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Local Notes
Past
In Upwell Church there are some lengthy implements being preserved at the rear of the galleries. As the church is in a central position and accessible most of the time it was considered the best place to keep such things. These long poles with a metal shaped ends were available to anyone who needed them, which in the 18th and 19th century was often. They were used for pulling the thatch off houses that had caught fire. The unfortunate people having a fire would know exactly where to find this equipment and would chase off to the church to collect them. I have not read about thatch rakes being used but think it would be reasonable to assume Outwell had similar facilities.
The first mention of a fire engine was sited in an engine house opposite the cemetery in 1883 and the keys were kept by William Stafford. The fire engine was supported by voluntary contributions and manned by volunteers. later the fire engine was moved to west's blacksmiths yard opposite Norfolk bridge. There was once a fire down Pincushion Drove, reports at the time said the fire pump was collected from west's yard and pulled by two men at the front and three at the rear pushing, followed by half the children from the village.In the next fifty or so years Outwell must have had horse drawn fire equipment but this is a assumption. A trailer pump was kept at Upwell for a short time near Mr. Stittle's shop almost opposite the infant's school.
The first modern fire appliance in the village was situated near to the old school, (now the fish and chip shop), during the war. There was an emergency Parish Council meeting in July the local policeman, Sergeant Bates, had brought to their attention the lack of water in the Well Creek for the fire engine. Mr. A. Littlechild, E. Wardrop, H. Buzzard, W. Murfitt, W. Diggle, C Scott, W. Cox and E. Cox discussed the topic. There was grave concern as this was wartime and people were unsure how badly they were going to be affected by possible bombings. The Middle Level commissioners arranged for the sluice at Salter's Lode to be opened longer than normal allowing the canal to fill.
The Outwell fire service has always been on a part time basis, the staff tending the appliance having full time jobs, initially nearby. Amongst the first modern firefighters were Walter Ward, who was in charge in the war years, Jim Sykes, Smith Means, John Longmuir, George Calvert, Jack Flood, Hubert Leet, Hubert Lawence, Derek Edwards, Victor Webb, John Sutton, Harry Bell and Sidney Felstead. Mr Felstead succeeded Walter Ward he was a garage proprietor and lived near Langhorns Lane.
The next generation was headed by Hubert Leet in the 1960's and early 70's included - John Heanes, Kenneth Allday, Robin Ward, Harry Bell, Roy Whitehead, Geoffrey Edwards, Michael Swann, Bernard Stimson, and headed by Derek Edwards. The 1980's and 90's included Michael Winters, Malcolm Brooks, Kenneth Bright, Keith Melnyk, Andre Peacock, Keith Jakins, and Martin Agger, headed by sub officer Robin Ward. Mr Ward retired from the Fire Service on 31st December 1999 after 32 years service, Keith Melnyk succeeded him.
Present
A new Fire Station was built at Churchfield Road in the early 1950's and has remained at this location. At present Kenny Bright is the Watch Manager with the following crew members, Crew Managers James Calvert & Dave Fisher and fire fighters Jason Walker, Glen Gates, Dan Gooch, Martyn Lewis, Selena Dilley, Steve Reader, Stuart Shinn and Nigel Wildman.
Each year Outwell compile their station plan. The plan enables the station management team to ensure that they are well prepared to deal with emergency in the local and wider areas.
The priorities for 2009/10 are:
RESPONSE
SERVICE PRIORITY : OPERATIONAL ASSURANCE
Improve our systems for securing operational assurance
STATION PRIORITIES:
1. Improve Core Skills
2. Maintain appliance and equipment in a constant state of readiness
3. Improve appliance availability.
PREVENTION
SERVICE PRIORITY: OLDER PEOPLE
Improve the safety of older people in their homes
STATION PRIORITIES:
1. Risk assess the vulnerability of the occupier following false alarm domestic dwelling calls and where necessary refer to partner agency to provide support.
2. Undertake a quick strike following a fire in a residential street.
3. Utilise opportunities to generate HFRC referrals for older people.
PROTECTION
SERVICE PRIORITY: SMOKE DETECTORS
Increase the number of working smoke detectors in domestic dwellings
STATION PRIORITIES:
1. Undertake quick strike following a fire in a residential street.
2. Fit or provide smoke alarms in properties visited during emergency calls where none exist.
3. Utilise opportunities to generate HFRC referrals.
PEOPLE
SERVICE PRIORITY: PEOPLE
To improve the overall competence of the workforce
STATION PRIORITIES:
1. Complete appraisals; undertake reviews and action training needs.
2. Improve use of PDR Pro.
3. Concentrate on risk critical training and core skills.
MANAGE
SERVICE PRIORITY: EFFICIENCY
To achieve future efficiency targets
STATION PRIORITIES:
1. Improve appliance availability.
2. Reduce hours lost due to sickness.
3. Reduce injuries by focusing training on risk critical areas.
COMMUNITY
SERVICE PRIORITY: UNDERSTANDING OUR COMMUNITY
To provide services that reflect the needs and expectations of the community
STATION PRIORITIES:
1. Support one major village event.
2. Respond to all requests positively giving explanation where station cannot support an event and signpost them to alternative sources of information (leaflets, CFS team, LRM support, website)
3. Liaise with partner agencies to develop customer focused initiatives to improve our prevention and protection targets.
If you have any comments or queries please contact Watch Manager Kenny Bright or Station Manager Tim Edwards using the contact form
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