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What is the National
Museum of Firefighting? The museum collection at present consists of a
substantial number of fire engines and items of equipment which have been
gifted over a number of years. It is administered by a Trust, set up in
1979, which has been granted Charitable Status.
Fire Services National Museum Trust Mission Statement:
To establish a Museum of national importance and status relating to
Fire Brigade and Firefighting and the dangers from fire:
Educate - To perpetuate the best traditions of the Fire Service in its
activity in educating people about the dangers from fire and to kindle
interest in Fire Brigades and the work they do by developing a 'hands on'
approach to learning.
Collect - To acquire and maintain for public display and
examination vehicles, documents and artefacts of historical importance and
memorabilia relating to specific fires and disasters and to record their
connection to the development of fire safety legislation.
Preserve - To collect together historical and present day technical
and design information relating to fire detection, fire suppression
and firefighting and in particular to record important technical
developments in the practices of firefighting both in fire engineering and
the operational capabilities of firefighters.
Record and Entertain - To present the history of firefighting and
the National Collection in such a way as to encourage members of the
public to attend and learn about fire safety while being both educated and
entertained by a joint visual and 'live' approach.
Instruct - To instruct and demonstrate to the public and
firefighters in a practical fashion the evolution and development of the
science of fire prevention and firefighting, while at the same time
ensuring that the in depth information is available to more serious
students dealing with these themes.
Inform - To act as a National Information Centre for disseminating
information about and to the many local Museums and Preservation Groups
which relate in whole or part to fire, fire engines and/or Fire Brigades.
The Trust is in the process of securing a suitable and permanent home for
the National Museum of Firefighting at Weedon (Fire World), and of course
this will require considerable financial backing. The Friends have been
set up in order to raise funds by various methods which include membership
fees, the regular publication of a journal called Saved, and events
and collections of various kinds.
In addition Friends will shortly be invited to help in the restoration and
maintenance of the collection itself. In the fullness of time there will
also be opportunity to assist in the creation and running of the Museum in
its permanent home at Weedon.
What are the benefits of joining the Friends? The National Museum
of Firefighting needs Friends through whose subscription and support its
aims will be met. As a Friend you will automatically receive the journal Saved,
an informative and readable magazine discussing historical and fire
related topics in which you may have your own articles reproduced,
together with a regular newsletter.
You will be invited to participate not only in functions and displays but
also in the restoration of some items in the collection.
See details of Friends' membership contained in the loose insert in
this edition of Saved.
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