Discover Downham Heritage Centre, located in the historic Old Fire Station on Priory Road, Downham Market, is delighted to announce a very special community event to celebrate its 10th anniversary on Sunday 5th July at llam-5pm, and everyone is welcome.
The event celebrates a decade of Discover Downham Heritage Centre in the Old Fire Station. Since opening in the building ten years ago, the Centre has grown from an empty shell into a vibrant community attraction housing more than 8,500 artefacts relating to the history of Downham Market and the Clackclose Hundred.
A Day of Firefighting History
This milestone celebration is both a fundraiser for a much-needed building extension and an opportunity to explore the town's firefighting heritage. The highlight of the event will be the return of 'Mavis', the 1939 fire engine purchased for Downham Market by Herbert Joseph Diver, the then Surveyor of the Rural District Council and Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade. Bought 87 years ago for É580, 'Mavis' is now based in Dorset but will travel back to the town she once served, for a one-day-only appearance. Visitors will be able to see the vehicle up close and learn about its fascinating history. Among its most personal connections are the initials of local man Owen Pleasants carved into the steering wheel, providing a remarkable link to Downham Market's firefighting heritage.
'Mavis' has had an interesting career featuring in productions, including Downton Abbey. In a nod to her past as a mobile canteen at Second World War reenactment events, 'Mavis' will again be serving teas, coffees, and Prosecco from her hatch. Weather and callouts permitting, local firefighters will recreate the iconic 1939 photograph alongside the historic vehicle.
Activities and Highlights:
There will be a Special Celebration Cream Tea at 3pm and two guided Heritage walks exploring the historic fire sites around town. These must be prebooked but inside and out there will be plenty to just pop in and see throughout the day from historical displays to vintage dancing and dressing up 40s/50s style.
Supporting the Future
All funds raised will go towards extending the heritage centre, providing improved visitor facilities and crucial storage for the ever-growing collection of photographs, maps, documents, and artefacts. This new space will ensure that the history of Downham Market and the Clackclose Hundred is preserved and accessible for generations to come.
Everyone is invited to join in this unique celebration, to enjoy a day of history, nostalgia, and community spirit, and to support the safeguarding of our heritage.
