Demolition Of The Fire Station And Health Clinic.

When emails come in I never know what will turn up... to say I was pleased with this contact is an understatement. 

Over to Richard Thornley.  "I came across these pictures recently when I was tidying up. I worked for the construction company that built Asda in Hyde. I took these photographs while the demolition of the old Fire Station and Health Clinic was going on. Many of the materials like slates, cast iron guttering and drainpipes and even some of the interior were sold off prior to the demolition. While we were carrying out the demolition of the Fire Station, we came across a stone plaque commemorating the opening of the station. I contacted Hyde Fire Station, and we carefully removed the plaque and transported it to the new Fire Station where they installed it in reception.  I hope these picture are of some use to you."

Richard Thornley  

All I can say is well done to all involved in saving this Plaque, this important bit of Hydes History could have been lost for ever if these workers had not had the sense to save it.

The old Health Clinic

What a fine looking building this was... it would have been the envy of many a local council to have such a building in it's town centre. The next few pictures are quite sad to see... can you believe those grand pillars and top couldn't be saved... 

I asked Richard how come the stone work was demolished, and his answer was simple...  

Richard said  "They did try to sell the pillars & surrounding stonework,  but couldn't find a buyer in time.  

Unfortunately they were knocked down and then put through a stone crusher and used under the car park"

What a shame, such a sad sight.

I'd like to say thank you to Richard for these great pictures and documenting the demise of these iconic Hyde buildings, and for having the hindsight to save the Fire Station Plaque and making sure it was safely removed to the Station on Railway Street. 

Request For Information

Last week one of the emails was from Steve Moorhouse, who wrote in to request a bit of help with the date

the old fire station on Corporation Street was demolished? 

Steve is putting together his father's life story for his grandchildren and part of his story was that his dad was a fireman at Hyde station in the late 1940's and early 1950's before he was promoted and posted to Stalybridge.  Steve said the station was a grand old building and it was a crying shame that it was demolished.......progress?????  he didn't think so.  I agree with Steve that the building should have been saved like a few more that have gone. What will be next, the Library or Town Hall. 

Anyhow lets fill in the blanks for Steve, we need the date it stopped being the Fire Station, and the date it was pulled down, and when was the station on Railway Street built and opened. 

Thank you to Maureen for sending in these great pictures of Hyde Firemen fighting a blaze at Redferns Rubber Works.

Well done to all past and present Hyde fire fighters

Corporation Street - Past and Present

Here is a view of the Firestation which used to stand on Corporation Street.
It was a beautiful building and another one which, sadly, bit the dust.

Here is a present day view of the same spot.

Thanks again to Werneth Low for the photos :)

Hyde Fire Brigade

Three important dates I have come across concerning Hyde Fire Brigade are from Statement Of Account for the Borough of Hyde. 

27th November 1893... A Loan of  £2,950 (to be paid back over 30 years) was authorised fire a 'Fire Station'. 

27th November 1893... A loan of £550 (to be paid back over 10 years) was

authorised for 'Fire Engine and Appliances'. 

11th March 1903 A loan of £530 ( to be paid back over 10 years) was again authorised for 'Fire Engine and Appliances'.

District Fund Revenue Account From
1st April, 1914 - 31st March, 1915

Dave sent the two cuttings in, both of which came from copies of the North Cheshire Herald... always great to see old cuttings and such like turning up. I particularly enjoyed seeing the old Fire Station again.. I have fond memories of watching the engines coming out of there whilst I was waiting for the pictures to open... normally on a Saturday morning for the matinee. Hyde also had it's own Ambulance Station as well but I have yet to see any pictures of that turn up.

Fire Brigade Accounts are from 

"Borough Of Hyde Abstract Of Accounts 1914-15."   

Hyde Fire Staion & Auxiliary Fire Service

"Hyde Fire Station in 1905

Above picture is one that is on the Photo Disk Paul Taylor as donated to us, Paul says . Prior to 1873 there was no Public fire brigade in Hyde, although several cotton mills possessed fire engines of their own. The first public fire engine was purchased in 1873, and was christened 'Niagara'. The headquarters were then at Slack Mills, in 1879 the Headquarters was moved to a room adjoining the old Norfolk Arms  and remained there until 1895 when the new brigade Headquarters were built in Corporation Street.

The Auxiliary Fire Service pictured with the Fire Chief in the grounds of the old fire station on Corporation Street .  I had never seen this picture before, and was very pleased to see my dad on the back row (left of centre.

Another picture Paul has shared with us. Paul says "The Hyde fire brigade E.S.T. (Emergency Service Tender), registration AMB 586B, pictured in the old Fire Station on Corporation Street. The vehical was in use from 1963 to around

Auxiliary Fireman
Harold Wigley