Last week Talgarth fire station celebrated 75 years of firefighting, a gathering of invited guests including the High Sheriff of Powys, Mr David Price and his lady wife. Chairman of the Fire Authority Mr Rowland Rees-Evans, Senior Fire Officers included DCFO Rob Quin, GM Alan Sherman, SM Simon Prince, SLO's Ian Morgan & Adrian Davies. Mayor of Talgarth Cllr William Powell was also in attendance.
The evening commenced with a blessing from Talgarth's Canon Roland Edwards, and then Service Chaplain Canon Illtyd Protheroe, & Rev Richard Walker, also of Talgarth. Firefighters past and present were entertained by a brief historical overview by Watch Manager Bryan Davies, showing the history of Station 18, firefighters men and women who have become part of its history.
Bryan Davies Watch Manager explained that earliest records for firefighting in Talgarth date back to 1907 when lengths of hose and standpipes were purchased by the Town Council to operate with the newly installed Town Hydrants. With the lack of an established Fire Crew, it was a case of anybody had a go to fight the fire! The equipment was stored in the Town Hall and was carried by foot to the emergency. The Town was then covered by Hay on Wye and Brecon Service and if you needed them, you had to pay! In 1936 the equipment was moved to the Police Station in Regent Street, a Sgt Pearce was then responsible for its maintenance and deployment. Things moved on, and in 1943 Talgarth got its first motorized vehicle, and Austin K2 with a 30ft ladder. Towing a self-contained pump the unit was kept at the Tower Hotel, and was manned by a crew, with the office and kit room at the then Masons Arms. In May 1959 a purpose-built Fire Station was built. The rest as they say is History.
The evening included a commemorative photo shoot by local Photographer Ann Seymour. After the formal events, the guests enjoyed refreshments a by ICFf Katrina Davies, and a celebratory cake was cut. Congratulations to our wonderful crew and everyone involved with the Station.
Some of the images from the evening...
Crew past and present catch up with news
Group Manager Alan Sherman incharge of 9 Sough Powys Stations,
Mr and Mrs David Price High Sherif of Powys seen with Station Manager Simon Prince, Response Officer for South Powys.
The Station received blessings in Englisha and Welsh from L to R, Canon Roland Edwards of Talgarth, Service Chaplain the Rev Illtyd Protheroe and Rev Richard Walker of Talgarth
Watch Manager and Officer in Charge Bryan Davies gave a wonderful overview of the Stations history
Chairman of the Mid and West Wales Fire Authority, Mr Rowland Rees-Evans
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Rob Quin gives thanks to the Station for its service and welcomes guests
Some of the Station Crew with Officers from the brigade with a special occasion cake made for the event
Mayor of Talgarth, Cllr Wiliam Powell with Watch Manager Bryan Davis and Station Manager Simon Prince
Anyone intersted in the presentation which is very detailed delivered by WM Bryan Davies should contact him at the Station.
Images availabe from Ann Seymour Photography
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