If you’re looking for a family day out, then Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) has just the thing for you! Newbury Fire Station will be putting on a fun-filled open day on Saturday, 16 July.
The open day, which runs from 10am to 4pm, will include realistic live demonstrations from the crews, including releasing a ‘casualty’ from a simulated road traffic collision and rescuing a ‘casualty’ that will be suspended from the drill tower using ‘rope rescue’ equipment. The dramatic hot oil display unit will also be there to demonstrate the dangers of this type of fire.
If all those activities weren’t enough, visitors will have the chance to explore some of RBFRS’ vehicles including; the fire engines, the Zetros which is RBFRS’ largest offroad appliance, capable of carrying 8,000 litres of water and 1,000 litres of foam, and the Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP), which is primarily used to deliver water from height at incidents such as a fire at a block of flats. Young visitors will have the opportunity to take part in a hose running competition and even get their faces painted! There will also be a burger and drinks stall and an ice cream van on hand. If all those activities still weren’t enough, there will also be a chance to win racing memorabilia signed by Sir A.P. McCoy during a charity auction. Amongst the items on offer are two framed photos (16” x 10”) and two books, kindly donated by the former champion jump jockey. The first of the signed photos is of Sir A.P. McCoy’s 4,000 winners and the other is of his final Cheltenham Festival winner in 2015. The two signed books include a copy of ‘Winner: My Racing Life’ and ‘Taking the Fall’, both written by the former jockey. All the money raised from the auction will be donated to two very deserving charities – The Fire Fighters Charity and Children with Cancer UK.
The open day will also provide the perfect opportunity for people to talk to our firefighters about fire safety, electrical and water safety issues. Partners from organisations including Thames Valley Police will also be on hand to offer advice and information on a range of topics, such as reducing crime, as well as bringing the Armed Response and Road Policing vehicle for visitors to explore.
There is no parking available on the fire station so visitors are advised to use Shaw Road playing field.