Ashes to Action: History of Firefighting in Kent
Thu 4th Jun 2026 - 19:00 - 20:30
Explore the brave stories behind Kent’s fire brigades
Ex-firefighter Clive Bradburn will explore the History of Firefighting in Kent, beginning in the 17th Century to his retirement in 1989.
When: 4th June 2026
Timings: 7 to 8:30pm
Price: £15 per person
Age: All welcome
Places: Limited to 40 places
Accessibility: The room and our toilets are fully accessible
Booking is essential.
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About the Talk:
A Firefighter in Kent from 1963 till 1989, Clive began his career as a Junior Fireman in Maidstone and rose through the ranks to Divisional Officer. In addition to his operational duties, he spent two years at the National Fire Service College in Gloucestershire training junior officers. On return to Kent, he became officer-in-charge of the Kent Fire Brigade Training Centre in Maidstone.
His final role before leaving, was to oversee sixteen fire stations in West Kent.
36 years later after leaving the Fire Service, he was invited as a volunteer guide at the Kent Firefighting Museum where he is currently the Chairman of the Museum Management Committee alongside his role as a visitor’s guide. He also gives presentations to outside organisations such as local history groups, cubs, scouts and similar bodies.
Clive’s presentation covers firefighting from the 17th century through to his retirement. He looks back at his time in the Kent Fire Brigade and hopes that some of his experiences may well encourage youngsters to become firefighters in the future and also to encourage adults to join the team of guides and help out at the museum.
