Date: 11th June, 2018
This year marks 160 years since a fire brigade was first established in Cricklade.
To mark this special anniversary, the current fire station is having an open day on Sunday 17 June between 10am and 4pm.
The event coincides with the annual Cricklade Festival, which attracts thousands of people.
Firefighter Jim Taylor, one of the organisers, explained: “Once we realised that this year was an anniversary year, we wanted to celebrate, and we’re looking forward to being part of the festival! The school is kindly letting us use their playground for stalls, so there will be plenty to see and do.”
Over the day, the Cricklade crew will demonstrate road traffic collision techniques and using ladders and hoses; the fire cadets will also put on a display; and there will be cooker fire demonstrations.
Stalls will include the Fire Fighters Charity, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Wiltshire Search & Rescue (WILSAR) and British Red Cross; there will be support from other local fire stations through the day, including Swindon, Stratton and Westlea; and there will be a number of vintage fire appliances on display.
A star attraction will be provided by Cricklade Museum, which is providing a wealth of artefacts relating to the fire and rescue service within the town over the years.
There will also be an opportunity for anyone interested in being an on-call firefighter in Cricklade to chat with the crew and find out more.
Anyone wishing to visit the open day will need to park at Cricklade Rugby Club, which is the main Festival car park.