Stratton Fire Station opens its doors to the public this weekend

Stratton Fire Station is opening up its doors to the public this weekend, with a day that promises something for everyone. The open day will run between 11am and 3pm on Saturday 30 June, and all money raised will be divided between the Fire Fighters Charity and Crowdys Hill School in Swindon.

There will be a wide range of activities to suit the whole family, including:

• Both modern and vintage fire engines on display
• Other appliances from within Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
• Demonstrations
• Stalls
• Face painting
• Tombola
• Refreshments, including a barbecue

Watch Manager Mark Evans, from Stratton Fire Station, said: “This is a great way for our local community to find out more about its local fire station. We would like as many people as possible to come along to our open day, have a great time and leave with some vital fire and road safety messages. There’s even the chance to talk with the crews about potentially becoming an on-call firefighter.”

Swindon Fire Cadets are using the open day to support the Swindon Night Shelter, and ask visitors coming to the event to bring along donations of new adult pants and socks, toothbrushes/toothpaste and/or wet wipes. The Cadets will also be bringing handmade cakes and sweets stall, with the funds raised being used to purchase camp-beds for the Night Shelter’s guests.

WM Evans said: “Swindon Night Shelter works with Crowdys Hill School in a mutually beneficial way by providing work experience placements for students in its charity shops, as well as providing education and awareness. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service also works with the Night Shelter to provide information and advice to their guests regarding fire safety. It’s great to therefore bring it all together at our open day.”

He added: “The Fire Cadets made a commitment last September to complete three social action projects during their year-long course – they researched ideas and shared them before voting and committing wholeheartedly to the group decision. Their first project in November raised £1,255 for Cycling4Health to purchase adaptive bikes for people with a physical or learning disability in Swindon. Their second project was to write an information booklet for new Cadets and, for their third and final project, they decided they would like to support rough sleepers in Swindon. I’m very proud of their commitment and enthusiasm.”