As most of the men were employed by Hobbs Boatyard the handcart was kept near to their workplace under the river bridge at Goring. The cart was later housed at George Wilson's house near the Recreation Ground and George's sister would run round and alert the firemen in the event of a fire being reported. Later a warning was given by the local Police Sargent by firing a maroon and still later this was carried out by a fireman from Franklins Garage yard.
It will be recalled that the handcart was pulled to places such as Crays Pond and then downhill to Goring Heath, but thankfully there were many willing helpers if the fire occurred during the day.
Firemen at this time were paid one shilling per year retaining fee by Goring Parish Council and, for attending the fire, they would receive their loss of earnings from the normal jobs plus one or two pence per hour from the Parish Council, but only if the money could be obtained from an Insurance Company. Fire insurance in those days was a rarity, so frequently there were no payment.
A representative from the Minimax Company helped the Goring section to train on the Recreation Ground with a view to taking part in fire drill competitions. The outcome was that at Aldershot in 1925, using a borrowed Dennis Fire tender, the Goring section were first ina competition with 25 other brigades. It was said much credit was due to the skillful operation of the pump by the Engineer, Mr. E. Savage. The team also entered a competition for a hundred guinea challenge cup which they won three times.
The fire cart was eventually sold to Mr. Franklin for sixpence and he in turn told it to Mr. Spriggs for use as a builder's truck. Before this sale took place it was suggested a motorised pump be obtained and Mr Pitney, who was a tailor in Pangbourne, asked Franklins Garage for an estimate to convert a vehicle for this purpose. The estimates were £25, £25 and £45 which included the vehicle. The latter figure was accepted and a Rolls Royce Fire Tender was produced in 1932.
A fund was started by Mr George Hill with the intention of purchasing a Dennis Fire Pump and some £150 was raised. This money, however, was used to purchase and convert another Rolls Royce car into a Fire Tender and both fo the vehicles were fitted with pumps supplied by Pulsometer Pumps of Reading.
Amalgamation with Pangbourne
Mr Gear who was at the time the Chairman of Goring Parish Council, suggested that the Goring Fire Brigade should amalgamate with Pangbourne Fire Brigade as it was thought that this move would provide a more efficient fire cover in both areas. This came about and a section operated from Goring and Pangbourne. Standard uniform was worn by bother sections but both retained their own style of brass helmets. Leather hose was still being used together with canvas and the former was proved to be the stronger of the two.
The crew about this time were very keen to take part in competitions and consisted of Messrs. G. Hill, N. Castle, H. Shepherd, D. Major, C. Crook, E. Savage, H. Bridgman, S. Spriggs, R. Rutland, E. Franklin and G. MacArthur.
At this stage the Goring section was more in the public eye and it was decided for various reasons to break away from Pangbourne. This move was carried out and the establishment made up to 12 men.
It is interesting to note that about this time the nearest full-time Fire Brigade was at the Butts in Reading and consisted of five men and two vehicles; other men when required were drawn from the Corporation Staff.
The Jubilee Fire Station
Some £65 remained from the Jubilee Fund and, after suggestions for a swimming pool or reading room were turned down, the firemen put their case for a new Fire Station. The brigade donated a further £10 and enough was raised to build a Fire Station in Red Cross Road.
The new Station was opened by Mrs. Palmer in 1936 using a silver key suitably inscribed, and the deeds were handed over to the Goring Parish Council. Fire Stations from Newbury, Sonning, Pangbourne, Didcot, Mortimer and Abingdon were represented at the opening and music was provided by Goring Village Band, which had been formed from the British Legion Band.
The Second World War came and in 1942 the Brigade was taken over by National Fire Service who brough the Station for £1,150 and the equipment for £1,100. This money was placed with the Charity Commissioners for use after the war to purchase new vehicles, etc., but it was not needed as the Brigade remained on a National basis and was eventually controlled by Oxfordshire County Fire Service which was formed in 1948 and operated from HQ at Woodstock.
After being constantly updated with new and sophisticated vehicles and equipment the Brigade moved to a new Fire Station in Icknield Road in April 1976.
P.S.B.
Goring Gap News Vol. 1, Number 11, November, 1988