Pahiatua Volunteer
Pahiatua Fire Brigade celebrated its 125th Jubilee at Labour Weekend.
On the Friday night exmembers returned for a meet and greet, including Graeme and Diane Humphries, Steven and Helen Chrystal, Peter and Raewyn Herkes, Paul and Lisa Clince, Darin Chrystal, Lyall Humphries, Graham McIntyre, Neil and Diane Daysh, Bruce Mudgway, Jaron and Lara Jensen.
Some had made a big effort to get to the jubilee. A barbecue was held with much reminiscing over photo albums and records provided by Peg Jones and Joan Nation.
On the Saturday there was a parade around the town squares with 27 fire engines ranging from vintage to new, coming from all over the North Island.
Pahiatua firemen dressed up
in uniforms that had been used over the years.
Following the parade the public were invited back to the Station.
A display was carried out by firefighters on an extension ladder fire vehicle with some of the firefighters going up it.
Ian Sturgess, a former firefighter, spent three years restoring Pahiatua Fire Brigade’s old V8 powered fire pump which was painted by Chris Calder.
The brigade had its old Ford fire engine returned.
These will be housed at the Station until a purpose-built shed is completed.
On Saturday night-there was dancing with a band and MC Vern Garrett.
Chief fire officer Peter Daymond asked ex-DCO Doug Benton to receive his Life Honorary Membership — he has resigned after 33 years service.
There was a celebration cake to mark 125 years, cut by the three wives of ex-chief fire officers who had more than 50 years service each — Gary Nation — 50 years, Alan (Spike) Jones — 53 years, Peter Davies — 57 years.