Surrey Fire Service Summer Open Day Returns to Reigate
A Historic Open Day Comes to Reigate
This weekend, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service is opening its doors to the public at the Surrey County Council headquarters in Reigate for a summer celebration that combines community engagement with charitable fundraising. The free event gives locals a rare chance to step inside the working environment of our county's firefighters and understand the demands of their roles firsthand.
What makes this event particularly special is its dual purpose: while visitors enjoy interactive displays and live demonstrations, proceeds benefit the Fire Fighters Charity, supporting firefighters across the nation who face hardship. For those of us living across Surrey—whether in Guildford, Woking, Dorking, Horsley, or East Horsley—this is a meaningful way to show appreciation for the crews who protect our communities.
The open day represents more than just a day out; it's an educational opportunity for families to learn how modern firefighting operates, what equipment our crews rely on, and the training involved. Children and adults alike will have the chance to meet firefighters directly, ask questions, and gain insight into a career path that continues to attract dedicated individuals to the service.
Exploring Surrey's Firefighting Heritage at the Museum
At the heart of the open day sits the Surrey Fire Museum, a treasure trove of artifacts managed by The Fire Brigades of Surrey Preservation Trust. This charity, established in the 1980s, has worked tirelessly to document and preserve the remarkable history of firefighting across Surrey, creating a collection that spans generations of service and courage.
Visitors will encounter everything from vintage fire pumps and historical uniforms to personal accounts preserved through photographs and medals. One particularly poignant exhibit features George Windibank's long service award—a man who began volunteering with Farnham's brigade in 1867 and continued serving into 1907, an incredible 40-year commitment. Before his firefighting days, Windibank crafted quill pens for Queen Victoria, making him a truly unique figure in both royal and local history.
Another powerful artifact on display commemorates the 2002 bravery of the Lingfield Fire Station team, who rescued car occupants during a dramatic incident when the River Eden flooded its banks. These stories remind us that behind every uniform is someone who has answered the call during our community's darkest moments, making this museum an essential record of Surrey's firefighting legacy.
What Locals Should Know and How to Get Involved
Whether you're a family seeking an educational outing, a local business interested in community partnerships, or simply curious about the services protecting your neighbourhood, this weekend's event welcomes everyone. The free nature of the event removes barriers to participation, making it accessible across all our Surrey communities.
Lingfield Fire Station, which recently reopened following a two-year refurbishment project that began in summer 2024, exemplifies the ongoing investment in our emergency services infrastructure. During the renovation period, crews were temporarily relocated to Oxted, demonstrating how the service maintains continuity of care even during upgrades—much like how skilled bathroom fitters and bathroom refurbishment specialists work in phases to minimize disruption to homeowners.
Attending this open day allows you to voice local concerns about fire safety, disaster preparedness, and community resilience. It's also an opportunity to learn about fire prevention in your own home and workplace. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your appreciation for those who serve. Mark your calendar, gather your family and neighbours, and head to the Reigate headquarters this weekend. This is community engagement at its finest—free, informative, and beneficial to a worthy cause supporting our firefighters.
Source: Surrey Fire and Rescue Service to hold summer open day in Reigate
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