Bringing Our Merryweather Home - Good As New
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Bexhill Museum are launching a fundraising bid to help restore a historic fire engine.
Once promised to Bexhill Museum in 1920, after years of service to the town, Bexhill's 1895 Merryweather horse-drawn, steam powered fire engine went on its travels elsewhere, and now more than 100 years later it's finally coming home.
In 1984 CFO Eric Whittaker arranged for the machine to be loaned to the Fire Service National Museum Trust.
The Trust recently wound up and so we are privileged to have this amazing piece of history back with us, after a 700 mile round trip to collect it.
Working together with Bexhill Museum, we are now planning a refurbishment programme before it goes on display permanently at the museum.
Station Manager Keith Morris said:
“When you see the Merryweather next to our current fire engines, it’s clear to see how much the fire and rescue service has changed. It’s a real privilege to be part of efforts to bring it back home and restore it.”
Bexhill Museum Chair of Trustees Sally Hemmings said:
“The Merryweather’s arrival in 1895 was a historic moment for Bexhill. It served the town faithfully for decades, and it richly deserves a professional restoration to its past glory - and a place of honour in Bexhill Museum.
You can find out more about the project at www.esfrs.org/merryweather
How to donate:
A fundraising page has been set up where you can find out more and donate here:
Fundraiser by The Museum Volunteer Team : Bring Bexhill's First Fire Engine Home (gofundme.com)
