This Saturday, 16 December, Westlea Fire Station will be hosting a festive open day in support of the Fire Fighters Charity.
Organised by the West Swindon Parish Council, this free event promises a delightful experience for families and individuals alike, running from 11 am to 3 pm.
Santa will make a grand entrance into his grotto, having been ‘rescued’ from the training tower by the dedicated firefighters. The magical grotto, arranged by the West Swindon Parish Council, is sure to be a highlight for the little ones.
Activities for Everyone:
- 🚒 Both modern and vintage fire engines on display
- 🚑 Appliances from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
- 🚁 Aerial ladder platform rides
- 🔥 Cooker fire demonstrations
- 🎪 Stalls and attractions
- 🚑 Stands from South Western Ambulance Service, Wiltshire Police, WILSAR, and the DWFRS Safe & Well team
- 🍔 Refreshments – hot food & drinks
- 🎮 Games, firefighter dress-up, and face painting
Parking Information: While there’s no parking at the fire station, the Swindon Bible Society generously provides free parking at its Stonehill Green site in Westlea.
Early Opening for a ‘Quiet Hour’: For those who may find the noise and crowds overwhelming, the event will open early at 10 am for a ‘quiet hour’. Limited capacity is available for this, so please email openday@dwfire.org.uk to request an e-ticket.
Ritchie Stone, Watch Manager, said, “We’ve held a festive open day for a few years now, and it’s a great way to celebrate the Christmas season. It’s also an opportunity for local people to visit the fire station and find out more about what we do.”
In addition to the open day, the Westlea crew is spreading festive joy around West Swindon with Father Christmas and a vintage fire appliance. These visits aim to raise funds for the Fire Fighters Charity, a cause close to their hearts.
Remaining Visits:
- Eastleaze and Shaw: Wednesday, 13 December
- Grange Park: Sunday, 17 December
- Sparcells, Peatmoor, and Ridgeway Farm: Friday, 22 December Timings: 5.30 pm to 8 pm for all three evenings.
Stay Updated: Details of the route for each day will be published on the Westlea fire station Facebook page nearer the time – www.facebook.com/DWFRSWestleaFireStation
