new brigade."

Newbury Express 29.10.1891: THE NEW FIRE ENGINE - An old Hungerfordian write: "Last week I paid a visit to the Naval Exhibition at Chelsea, and among numerous interesting objects I observed the new fire engine, which was tome the most interesting object of the whole exhibition. It stood on Messrs Merryweather's stand, with a card attached, stating that it was fitted with all the latest improvements, and was made to order for the Hungerford Fire Brigade. Quite a thrill of pleasure ran through me....."

Marlborough Times 7.11.1891: "The new fire engine will arrive shortly, and the Brigade purpose having a public trial on Wednesday the 18th inst, at 4 o'clock, in the High Street. A public dinner will be held in the evening." (at 6.30pm. Tickets 5s (exclusive of wine). Morning Dress.)

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The new steamer arrived in the town on Monday 16th November 1891. It was a Merryweather 'Greenwich', (Fire Engine No 2). The "Greenwich" had taken Gold Medal at the National Inventions Exhibition, and had all the latest improvements, and 1000 feet of canvas hose. (See Parish Magazine 1.12.1891). It cost £500, but there was still £50 to raise in December 1891, when a Jumble Sale was held at the Corn Exchange.

Berkshire Chronicle 21.11.1891: THE NEW FIRE ENGINE - The new steam fire engine is now in the possession of the newly-formed Volunteer Fire Brigade, under Captain Cottrell and Lieutenant Platt. A public demonstration of the power and capabilities of the engine was made on Wednesday . The engine was well horsed and with the brigade, a parade was made through the town. Halt was made at the canal and steam got up in seven and a half minutes. A thousand feet of hose was run as far as the Town Hall. A jet was thrown from thirty to forty feet over the building. The demonstration was under the supervision of Messrs Cleaver and Harper, from the renowned firm of Messrs Merryweather, who have supplied the engine. Amongst those present were Captain A Church (of the Newbury Fire Brigade), Captain Ayres (of the Reading Brigade), Captain S Mortimer (Trowbridge) and Captain Hill (of Ramsbury). A number of the Newbury firemen were also present. The new station is at the Tannery, through the kindness of Mr Platt. The uniform of the brigade is similar to that of Newbury. The fittings, in connection with the engine, are all like the Newbury complement, so that at any time the two brigades could work together, if required, without the least delay. About £100 is still wanted to fully equip the brigade. A dinner was held in the evening at the Corn Exchange, at which Colonel Willes presided. About one hundred sat down and the company included the chief residents and tradesmen of the town. Mrs Free, of the Swan Hotel, catered."

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On 18 November 1891 a public demonstration of the new Greenwich machine was staged at the Town Hall. Four fine horses hauled the engine at a gallop along the street from the fire station in Charnham Street to the canal wharf. One thousand feet of hose was extended up the street, and within seven and a half minutes, the pump was at full pressure, and able to throw a jet of water 30 or 40 ft. over the Town Hall. When tested back at the wharf, it achieved a jet of about 150 ft., and the admiring crowds cheered enthusiastically. To celebrate the event a dinner was held in the Corn Exchange, about one hundred gentlemen being present.

Newbury Express 19.11.1891:
HUNGERFORD VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE
DEMONSTRATING THE NEW STEAMER
The elements unfortunately were not propitious, but nevertheless the public assembled in large numbers in the afternoon axiously anticipating the result of the trial, and we may say so far as the local Volunteer Fire Brigade is concerned it was a "red letter day,' or to use the expression of a well known local man a "resurrection day".

The members of the brigade, under the command of the popular Captain Cottrell, mustered at their new fire station about 2.30. Here it may be stated that the station has been kindly lent by Mr. J. Platt,and is nicely fitted up with every convenience for the purposes of the brigade. The members of the brigade present in addition to the Captain, were Lieutenant G. Platt, Branchmen Beard, Hoskins, Alexander and Jessett; Chief Engineer Sperring, Engineer Deer. Firemen Astley (hon. sec.), Cundell, Adams and Killick.
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	The H.V.F.B. at the fire station, c.1891. On the left is Mr. George Platt (who gave the premises adjacent to the tannery for use as a fire station, and was Lieutenant of the Brigade); with his dog is George Cottrell (the Captain of the Brigade)

		From the advertisement for the Fire Brigade Jumble Sale, 4th Dec 1891: Old Pots, and Pans, and Watering Cans, Old Plates, and Ancient Jugs; A Broken Chair that you can spare, And Carpets, Mats, and Rugs. Untidy Shoes that you would lose If left to lie about, Or you might spare that Coat you wear, I'm sure it's quite worn out. Those little Toys with which your boys And girls no longer play, Thos little Frocks, and Shoes, and Socks, That some might throw away. Please send them all, or we will call, For nothing will degrade; For what seems nought, will soon be bought, And help our Fire Brigade.



