Firemen's day a roaring success (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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Firemen's day a roaring success
12:00am Saturday 29th September 2012 in Andover
Firemen's day a roaring success
FIREFIGHTERS past and present gathered with their families for the Andover station’s anniversary reunion.
Andover fire station opened its doors on Sunday for members of the public to take a look at some of the work it does.
It was also a chance for more than 100 serving and former members to get together to celebrate 50 years of the station being at its present location in London Street.
During the celebrations, young would-be firefighters tried on the uniform, crawled through tunnels and had a go at using a hose. Stalls also raised £1,300 for the Firefighters’ Charity.
Watch manager Kevin Francis said: “A big thank you to all the public for turning up on such a grotty day and showing their support.”
Presenter and former Andover resident Katie Piper was a willing volunteer to be cut out of a car by frefighters in one of the demonstrations throughout the day.
Carol Borwick, head of fundraising at The Katie Piper Foundation, said: “We’re so grateful to all at Andover fire station for inviting us to fundraise for The Katie Piper Foundation at the open day.
“Katie was delighted to join in the activities, and many thanks to all who supported us on Sunday.
“The money raised will help us make a positive difference to burns survivors through lifechanging treatments and workshops.”
She added: “A special thanks to Iris Anderson for representing us on the day and to our new fundraiser, Katie Lee, who is very bravely cutting her hair to a number one barber cut on 24 November at the Asda Andover superstore in Anton Mill Road to raise money for the foundation.”
Test Valley Mayor Councillor Dorothy Baverstock helped former sub officer Ivor Collins unveil a plaque to commemorate the 50 years.
The station is hoping to restart an exchange with its twin colleagues in Goch, Germany, and welcomed visitors from the Continent as part of the celebrations.
It is also forming a register of former firefighters who served at the station. Anyone who wants to join this can contact the station.
