Ammanford Fire Station's first open day was officially opened by the Mayor, Councillor Mrs. Margaret Dent. Proceeds were in aid of the Fire Brigade Benevolent Fund and a sponsored bed race was in aid of the Assessment Unit at Walter Road Junior school,
There was no shortage of competitors when it was realised that Ammanford firemen part in their annual sponsored bed-race had to drink half a pint of beer at each pub on the route.
Three teams took part and the official send-off at Gwaun cae Gurwen was given by County Councillor Brian Rayner, chairman of Dyfed public protection committed. Also present were Mr. Ronnie King, Chief Fire Officer and County Councillor Myrddin Evans.
The competitors had eye-catching costumes – some dressed as nurses, others as doctors or female patients. During the seven mile run to Ammanford money was collected form spectators and customers in the pubs.
On arrival at Ammanford Fire Station Mr. David Williams, captain of the winning team, was presented with a silver trophy by the Mayor of Ammanford, Mrs, Margaret Dent.
The end of the bed race marked the official opening of the station open day, which provided a huge success.
A large, colourful marquee had been erected in case of bad weather but it was a glorious, sunny day and most of the stalls were held in the open-air. These ranged from “soak a fireman” – paying for the fun of throwing water over fireman – either from a bucket or via water pistols – to the usual books, toys and cake stalls.
On the Benevolent Fund stall, yellow plastic helmets were quickly sought after by children were quickly sold out.
Most popular item was a ride on the hydraulic platform which rises to a height of 55 ft and which can turn 360 degrees. The equipment had been brought up from Pembroke Dock and is used when fires break out in high buildings, such as Tenby hotels.
Young lads had a fine time playing fireman for a day – they were allowed to sit the various fire engines and try their hand at ringing the bells and air horns and operating the blue flashing lights.
On the fire station yard were chairs and tables capped by sun umbrellas, for those who found the sun rather tiring and a licensed bar and sandwiches – the whole place tool on the air of a garden fete.