		The Greenwich fire engine, c.1908. This photograph (probably at Denford Mill) shows the Greenwich engine being tested by Mr. Alfred Macklin (left) and Mr Harry Champ.

Having "put to" four splendid horses (lent for the occasion by Messrs. Platt and Cottrell), with new harness, they started at a gallop up the town for the scrutiny of the public: after which the engine was taken down to the canal, and the order was given to get to work. The fire was lighted, and in the short time of 7½ mins. 100lb. pressure on the square inch was raised.

Meanwhile the members of the brigade had run out 1000ft. of hose, which extended some distance up beyond the Town Hall. This was done in the time of about four minutes, which was considered very creditable for a young brigade. A powerful jet, 7/8 in. in diameter, threw water some 30 or 40ft. over the top of the Town Hall, amidst the cheers of the general public. The hose was then continued farther up the street, and a powerful stream was thrown over the higher houses, and subsequently the engine delivered two 7/8 in. jets. The hose was then taken down to the canal, where a further display was given, an eighth inch jet sending the water a height of several hundred feet, notwithstanding the high wind. Two, three, and four jets also played simultaneously, showing the wonderful power of this engine.

There were present superintending the demonstration Captain J H Cleaver on behalf of Messrs Merryweather and Sons, Capt Hill (Ramsbury), Capt Ayres (Reading), Engineer T Chapman (Maiden Earleigh), Capt S Mortimer (of Messrs Palmer and Mackey's, Trowbridge), Mr T. H. Lawrence; the following of the Newbury Volunteer Fire Brigade were also present: Capt. A. Church, Branchmen Harrison and Freebody, Firemen C Adey, Booth and White.
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The engine was driven by Engineer Harper, of the firm of the makers, and the whole of the experiments were carried out in a perfectly satisfactory manner. The engine has been purchased by the Hungerford Brigade; it was one of the steam fire engines lent to the Naval Exhibition in case of fire, and it is very creditable that a town like Hungerford should be in possession of such a magnificent engine.

The following is a description of the new engine, which is of the well-known "Greenwich " pattern. It is a double cylinder machine, having two steam cylinders, driving two direct and double acting pumps, and the machinery is bolted to the two parallel bars of Lowmoor iron which form the frame, thus giving great rigidity and strength. The pumps are cast in one piece out of gunmetal, and the piston rods are of steel, cased with brass to prevent rust. The valves are of gunmetal, and are placed in a chamber below the pump barrels so that grit or stones cannot get into and injure the barrels. The waterways are large, so that the pumps are filled at every stroke, even when the machine is running at full speed, thus avoiding jars to the machinery. The boiler is of Merryweather's quick steaming type, capable of raising steam to working pressure in from 6 to 8 minutes from time of lighting the fire. The fire door is behind and a footplate for engineer being provided, the fire can be stoked while travelling, thus saving several minutes of valuable time by having steam raised on arrival at the scene of a conflagration. Driver's seat, large hose and implement box, coal and water bunkers are fitted, as well as a double lever brake to action both hind wheel. The machine is handsomely painted, with "Hungerford" on each side of the hose box, while the polished metal gives a bright look to the whole.

The 'Greenwich" pattern engine was first invented by Messrs. Merryweather in 1885. when it took the gold medal at the International Inventions Exhibition and it has since been supplied to municipalities and fire brigades in all parts of the world. Amongst English towns now possessing this type, may be mentioned London (5 large engines throwing 4000 gallons per minute), Manchester (5 engines), Wolverhampton. Coventry. Loughborough, West Hartlepool, Nuneaton. Bootle, Ramsbottom, Bedford. Salisbury, Nottingham, Pontefract. Hull. Wimbledon, Portsmouth (on order), Inverness. Richmond, Wigan. Bath, &c., &c. The chief points in favour of the machine are its lightness in proportion to its power, its great strength of construction, its steadiness in working, its fewness of moving parts, simplicity of design, and its easy running. Messrs. Merryweather employ none but English workmen and the materials used are of the very best and when we say that the firm has been established some 200 years, it will be seen that the Hungerford authorities have taken the best way in procuring their engine from a firm which has a reputation to keep up, and that a very high one indeed.
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In the evening a public dinner was held in the Corn Exchange to celebrate the event, at which about 100 sat down, the catering being excellently carried out by Mrs Free, of the Swan Hotel. Col. Willes presided, being supported by the Rural Dean (Rev. J. B. Anstice), Major Ricardo, the Constable (Mr T. Fruen), Dr. Major, Captain A. Church, Messrs. G. Chapman, J. Adnams, H. J. Beard, J. Platt, J. Westcombe. and T. Alexander. The vice chairs were taken by Lieut, Platt and Sergt. Beard, Amongst the others present were:—Messrs. Pegler. Coombes. Chapman, Bryant, Richings, Hughes,, Knapp, Lawrence, Hissey, Cundell, Pigott, Adnams Love, Osmond, L. Beard, Fowler, Wren, Buckeridge, McKerlie, Davidson, G. Edwards, Waddington, Clifford, Allright, jun., Hawkes, Jesset, Newhook, Higgs, Neate, H. Poole, Chisel, J. Westcombe, Lewis, Oakes, K. Killick, R. Baverstock, Astley, Gilbert, Penny, C. Edwards, the representatives of the Newbury V.F.B., &c.

