An open day is being held at Christchurch fire station this Saturday to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity and The Compassionate Friends.
The event was originally due to be held at the fire station on Fairmile Road last month, but it was postponed due to the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Between 12noon and 4pm, visitors will be able to see the range of operational appliances based at Christchurch, and various demonstrations, including a road traffic collision extrication and a chip pan fire.
There will also be a chance to see how ‘FireFit’ you are, and children will be able to ‘sponsor’ a toy alien to parachute from Westbourne’s aerial ladder platform, with prizes for hitting the target!
The local branch of The Compassionate Friends will sell refreshments throughout the afternoon, the Fire Fighters Charity will have a shop, and there will be stands from the Urban Heaths Partnership, HM Coastguard and the British Red Cross.
Watch Manager Dave Smith, who is based at Christchurch, has agreed to have his head shaved during the afternoon – as long as at least £1,000 is raised, to be shared between the open day’s two charities. His children have enthusiastically agreed to wield the clippers, and donations can be made here.
Station Manager Matt Kiddell said: “It’s been a while since we last held an open day at Christchurch fire station, and we’re hoping it will be a great way to round off the half term week for local families. There will be lots to see and do, and our aim is to raise as much money as possible for two very deserving charities. Visitors can also chat with us about staying safe from fire, and ask about being an on-call firefighter.”
More information can be found on the fire station’s Facebook page.