Catalogue description Records of the Hastings and St Leonards Volunteer Fire Brigade 1861-1938

This collection includes minutes 1861-1937, Annual Reports 1888-1937, subscriptions 1878-1890, and a book of occurrences 1937-1938. Also included are various items of correspondence 1888-1938, Personnel records 1930s, photographs 1890s-1930s and a variety of miscellaneous items of relevance.

Hastings and St Leonards Volunteer Fire Brigade, 1861-1938

• MacDougall, Colin, chief fire officer
• Fire protection

The Hastings and St Leonards Volunteer Fire Brigade was formed in July 1861 and financed primarily by subscriptions from local fire insurance offices. The Brigade originally consisted of three sections of thirteen men, each section having a foreman, engineer, sub-engineer and ten pioneers or firemen. The first section took charge of the engine at the Town Hall and the second, the engine at the Castle. The third section took charge of the engine belonging to the St Leonards Commissioners, who had procured their services. A fourth section at Halton was formed in 1879 and later a fifth in Bohemia. The St Leonards Volunteer Fire Brigade became affiliated to the Borough Brigade in 1891. The management of the Volunteer Fire Brigade was carried out by the Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer and a Collector of Subscriptions. The management committee consisted of the Superintendent, Secretary, Treasurer, Foremen, and Engineers, sub Engineers and six firemen selected by ballot. The Fire Brigade also arranged social and fundraising events and took part in local events. From 1880 they held an annual Competition Fete with races and drills. Finally, in 1938, the County Borough of Hastings set up a professional Fire Brigade, employing some of the volunteer firemen. This collection was donated to Hastings Museum by Mrs. Tapp, Daughter of Chief Officer Colin Graham MacDougall

• View Record