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HENFIELD FIRE STATION

Celebrating 100 years 1904-2004

An Encounter with our History

In 1904 Henfield became one of the few villages to have its own fire brigade others included Horsham, Hurstpierpoint, Steyning and Storrington.
The Fire Station was founded by the Henfield Parish Council at a committee meeting on the 12th January 1904, It was proposed by Mr Welling and seconded by Mr Thorn, that a "Fire Appliance", be supplied for the Extinguishing of Fires.
A Committee of Management was formed and THE HENFIELD FIRE BRIGADE began. The original appliance was a hand barrow with a small amount of hose. The Fire Station crew consisted of a "Captain" by the name of Alan Baxter (as pictured, he was to hold the position of captain for some 46 years until his retirement in 1949). A Lieutenant, Six Firemen and Two Boys, who ran or bicycled around the village summoning the crew. All members were paid 6d an hour whilst on duty. The horses that drew the appliance were kept in a field with stables behind the George Hotel. They belonged to Mr Bill Shepard, who ran a Taxi business. Each Fireman had a White enamelled sign on his gate with "Fireman" boldly written in red.
Henfield's first Fire Appliance was a MERRYWEATHER hand pump supported by Hose and Ambulance carts. The Firehouse was situated in a shed owned by Mr Tobits at the top end of the High Street.

1906 The crew establishment was raised to Nine Firefighters.
1907 The Firehouse was presented with a Fire Bell for "Summoning of Firecrew" as well as raising the alarm.
This was presented by a Mr Hall with the "best thanks of the Council". Later a Klaxon horn on a shed at Henfield Motors in the High street was used until the arrival of an air raid siren mounted on the fire station roof.
1908 Saw the supply of gas into the Firehouse, along with the purchase of new Metropolitan Fire Helmets, three pairs of trousers, one pair of boots and one new tunic! The crew was now raised to 13 Firemen + 1 Engineer. Captain Baxter, a keen first aider suggested to the Parish Council that they should obtain an ambulance for use by the fire brigade. Aconcert was held to raise the money and a one person ambulance was purchased for £16, 7s 3d. This was operational until August 1935, and is now in the Henfield Museum.

1933 The Parish Council approved the purchase of a 1915 Model DENNIS MOTOR DRIVEN FIRE APPLIANCE, with a 250 gpm turbine pump. This was bought from the BRIGHTON FIRE BRIGADE FOR £240, along with additional equipment necessary not to exceed £60. a loan was taken out by the parish council to purchase the appliance.

1934 A lease was taken out on a New Firehouse. This was adjoining Baigents workshop, Barrow Hill. Offering a forecourt of some 66feet x 211feet, Rent being agreed at £21 per annum with the option to purchase the freehold for £350.
1935, saw the arrival of Joe Gillett, He served for 32 years, 17 as Station Officer. During his tenure, Henfield won the cup for the most efficient part-timers in West Sussex.
1937, SUPPLIES IN CASE OF WAR = 3 Handcarts, 4000 feet of "V" thread Hose, 3 Branches, 3 sets of keys, 12 Gas masks for Firemen, 20 Gas masks for Auxiliary helpers, 3 breechings with"V" threads and 20 Belts with Axes.
1942 Henfield Fire Brigade taken over by Chanctonbury Rural District Council.
1948 APRIL 1st, Henfield becomes part of WEST SUSSEX FIRE BRIGADE, Station No 10 of 22.
1950, The WSFB refurbished the fire station, A new appliance bay, watchroom, general store, muster bay, drying room, and toilets/shower were added.
1958, Henfield were "The Best part-timers in West Sussex", Henfield win again! For the second time in four years Henfield won the Chief Fire Officers Cup for the best turnout, and knowledge of the Brigade. Since the competition started in 1952 Henfield have been 3rd(1953), 4th(1954), 1st(1955) and 2nd(1956)

PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY

Pictures below all Thumbnail.

1906 stack fire on Henfield common......Merrywether hand pump pictured on Henfield common.....And open water pumping (approx 1906).

Pictured here the early crew on display hoserunning (1906).

Ready to go with 12 riders. 1915 crew outside fire station with Ambulance and Hose cart. The First Captain; Mr Baxter.

Cowfold Lodge, almost destroyed after fire, this was the largest attended by Henfield during the early years (1908). As Cowfold is several miles from Henfield, they obviously arrived too late, but seem very proud of their efforts.