Heritage preservation
Restore and maintain a rare 1950s fire engine in working condition.
A Community Interest Company
Restore a
fire engine.
Build confidence.
Meaningful, hands-on activity for young people and adults with SEND — restoring and using a historic 1954 fire engine through heritage, teamwork and practical purpose.
1954
Dennis F8 appliance
Skills we build together
Confidence◆
Communication◆
Motor skills◆
Teamwork◆
Real-world engagement◆
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// Project vision
A living heritage experience.
Learners actively participate in restoring and using a historic fire engine — developing confidence, practical skills and real-world engagement, with every session shaped around their abilities.
SEND engagement
Provide accessible, hands-on learning experiences tailored to every participant.
Skills development
Build confidence, communication, motor skills and teamwork through real tasks.
Community impact
Deliver engaging sessions and open-day experiences for the wider community.
// The vehicle
1954 Dennis F8 Fire Appliance
Light restoration required — a perfect match for a range of abilities. The appliance keeps a working water pump and its original equipment intact, ready for safe, supervised hands-on learning.
✓ Working water pump
✓ Original equipment intact
✓ Light restoration suits all abilities
✓ A rare working piece of heritage
Safety & risk controls
Small groups (3–5)
Full supervision
Hand tools only
Controlled hose pressure
Clear boundaries
First aid provision
// Core activities
Communication, teamwork, confidence building, new skills, community engagement and fun.
Learning new skills
Restoration phase
- Cleaning and polishing surfaces
- Basic restoration tasks under supervision
- Equipment familiarisation and cataloging
Independance
Experience phase
- Supervised hose use at controlled pressure
- Pump demonstrations and cab exploration
- Role-play activities in a secure setting
A typical SEND session
60–90 minutes- 1 Welcome & safety briefing
- 2 Exploration of the vehicle
- 3 Guided restoration tasks
- 4 Water pump demonstration
- 5 Role play
- 6 Reflection
// Have your say
Help shape Project Fire Engine.
We're gathering views from parents and carers of young people with SEND to understand whether this kind of provision is needed in our area, and what would make it most useful for families like yours. It takes about 5 minutes, and your answers can stay anonymous — your input directly supports our funding applications.
// Funding & impact
Help us rescue the engine.
Phase 1 secures and transports the appliance, covers insurance and premises, and sets up the first sessions. Most gear is sourced carefully — every contribution turns a one-time rescue into a lasting community resource.
Phase 1 target
£22,995
Vehicle purchase£9,995
Premises£9,000
Insurance£1,800
Transport£1,200
Contingency£1,000
Monthly giving keeps sessions running
£5Materials for a session
£10Direct learner support
£25A full session contribution
£50Ongoing weekly delivery
// Inclusivity
Built around every learner.
Sessions are tailored to individual abilities and delivered at a comfortable pace, with quiet spaces available for anyone who needs a break. The site is accessible and equipped to support mobility and sensory needs — so every participant can take part with confidence.
Ignite curiosity, pride and learning.
Your support saves a historic vehicle and gives SEND participants meaningful, real-world experiences. Get in touch to donate, volunteer or partner with us.