Wednesday 5 November 2008

Haslingden did have its own ambulance.....



Haslingden's Ambulance (Click over to enlarge)




Here is a photo of the Haslingden Ambulance from 1931, whilst on a trip to Robinson Kay Home at Walmesley, Nr Bury... (Robinson Kay Home is still there but now called The Priory.. but prior to RKH it was just called the home as in this photograph on the right (just click on photos to enlarge), at one time the home was associated with the Rossendale General Hospital.(This photo was taken outside of the Robinson Kay Home)

Most Saturdays I used to go along with My dad to visit my auntie Betty who was a long term patient at the Robinson Kay Home.  Originally she was in the Haslingden "Moorlands" eg (Rossendale General Hospital), but later they associated themselves with the Robinson Kay Home for longer term patients.  I do remember Auntie at the time was not pleased at all having to move to Walmesley, but eventually accepted it.

The Ambulance used to be garaged alongside our Fire Engine at the Public Hall in Regent Street.

Newspaper Report:
The new motor ambulance acquired by Haslingden Corporation has features that are quite new, and the builders, Messrs. Wilson and Stockall of Bury, are so proud of it that they borrowed it for exhibition at the recent Professional Fire Brigades demonstration at Scarborough.  The car, which is on an Austin chassis, is equipped for three strecher cases.  A self-colour finish gives relief from the heavy appearance motor ambulances usually have, and it will tend to the maintenance of smartness. With the car there are (left to right): Mr. Oates Made (Fire Brigade Superintendent), Alderman Sutcliffe (chairman, Fire Brigade Committee), and Councillor Dearden (vice-chairman). (Information from old newspaper kindly offered by Jackie Ramsbottom)

In the photo below you can see the ambulance garaged alongside our fire engine in the Public Hall building on Regent Street:

Note ambulance in garage next to fire engine (Click over to enlarge)



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