The South Western Fire Area Administration Scheme Order, 1948

ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS

GUESTS ASSEMBLE 

INTRODUCTION
Firemaster J. Jameson

CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS
Councillor J. Jennings J. P.
Chairman, Police and Fire Committee 

DEDICATION
Rev. Liz Houston 

FIREMASTER
Closing Remarks 

REFRESHMENTS 

INTRODUCTION
Newmilns fire station has come a long way since fire cover was provided by Firemaster Barr and his barrow prior to World War II!
The beautiful, ultra-modern station which we have today will provide fire cover for the towns of Newmilns, Darvel and Galston well into the 21st Century. “The Valley” which is world famous for its lace, embraces a large number of lace mills and associated risks. Over the years personnel from Newmilns have attended many serious fires due to the nature of this industrial risk.

HISTORY
Prior to 1940 the Newmilns Burgh “fire station” consisted of a hose laden barrow situated in a garage off Craigview Road
The First A.F.S./N.F.S. War-time fire station was located at the Gas works at Drygatehead and later moved to Brown Street. In 1953 the fire station in Main Street was commissioned by the South Western Area Fire Brigade and remained there until December 1990, when the fine new station provided by Strathclyde Fire Brigade opened its doors for the first time. 

OFFICERS IN CHARGE
Newmilns Burgh                                  Firemaster W. Barr
A.F.S./N.FS.                                          Leading Fireman G. Smith
South Western Area                            Leading Fireman J. Donald
                                                                Sub Officer J. Smith
                                                                Sub Officer A. McPherson
Strathclyde Fire Brigade                     Sub Officer G. Whitelaw
                                                                Sub Officer D. Gray
                                                                Sub Officer J. Fitzpatrick
                                                                Sub Officer J. McCracken
                 The present Officer in Charge is Sub Officer J. Sloan. 

APPLIANCES OVER THE YEARS
Newmilns has been “home” to a number of fire appliances of varying shapes and sizes since its inception, including the now famous barrow, and a lorry belonging to local haulage contractor Peter Spiers!
More orthodox appliances over the years have included a Standard Towing Unit with trailer pump; hose-reel tender with trailer pump; Dennis self propelled pump; Bedford Firefly water tender; and an H.C.B. Angus water tender.
Today the station is served by a Bedford Fire Warrior water tender ladder, which is laden with a multitude of equipment essential to the modern firefighter. 

OPERATIONAL INCIDENTS:
PAST AND PRESENT
Over the years the number of calls responded to by Newmilns firefighters have increased dramatically, in keeping with the trend throughout the Brigade.
In 1960, the station received 29 calls for assistance. By 1970 this had almost doubled to 57, with an increase to 82 calls in 1980. By the end of 1990, Newmilns firefighters had been called out on no fewer than 146 occasions.
The new station at Newmilns was designed by one of the Region’s own architects, Mr. Graham Campbell, who works for the Central Design Section at Hamilton.
The construction of the building was carried out by McTaggart Construction Ltd., Dalry, and the whole project was finished at a cost of £481,000 therefore it is hoped that the new station will continue the important role of the fire service within the community. 

DOWN MEMORY LANE
Newmilns Flood:-
In 1954, a major flood caused the town’s coup at Isles Public Park to slip into the Norrell Burn, and was carried into Darvel Road, Main Street, Union Street and Burn Road The resultant debris comprised uprooted trees, dead animals and 20 years accumulation of rubbish. The Fire Brigade was involved for many days in a massive clear-up operation.
Newmilns Junior Secondary School:-
In 1960, a spectacular fire engulfed Newmilns Junior Secondary School in High Street. Even today, the memory of this blaze brings a tear to the eye of the former pupils throughout the world.
The fire destroyed 80% of the school and its contents, and at its height was fought by Newmilns firemen backed up by colleagues from Kilmarnock and surrounding stations.
Galston Flood:-
In 1978, heavy rains and high winds caused the River Irvine to rise rapidly and flood the surrounding area, Three separate rescue incidents were dealt with simultaneously – two persons trapped in a caravan at a building site; ten persons rescued from flats in the town; and evacuation of elderly residents from Eventide Home. 

For their actions in connection with the Galston Flood, the following awards were made to Newmilns personnel:-
Firemaster’s Commendation:             Sub Officer G. Whitelaw
Certificate of Commendation:             Leading Fireman D. Gray
                                                                Fireman J. Sloan
                                                                Fireman K. Porteous
                                                                Fireman H. Paterson
                                                                Fireman J. McCracken
                                                                Fireman J. Fitzpatrick
                                                                Fireman J. Finnie 

<DRAWING> Newmilns Fire Station 1953 – 1990

HATS OFF!... to new fire station

The brand new fire station in Newmilns has just been officially opened. And out main picture shows Sub Officer Ian Sloan (fourth right) of the new station with Sub Officer Fred Slaughter (fourth left) from Stewarton along with the Newmilns crew.
Our other photograph shows one of the guests at the opening, KLDC Provost Jim Mills, trying on a fireman’s helmet for size.
The first photo shows the 2 Subs and 9 firemen.
(The Kilmarnock Standard, March 15, 1991. Page 13.)

If you know of any mistakes in this or have any additional information please let me know.