A33/J25 Tottenham Fire Station Open day

240FLM and crew made their way West from Romford to A33/J25 Tottenham Fire Station to add support to their well organised “Open Day”. This year, the Red Watch had been selected to organise it – and they did a grand job, actually worrying if they would be able to get all the exhibits and stalls into the station yard.

Fear not, they had it in hand. After being one of the last to arrive, 240FLM was expertly inched into position using the rear gear and negotiating many obstacles along the way. A manoeuvre which involved reversing into the first bay and entering the yard from the middle bay.
Driver Steve was in no doubt it was all in a day’s work.!

Several vintage appliances which spent time at Tottenham over the years were in attendance.
Ex Middlesex Fire Brigade Turntable ladder,  22ML with current owner, Matt Holmes, definitely spent several shifts at Tottenham, CBY1, which after its transfer from Croydon Fire Brigade into London in 1965 would possibly have seen service at Tottenham as a spare and  our own, 240FLM, which we have photographic records of as being “ on the run” as a spare at Tottenham during the early 1980’s.
To complete the arial appliance line up was the current iteration of Turntable ladders, based at A33 Tottenham, the superb Magirus M32L-AS units mounted on Scania L360 chassis with a reach of 32 metres. Four TLs in one place is definitely an unusual line up!

Also on parade was a Dennis F106 pumping appliance, registration number SMH325F which may also have seen service there as a spare during the 1970’s and early 80’s and to complete the assembly of vintage appliances was the well known LCC LFB Emergency tender, OXT999, a regular and favourite on the preservation circuit.
The final “modern” appliances on show to the crowds was the A34 Edmonton Fire Station Mercedes Benz Atego Fire Rescue unit which had an awful lot of current rescue equipment to show to eager viewers.
The addition of exhibits and participation by The London Fire Brigade cadets, Brigade Control Room staff, Animal Welfare dog, and the Firefighters Charity ensured there was something of interest for all the many visitors.
The Mayor of Haringey, Councillor Ahmed Mahbub, spent time talking to the crew of 240FLM and had his photo taken beside the appliance. He genuinely seems fascinated by the appliance and its history.

The only concern during the day was the DJ which had been organised let the event down the day before and which left the station scrabbling around for a replacement.  An emergency call was made to Beckenham Firefighter/singer Jake Shortall who travelled over to Tottenham to perform one of his sets. He truly has an amazing voice. Remember that name!

​A thoroughly enjoyable day which the group were pleased to have supported.

Please note: You are respectfully reminded that all the images used here are subject to standard UK copyright laws and no copying or reproduction should take place without the express permission of the 240FLM TL preservation Group and individual photographers.
Paul Wing & Paul Wood.