The 2019 Open day at New Cross Fire Station

​On the morning of the 29th June 2019, and almost 50 years to the day, 240FLM returned to its fist home at New Cross Fire Station to support their annual open day.
 
Despite it being almost a record breaking day of high temperatures, the crew of 4 consisting of original New Cross fireman and 240FLM group chairman, Peter Russell along with Graham Pearce, Dave Porter and Peter Weight endured the traffic jams and heat to arrive on time from Romford and set up the appliance in the rear yard amongst more modern appliances and police vehicles.
 
Although limited by a mechanical issue to elevating and traversing the appliance ladders, this did prove to be a popular attraction and enhanced the day by the visiting public being able to view the appliance at work.
 
The crew were made very welcome by watch manager Paul Frisbey and Station Manager, Keith Saunders and the crews of LFB Fire cadets were very interested to get up close and inside the appliance as were all the visiting children.
 
During the day a challenge was thrown down to anyone who wanted to have ago at picking up and pitching a Hook ladder in the old fashioned way, sadly only the Watch manager took this on but did it first time much to his pleasure as it was something he had wanted to do for years.
 
As 4.00 pm approached it was time to “knock off and make up” in preparation for the return back to Romford, however, thanks to a prearrangement, the appliance was re-positioned inside the centre bay of the station, its original home, for a photo call.
 
It had been such a memorable day and we were delighted to have been able to support the London Fire Brigade once again.
 
We extend our thanks and gratitude to the Green Watch at E38 New Cross for their support and assistance on the day.

The group are grateful to the photographers who have granted us permission to reproduce their images, please note the copyright assigned where applicable, all other images are copyright the 240FLM Preservation Group