fspg group

The FSPG was founded in London in 1968, and called at that time The Auxiliary and National Fire Service Preservation Group. The purpose was to preserve the equipment and appliances of the NFS and AFS after their disbandment. The present title was adopted in 1972, and with this change the GROUP widened its aims to include all aspects of Fire Service Preservation and Interests.

Members of the GROUP come from all walks of life, many of whom are former or serving firefighters and ages vary, from one year to well into retirement. Applications for Membership are invited from individuals or families with interest in the Fire Brigades, their appliances or equipment, or the actual restoration and preservation of Fire Appliances. Whilst some members own and operate appliances, others are interested in modeling, producing models from kits or in many cases from scratch. Others collect helmets, badges, uniform, die-cast models or photographs. In fact anything which is of interest, but for some just being a member brings its own rewards.

The Fire Fighting equipment and miscellanea kept by our members, some dating back to the very beginning of Fire Brigades is often on show at events throughout the Country, with members demonstrating its use. FSPG members are regularly seen supporting events which raise money for charities such as the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund.

An Executive Committee is elected annually to manage the affairs of the Group. This Executive Committee meets regularly to carry out the necessary administration, and the meetings are open to the membership.

A useful 'Handbook', is issued to all members. This contains information about the GROUP, including the location of branches, details on the uniform of each era, plus an annually updated, directory of members and appliances owned (unless privacy is requested).

A Newsletter titled "Off the Run" is published monthly. This carries reports, stories, and news from the areas, 'letters to the editor', sections for the ladies and for the youngsters, plus much more, including a very active 'For Sale and Wanted' section. Advertising in "Off the Run" is free to members !

All members of the GROUP are individually and separately insured.(NB - this insurance does not replace or remove the need for Road Traffic Act Insurance). Preferential rates are offered to members by leading insurance companies for road risk. Membership of one of the 'Branches' throughout the UK is available to all. Branches have been established in East and Mid Anglia, Essex, London, The Midlands, The North Midlands, The North and North West, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and The South. Regular meetings are held, with video shows, quiz evenings, equipment for sale etc., plus the general chat of any preservationists club!

Members wishing to participate in displays at Group shows should be competent in the use of their equipment for obvious reasons of safety. The Drills Officer advises the Branches on the running of public displays and crews must follow his instructions. Demands on participants are kept to a minimum, consistent with safety and competence. The appointed Drills Officer will be suitably qualified to undertake the position. He is, to all intent and purposes the Officer-in-Charge during drills, displays or other practical activities carried out under the auspices of the Group, and his directions or instructions should be observed and obeyed at all times.

The Group has a suitably qualified Safety Adviser who is available to assist or advise event organisers or individual members on specific or general matters.

Advice is available on the law affecting fire appliance preservation. This includes Insurance, Construction and Use Regulations and the various exemptions applicable to fire appliances.

There is a growing library of books and manuals to which reference can be made. Material is not normally loaned out but copies can often be provided at a small charge. The Library is currently in temporary storage and the group is seeking a custodian.

The Group's newsletter titled "Off The Run" is published monthly to keep members informed on various matters within the Group. Details of forthcoming events are consolidated annually into a Rally Diary, and members are encouraged to contribute to the publication by way of letters to the Editor, opinions, or advice and queries on technical subjects. Non-Commercial advertisements are accepted from members for the 'For Sale' and 'Wanted' sections free of charge, a nominal fee being made in respect of any form of commercial insertions. The Editor reserves the right to omit member's full addresses which are available in the handbook. Items for inclusion in "Off The Run" should be forwarded in writing only to the Editor.

Membership is open to all who have a genuine interest in the Fire Service, its history and memorabilia, and the preservation of its appliances and equipment. Many members who are unable to own their own pumps help other members with preservation and the exhibition at the various rallies and shows held each year.

The FSPG is a member club of The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. The FBHVC represents us on all matters being raised both here and at European Community level concerning all aspects of preserved vehicle use.

Perhaps the main benefits of membership are the meeting of new friends with a similar interest, the welcome when arriving at a show many miles from home, or just being proud to say "I'm a FSPG member".