DPW 111
We have attended in Norfolk & Suffolk towards the end of the 05 and in the 06 season. At Gressenhall Museum of Rural Life, at Oxborough Hall with the National Trust and at Kentwell Hall in Suffolk. Also the Imperial War Museum at Duxford in Cambridgeshire. We have hopes of a similar schedule in 2007. We have had a steep learning curve as we gain confidence in Mavis and her engine as well as how to operate as a refreshment waggon for our brave soldiers. Did you see us at the "40's Swing Night" in the Sainsbury Centre at the University of East Anglia on 28th February 07? Click here for pictures including one of the National Fire Service enjoying a well earned cup of tea and bully beef sandwich.
We have been to Ickworth Hall (National Trust) near Bury St Edmunds, Gressenhall Museum of Rural Life, Oxburgh Hall and Bressingham Steam Museum this year so far. We are booked for Wimpole Hall on 29/30th September - see you there.
Bressingham Steam Museum 8th September 2007
John Watson joined the Downham Market Fire Service in September 1957 after demobilisation from the Royal Signals. He served for 37 years. He remembers driving Mavis himself, but it was his father who drove her at Downham. He recalls writing his initials (JRW) inside the steering wheel boss, but is not able to identify the others.
Mavis was purchased in 1939 by Mr Joe Driver of Downham Market UDC for the fire brigade, out of his own pocket.
There was a 35ft Ajax wooden ladder mounted on the top. A brass swivel searchlight was mounted on the near side windscreen pillar together with a brass bell which was operated by a hand crank near the glove pocket. This explains the hole in the wooden trimming here.
Four firemen sat on benches either side in the back. There was a 40 gallon water tank and a hose reel which could be let out through rollers in the side lockers. A lever in the cab behind the gear lever drove a pump via the gear box. She towed a Dennis Major Pump.
She was later taken to Hethersett as a communication vehicle.
Oxburgh Hall 1st September 2007
Met Mr Proudfoot who remembers driving Mavis. Told us about a Mrs Hunt from Aylsham who used to drive a mobile canteen to every fire incident - voluntarily. Mr P says that her vehicle was DPW 111.
A little difficult to reconcile these stories.
Last updated March 2007
© G.M.Clayton 2005