The first brigade in Wickford was formed following the fire that destroyed the church school in Southend Road in 1907. Meetings were held in the village hall in Jersey Gardens, although it wasn’t until 1914 that the 22 volunteers started with their manual fire engine. The local volunteers covered the villages of Wickford, Runwell, Battlesbridge and Rayleigh.
In 1929 the local council took over control of the brigade, and an engine was obtained from Thurrock. The volunteers were now based on land opposite Halls Corner. When required for duty they were called in by flares and messengers on cycles. Ten years later a station was built in London Road opposite the current Police station. This was used until 1965 when they moved to their present location in Nevendon Road.
Comments about this page
Add your own comment
I remember it well. On the right of the fire station frontage there was a shed-making yard, all sorts of sheds, called Boldens Sheds. Was he the policeman or the fireman?
Add a comment about this page