Monkey business at Dockhead

For years it was famous as 'Blackwall Fire Station' in ITV's London's Burning, but  Dockhead Fire Station, now with a brand new building on its site near the river in Bermondsey, had a community open day today, to which St James's Church had been invited.

(The fire crew, together with engine, had previousy attended our community fun day in the Churchyard on the occasion of the Queen's 90th birthday).

It was good having a local church presence. We had some photos of church activities and some
leaflets to give away and it was a great opportunity to meet people, at this event, to which loads of people came.

In an interesting mix of old and new, the Fire Brigade were demonstrating some of their newest high tech equipment, as well as displaying a range of photos from bygone times.

I was particular intrigued by the photo of  the fire crew at Dockkead from about 1910, accompanied by their pets, one of which was a monkey. I can't quite see that being allowed today.