Princess Royal visits Peterborough volunteer fire brigade

The Princess Royal visited Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade on Wednesday, January 28, to mark the brigade's 140th anniversary, meeting serving and former firefighters and touring the station. She viewed vintage engines, a graffiti mural by Nathan Murdoch and the brigade's fundraising Santa sleigh.

The Princess Royal visited the Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade on Wednesday, January 28, as part of events marking the brigade's 140th anniversary. Her visit included meeting serving and past firefighters and a tour of the station where she saw historic equipment and community fundraising items. Chief Fire Officer Anthony Gould said she put people at ease by cracking a few jokes and was chatty during the visit. The PVFB was formed in 1884 and is the only volunteer fire service in the country. Key details: - The visit took place on January 28 and was timed to mark the brigade's 140th anniversary, though the service has now been in operation for 142 years with a local anniversary celebrated in 2024. - The Princess Royal met serving and former firefighters and signed a new guest book created for her visit. - Chief Fire Officer Anthony Gould reported she lightened the mood by cracking a few jokes and was described as chatty. - She toured the station and was shown vintage fire engines, a graffiti mural by artist Nathan Murdoch, and the brigade's fundraising Santa sleigh. - The Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade operates as an independent, private volunteer fire service under the direction of Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service. Summary: The visit highlighted the brigade's long service history and its community fundraising work, and it provided an opportunity for current and former volunteers to meet a member of the royal family. No further public events were announced. Undetermined at this time.