After the dinner the following toast list was gone through: "The Queen", "The Prince of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family" were all proposed by the Chairman ; ''The Bishop of the Diocese, and Clergy and Ministers of all Denominations" proposed by the Chairman, and Rev. J. B. Anstice responded. "Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces" proposed by Dr. Major, responded to by Major Ricardo, Lieut. Platt, Lieut. M. Platt, and "Corporal Hawkes. "Success to the H.V.F.B." proposed by the Chairman, and responded to by Capt. Cottrell and Hon. Sec. Astley. " The Subscribers" proposed by Mr J. Platt. "The Neighbouring Fire Brigade" proposed by Lieut. Platt, responded to by Capt. Church; "The Constable and Feoffees of Hungerford" proposed by the Chairman, responded to by the Constable (Mr Fruen). "The Ladies" proposed by Mr J. Adnams, responded to by Fireman Cundell; "The Chairman" proposed by Capt. Cottrell, responded to by Colonel Willes.

We are unable to give any of the speeches owing to having to go to Press early.

[There are many further press reports of this special day in Hungerford. See bottom of this section]
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The memoirs of Mr. Astley, the local solicitor, include :

"Another event of note was the start of the Hungerford Voluntary Fire Brigade in 1891. Previously there was no brigade. There were four of us, George Cottrell, owner of the Iron Works at Eddington; George Platt, the brewer; myself, and John Beard, the coal merchant. I must confess I thought we were aiming rather high when we decided to go in for a "steamer". However, our project was well supported by the residents of the town and neighbourhood and we soon had sufficient money to purchase the engine and equip the brigade. You can imagine how proud we all felt when we first appeared in our new uniforms and shining brass helmets!".

Good though the Greenwich fire engine had been, technology was rapidly advancing, and the need for a self-propelled machine was evident. In 1910 the town took possession of a new and more powerful Merryweather steam fire engine, named 'The Dreadnought' - (Fire Engine No 3). This photograph shows the scene at the fire station on the hand-over day. The driver is Mr. Harper of Merryweather's, but the entire brigade has managed to climb aboard. Mr. George Cottrell (the Captain of the Brigade) is sitting on the driver's left, and the Rev. Tom Gray is on his right. Note the lights, the fire-bell and the solid tyres.

On 23rd September 1910 the new engine was christened outside the Town Hall. The entire town seemed to be there for the occasion. Miss Sawbridge, daughter of Captain Sawbridge of Denford Park, who had been one of the main contributors towards its purchase, lifted a bottle of champagne, and, at the third attempt, smashed it against the engine, naming it "The Dreadnought". The engine went up the High Street to the top of Salisbury Road before returning to the wharf, where, remembering the fine demonstration put on in 1891 when the previous engine had been delivered, the fire brigade arranged a similar demonstration at the wharf, again attended by a large crown of town officials and the general public. Final preparations are well in hand; the inlet hose is already in the canal.

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'The Power of the Pump was Marvellous to Behold!' The town was justifiably proud of its new acquisition, and the wharf, with a ready supply of water, proved to be a perfect arena for the very large crowd who gathered. The engine could travel at speeds of 30m.p.h., deliver 300 gallons of water per minute, and send a jet of water 150 ft. into the air. Several of the wharf buildings can be seen in the background.

Two months before the new fire engine came to Hungerford, one of the brigade members, Mr. F.R. Pratt, landlord of the Bear Hotel, was killed in a road traffic accident. A grand funeral was arranged, with his colleagues in the fire brigade pulling the funeral carriage from the Bear along Charnham Street to St. Saviour's church in Eddington. This photograph shows the funeral procession passing Faulknor Square. On the left is Alec Townsin's Refreshment Rooms (now Bow House antiques and gifts) in Faulknor Square, then the fire station (now The Finishing Touch gifts), with the Bear Hotel in the distance. On the right is James Stradling's cycle shop, a business founded in Newbury in 1877 (now Sapphire Furnishings), and the Red Lion Inn (now Casanova's restaurant).

In 1924 the town took possession of its first motorised engine, a Leyland, which it proudly named "John of Gaunt" - (Fire Engine No 4).

