Locals pour into Ramsbottom fire station for open day event

Date published: 04 June 2011

AS the heavens opened up so did the doors of Ramsbottom Fire Station to welcome local residents who turned out in droves to support the station’s annual Open Day, last weekend.

Despite the pouring rain the day was a huge success as people turned up to meet and chat to their local firefighters about fire safety and enjoy the many activities on offer.

A range of indoor stalls and a bouncy castle were among the attractions that helped to keep all the family entertained and dry during the downpours, along with a spectacular demonstration of firefighters using cutting equipment to rescue a ‘casualty’, in a mock-up of a road traffic collision.

Although the day was not billed as a charity event, an impressive £420 was raised through selling children’s fire helmets, a bouncy castle, tombola and the generosity of stallholders including the Women’s Institute and a local burger seller. The monies raised from the day will be equally divided between three charities – the Fire Fighters Charity, the Children’s Burns Foundation and the Ramsbottom Community Fire Cadets.

Station Manager Dave Fraser-Jones said he was overwhelmed by the turnout and the generosity of the local people: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all those who attended. The community really got behind the event and engaged with the firefighters throughout the day.

“Open days help to foster a stronger relationship between us and the local community, and are an excellent opportunity to pass on fire safety information, as well as getting ideas on how we can improve our Service.

“My thanks also to the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Yvonne Creswell; Fire Authority Member from Salford Cllr Iain Lindley; local Cllr Jackie Harris; the Fire Service Museum; The Fire Fighters Charity; the Women’s Institute; Rossendale & Pendle Mountain Rescue; Ramsbottom Army Cadets; volunteers and local traders for their tremendous support on the day.”