SUMMER FAMILY FUN DAY Sat 11th July

12 July 2026

Hundreds of happy visitors enjoyed the Museum's Summer Family Fun Day in glorious sunshine on 11th July.  Old and new fire engines, funfair, classic cars, music, stalls and lots more made for a brilliant day for all the family. Thanks to everyone who came along to support us - we hope to see you again in December !

 

 

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BLACKLEY FIRE STATION OPENING

11 July 2026

On 30th June we supported our Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service colleagues at the official opening of the new Blackley fire station in north Manchester.  The previous station had been on the same site since 1964 and was the long-time home of one of the most important fire appliances in the Museum fleet. Leyland Firemaster pump escape (reg. 6900 NF) was delivered in 1963 and operated as the first turn-out at Blackley from 1964 to 1971. Naturally, the Firemaster was invited to the new station's opening and stole the show, with some great opportunities to re-create photos of the appliance taken there more than sixty years previously.

 

TRUSTEE CHANGES

5 July 2026

As a result of recent local council election results, there have been some changes to the Museum's Board of Trustees. Councillor Janet Emsley and Councillor Shaun O'Neill of Rochdale have now stood down from their roles as nominated Trustees representing - respectively - Greater Manchester Police, Crime and Fire Panel and Rochdale Borough Council. We thank them for their dedication to Fireground over the past years. Meanwhile, Les Reid has been appointed as a new Trustee : Les has been a hard-working volunteer at the Museum for many years and will bring experience and knowledge to the role. 

 

ANNIVERSARY OPEN DAY

12 May 2026

As part of the celebrations to mark the 200th Anniversary of the founding of the Manchester Fire Brigade - the first such in England - Fireground held a joint open day with our Fire and Rescue Service colleagues. Visitors were able to inspect the latest Greater Manchester fire appliances alongside their older counterparts, and listen to presentations by Chief Fire Officer Dave Russel, Fireground Curator Bob Bonner and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester Kate Green. Group Manager J.P.Helliwell offered a respectful commemoration to the more than 100 fire service personnel who have given their lives over two centuries of service. These names are now listed on a large display screen currently on display at Fireground.  Further events will be taking place over the rest of the month to mark this special anniversary.

LINDA BONNER

6 April 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death, on 27th March, of our Museum Trustee, Treasurer and Volunteer, Linda Bonner after a short hospital stay.  A former fire control operator in Manchester, Linda is the wife of our Curator, Bob Bonner, and has been involved with the Museum since its early days. Following the opening of the new Fireground Museum in 2021, Linda could usually be found on the front desk, welcoming our visitors. She will also be remembered as one of our first museum educators. The funeral is expected to take place later this month.