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FIRE BRIGADE

Academic Life: Fire brigade practise, 1921

The fire brigade was started by Miss Whitby in 1891. Fire was a real threat particularly in the early history of the College, as all College buildings were lit by oil lamps. Initially it was compulsory that every girl served in the Brigade for at least one term.

Hilda Green, a student between 1918-1921, wrote about one particular fire drill on 27 Mar 1921, '...a realistic display with my room as the centre of operations. A beautiful fire was lit on the window-sill, and from time to time hysterical members in dressing gowns were hoisted through windows and down drain-pipes, keeping the first aid section lively.'

For more student reminiscences of their experiences at Westfield College see further resources in The Students' Experience of Westfield College

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