Fire Brigade Museum in Romsey launches urgent fundraising appeal

The Fire Brigade Museum, in Stockbridge Road, has been told to leave its premises by the end of May, leaving it in limbo.

It needs to raise £150,000 to find a new home for its 22 fire engines and continue its work with emergency workers and young people.

Museum director Antony Hurle said the news feels like a 'defeat'.

Mr Hurle, 42, served in the London Fire Brigade for 20 years and suffered from PTSD. He launched the museum in 2021 to support people who had similar experiences in the emergency services. 

The museum supports 11 people and has 20 volunteers.

Mr Hurle, of Mercer Way, Romsey, said: “We have to be out by the end of May. Our final opening will be on May 6 as it will take a long time to move everything out. 

“We opened in the pandemic, so we had no funding. The National Lottery prioritised funding for existing museums, so we have had to be self-funded and rely on donations. 

“We have 22 fire engines and more than 1,000 artifacts, so our current home is far too small for what we need.

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“I am upset, we really need our own home. This is something I feel I can put my energy in to. It does feel like a defeat.

“We have exhausted all funding streams and despite warm words, there is little interest in practical help from local authorities.

“Our volunteers are feeling pretty down, having heard this news, we have all tried so hard to keep going in difficult circumstances. Many are fighting their own health battles.

“We are providing support to several 999 workers and young people who will be devastated if we have to close.”

Mr Hurle explained that he wants to move into a unit in Romsey Industrial Estate. However, this would cost £95,000 up-front and a planning application.

He said: “The larger premises will enable us to provide soft play facilities, creating local jobs.

“Within five-ten years we will construct a purpose built museum, including our safety centre. The safety centre will provide realistic quality training in subjects such as road safety, cycling proficiency, community resilience, first aid, fire safety and much more. We will utilise technology such as augmented reality to ensure this training is safe and prevents impact to the environment.”

In the meantime, the museum's fire engines and artifacts will be put in storage until a more permanent home can be found.

To donate to the appeal, visit: gofundme.com/f/fire-brigade-museum-fundraiser.