9:00pm Sunday 5th July 2009
By James Wallin
DROVE Road Fire Station was open to the public at an event to mark its 50th birthday.
Families flocked to the Old Town station on Saturday as part of the fire service’s 50-4-50 campaign, which aims to raise £50,000 for The Firefighters’ Charity.
Children were offered a chance to climb aboard a variety of fire engines or watch a mock rescue and demonstrations by the vehicle cutting crew.
Visitors were also entertained by a paintball range and a bouncy castle and were given the chance to try out a fireman’s hose.
Zachary Fairbrother, six, from Sheerwold Close, in Stratton, said: “I liked the fire engines and I saw some good ones.
“I used the hose and I hit the target three times.
“I think being a fireman is quite a dangerous job but maybe I will be a fire investigations officer.”
Emma Stigwood, from North Swindon, had difficulty persuading her two-year-old, James, to give up his position at the wheel of one of the fire engines.
“He absolutely loved it,” Emma said. “We had a look around when we arrived but all he wanted to do was get in the fire engine. He loves the flashing lights.
“His dad is a paramedic so maybe that’s why he liked the flashing lights and sirens so much.”
Gail Mabon, from Covingham Drive, Covingham, said she was not surprised to see the fire station packed with families. She said: “There’s something about firemen, isn’t there?
“Everyone likes them and the kids just get mesmerised by all the flashing lights and the uniforms.
“It’s a good cause, so I’m quite happy to support them.”
Her nine-year-old son Callum said: “It’s really interesting and it’s for charity, so I think it’s a good thing to do.
“I love fire engines. I used the hose which was really funny.”
Watch manager Joe Tray said: “There was a really impressive turn-out and we are very grateful to everyone who came out to support us.
“The Firefighters’ Charity is obviously one that’s very close to our heart so we want to raise as much as possible.
“We also want to make the station’s 50th year a special one.”
The service has raised about £35,000 already and staff are confident they will reach their target.
To donate or for more information go to the website.
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