Fire Service Preservation Group Logo

Fire Service Preservation Group

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 NFS and AFS 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 one year 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 modeling, 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.

The Fire Fighting equipment and miscellanea kept by our members, some dating back to the very beginning of Fire Brigades is often on show at events throughout the Country, with members demonstrating its use. FSPG members are regularly seen supporting events which raise money for charities such as the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund.

An Executive Committee is elected annually to manage the affairs of the Group. This Executive Committee meets regularly to carry out the necessary administration, and the meetings are open to the membership.

Benefits of Membership

A useful 'Handbook', is issued to all members. This contains information about the GROUP, including the location of branches, details on the uniform of each era, plus an annually updated, directory of members and appliances owned (unless privacy is requested).

A Newsletter titled "Off the Run" is published monthly. This carries reports, stories, and news from the areas, 'letters to the editor', sections for the ladies and for the youngsters, plus much more, including a very active 'For Sale and Wanted' section. Advertising in "Off the Run" is free to members !

All members of the GROUP are individually and separately insured.(NB - this insurance does not replace or remove the need for Road Traffic Act Insurance). Preferential rates are offered to members by leading insurance companies for road risk. Membership of one of the 'Branches' throughout the UK is available to all. Branches have been established in East and Mid Anglia, Essex, London, The Midlands, The North Midlands, The North and North West, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and The South. Regular meetings are held, with video shows, quiz evenings, equipment for sale etc., plus the general chat of any preservationists club!