Hungerford Auxiliary Fire Service, 1936. This picture, taken in Barr's Yard (behind 5 High Street), shows the A.F.S. in their latest fast-response vehicle – a Ford V8. What style?! The driver is Tom Cox; Officer in Charge Jack Brewer; in the rear seat are Jack Sadler and Bert Wyatt; standing is Tup Lambourne, and in the rear seat is Charles Williams.Hungerford's next newest fire engine was an Austin, built in 1942 (Fire Engine No 5). Jack Williams joined the brigade in 1951, and remembers that the Austin was in use until c1965. He also remembers that he and his bride Margaret were taken around the town with bells ringing on their wedding day 22nd September 1951.

Mr Mick Paul, who bought it in 1980, and restored it, wrote:

"It was built in June 1942 by the Austin Motor Co of Longbridge, Birmingham and supplied to a body builder in chassis scutle form where it was fitted with a fire engine body built to a home office "heavy pump unit" design. It was fitted with a Tangy 700 G.P.M. pump and a Ford 78 petrol engine.




			The Dreadnought fire engine, 1910







		Funeral of Mr. F.R. Pratt, 9 June 1910



	The 1924 Leyland





			Hungerford Auxiliary Fire Service, 1936.





The Austin "John of Gaunt II" fully restored by Mr Mick Paul

On completion it was issued to No 15 fire force of the N.F.S. its station is unknown after the war it passed to the newly formed Berkshire & Reading fire brigade who rebuilt it for peace time use in their workshops. The large Tangy pump was removed and a pump from a Dennis trailer pump was fitted and driven via a Martin Harper transfer box from the road engine.

A hose reel and 120 gal water tank were fitted in what was the crew cab a panel containing a tank filler five way valve and throttle control was fitted to the front near side where the lockers used to be and was fed by a small gear type pump fitted to the gear box. (Incidentally this kit of parts was marketed by various manufactures as a means of converting war time auxiliary towing vehicles into hose reel tenders).

As the appliance was now minus its crew cab, the sides were built up to offer some protection on the lines of the pre-war new world design. The hand operated bell was moved from the roof of the crew cab and fitted to the near side by the officer in charge. This was operated through the cab side window. This also had the effect of reducing the height of the appliance by about six inches. Two orange flashers and a small electric bell completed its rebuild.

The only other modifications was red paint to replace the war time grey, chrome plate on the brass work and an Ajax ladder to replace the home office pattern carried before it was issued to Hungerford. I guess that is why the bell was moved as the old Charnham Street station was very low.

It acquired its name of "John o'Gaunt II". The name plate had come from its predecessor the 1924 Leyland.

As far as I know it served Hungerford well until it was replaced by a Kerrer game cock water tender in the late fiftys.

On retirement from Hungerford its name plate was removed and as far as I know it is still hanging in the new fire station at Hungerford.

Its retirement from Berkshire and Reading fire brigade was by no means the end to its working life as it was sold to Adwest engineering at Woodley near Reading where it served them until 1978. As a works fire engine this must have made it one of the longest serving war time appliances in daily use. It not only served the work site but was used all over the Woodley trading estate. It was used when the Waitrose warehouse caught fire and in 1976 during the hot summer it caught fire its self when the wind changed when it was in attendance at a heath fire causing damage to the near side. It was replaced by Adwest in 1979 and was left to deteriorate in a shed on site.

I purchased it in September 1980 for restoration and preservation in a very poor state and I spent over 900 man hours restoring it and took it to its first show in May 1981 since then we have been to many shows around this country and we have also taken it to Germany twice for fire service festivals.

It has been used for quite a few fire service weddings including that of Hungerford's officer in charge Norman Barr, and for his daughter's wedding. It has also been used for fire service funerals and has appeared in the Royal Tournament at Earl's Court. It is fully equipped with period equipment and is fully operational and has been used several times on fires on the road when we have been going to or from a show. It is my intention to use it on the road as long as the government in Brussels will allow us to but I have to say that may not be for many more years."

The new fire station in Church Street was built in 1968, on land previously occupied by James & Co Great Western Mill, which had been razed to the ground in June 1960.

Further reading:
- Firefighting Equipment, Brian Wright, Shire 1989.
- 1702 Fire Pump - extracts from the Constables' Accounts 1700-1736
- Fire Service Scrapbook Part 1 (Jul 1890 - Jan 1892)
- Fire Service Scrapbook Part 2 (Feb 1892 - Apr 1893)
- Fire Service Scrapbook Part 3 (Aprl 1893 - Nov 1894)
- Fire Service Scrapbook Part 4 (Nov 1894 - Jan 1908)
- Fire Service Scrapbook Part 5 (May 1908 - 1913)
- Mick Paul's letter to Jack Williams, 24.2.1997
- Parish Magazine, esp Jul 1875, Dec 1891.

[With thanks to Andrew Macey for the load of the Fire Service Scrapbook 1890-1913)

Updated: 8.5.2010