The FSPG was founded in
London in 1968, and called at that time The Auxiliary and National Fire
Service Preservation Group. The purpose was to preserve the equipment
and appliances of the National and Auxillary fire services after their
disbandment. The present title was adopted in 1972, and with this
change the group widened its aims to include all aspects of Fire
Service preservation and interests.
Members of
"the group" come from all walks of life, many of whom are former
or serving firefighters and ages vary, from new bornr to well into
retirement. Applications for membership are invited from individuals or
families with interest in the Fire Brigades, their appliances or
equipment, or the actual restoration and preservation of Fire
Appliances. Whilst some members own and operate appliances, others are
interested in modelling, producing models from kits or in many cases
from scratch. Others collect helmets, badges, uniform, die-cast models
or photographs. In fact anything which is of interest, but for some
just being a member brings its own rewards.