ESSEX Fire Museum in Grays is looking to recruit a team of volunteers to help capture the history of fire fighting in the County.
Volunteers will meet, interview and record the living memories of people who served in Essex County Fire and Rescue Service as part of a project to create an oral history of our organisation.
The project has been completely funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The recordings will be used as part of an interactive display in the museum highlighting the work carried out by fire fighters in World War Two, the role of the Auxiliary Fire Service and women in the fire service. We will also explore the social history behind historic landmark events such as The Rose and Crown Public House fire in Saffron Walden 1969, the Southend Pier fires in 1976 and 2005, and the efforts made in search and rescue operations overseas.
As well as featuring in the interactive displays, the recordings will be used to create a virtual museum tour available on line.
Museum Manager Andrea MacAlister said: “We know that there is a wealth of fascinating stories out there waiting to be told by the men and women who protected the County over the years, and who still work for us now. We want to capture those memories for future generations to enjoy.
“Oral histories allow people to tell their own story and explain their own place in history.
“The volunteers who come forward will play a vital role in making sure that these memories are collected and can be shared with a new generation of Essex Fire Museum visitors and wider.”
Volunteers will be equipped with special recording equipment and will receive training from Essex Records Office for how to conduct oral history recordings.
To register an interest in taking part in this scheme please contact Essex Fire Museum Manager andrea.macalister@essex-fire.gov.uk or lisa.hart@essex-fire.gov.uk, ECFRS Volunteer Manager or call 01376 576 214 and leave a message.
