2nd January 1976 (Station records)
Press Release from Brigade “New Tanker for Glenhaven Bush Fire Brigade”
March 1976 – 1976/1977 Officers
Captain T. Muston
Senior Deputy Captain C. McMaster
Deputy Captains R. McMaster, W. Staples, W. Cooper, P. Edwards, A. Woodcock, H. Holland, T. Foulchar, N. Bent
Secretary N. Bent
Equipment Officer C. McMaster
Personnel available 30
3rd & 4th November 1976 (dates must be wrong)
Station records indicate that during this weekend Glenhaven provided 3 shifts of crews at major fire at West Pennant Hills from Friday PM onwards.
12th January 1977
Letter from Council
“excellent work carried out by the 430 volunteers who were engaged in fighting the recent fires in this shire, the Blue Mountains Hornsby and the Sutherland area”.
March 1977 – 1977/1978 Officers
Captain T. Muston
Senior Deputy Captain C. McMaster
Deputy Captains R. McMaster, W. Staples, W. Cooper, P. Edwards, A. Woodcock, N. Bent, H. Holland, R. Coleman
Secretary N. Bent
Equipment Officer C. McMaster
Intelligence Officer P. Edwards
Editor’s note - The role of the intelligence officer was for collation of information on water supplies, road conditions, and any other information of assistance to this Brigade. At various times they were involved in finding local residents who had various skills of use to the Brigade such as welders, mechanics, etc.
7th June 1977
Letter from Brigade to Council re widening of fire shed doorway, which provides only minimum clearance for the large tanker (5” either side of external mirrors). Also mentioned was a traffic problem at a recent burn-off. Large signboards at the entrance to the area were suggested, “phrased something like ‘NOT a bush fire – merely a controlled burn-off. Please move on and do not obstruct traffic’.”
16th November 1977
Letter from Council to Brigade re Widening of Station doorway
“You are advised that approval to construct a two bay station at Glenhaven has been approved by the N.S.W. Bushfire Council...and if approval to construct on the existing site is obtained from the owners, it is expected that work could be commenced early in 1978.”
3rd December 1977 (Station records)
Glenhaven members and their wives were invited to the opening of the new Fire Control Centre in Pennant Street, Castle Hill on Saturday 3rd December 1977.
18th December 1977 (Station records)
Glenhaven attends fire on this day (or maybe it was the 11th) in the Springwood area. See also letter dated 7th February 1978.
1978 (Station records)
Apex Club of Eastwood donates 25 sets of belts, wallets and water bottles.
26th January 1978
Letter from Progress Association granting further land as required for the building of new premises.
7th February 1978
Letter from Brigade to Council covering various matters, including:
“On the Friday night of the Blue Mountains fires, Glenhaven was approached by South Maroota brigade for a supply of water, that Brigade not having a standpipe because in their home area they are not on city water. A standpipe was loaned to them. This points up the fact that all vehicles should carry standpipes at all times.”
Tom Muston recalls, Regarding the Blue Mountains Fire, Glenhaven Brigade was requested with crew and was stationed initially in the Faulconbridge area. The fire started in the Grose Valley and came up the escarpment between Faulconbridge and Woodford. It had crossed into the Blue Mountains National Park and the fire continued for several days. Glenhaven relief crews were organised by Harry Holland. Many Brigades attended from the Sydney area and combined well. The main problem was communication, as Hornsby, Baulkham Hills, Blue Mountains, Country and Metropolitan Brigades were all on different radio frequencies, so we could not talk vehicle to vehicle and respond to any vehicle with help except by messages through various Control Centres.
March 1978 – 1978/1979 Officers
Captain T. Muston
Senior Deputy Captain C. McMaster
Deputy Captain R. McMaster, N. Bent, H. Holland, J. Novotny, I. Matheson, W. Cooper, D. Hayward
Secretary N. Bent
Equipment Officer C. McMaster
Assistant Equipment Officer T. Woodcock
President H. Holland
Vice President N. Hutteman
Treasurer B. Thompson
Liason Officer P. Edwards
Autditor R. Gray
Personnel available 30
Editor’s note - An equipment list was attached to the list of officers and on it was listed the International Tanker. The old 1943 Blitz that the Brigade has had since 1962 is gone. It was first asked to be replaced in May 1965. It only took Council 13 years to do it. Also on this equipment list were drip torches. The last list on file 72/73 (6 years previous) shows that they were not invented or on standard issue.
Ernie Overs recalls, the flame throwers were only a drip lighter used in burn offs and burn backs. They were quite effective for that purpose. I don’t know the exact date the Brigade acquired them.
8th May 1978
Letter from Council to Brigade re Standpipes
“if sufficient funds are available this coming financial year, all units will be provided with standpipes.”
8th May 1978
Shire Clerk’s Report No. 78/52 re tenders for Glenhaven Fire Station
1.5.78 Colbri Constructions $12,983.00
1.5.78 O. Jackson Constructions $10,647.50
1.5.78 R.D. & L.E. Walton $12,305.00
1.5.78 Bonneville Constructions $12,574.00
26.4.78 W.J. Dickson $13,845.00
Tender from O. Jackson recommended to be accepted. Time of completion being 8 weeks.
$7,345.00 was provided for in the 1977/78 N.S.W. Bush Fire Fighting Fund, the remainder of the contract amount to be recouped from Council’s contribution to Bush Fire requirements for the current years allocation.
13th July 1978
Letter from Council to Prospect County Council requesting erection of a 45’ hose drying pole.
“Council is currently constructing a new Fire Station at Glenhaven.”
13th July 1978
Account from O.A. Jackson builder for Glenhaven Bushfire Station.
“For progress payment No. 1 on above practically completed building”
“Extra – Foundation & Brickwork due to resiting $315”
21st July 1978
Council pays O.A. Jackson $9000 and agrees to pay the extra $315
16th August 1978
Letter from Prospect County Council to Council advising erection of hose drying pole
19th September 1978
Final account from O.A. Jackson builder for Glenhaven Bushfire Station
3rd October 1978
Letter from Brigade to Council re inability to use full facilities of the new Fire Shed
6th December 1978
Letter from Council to O.A. Jackson Builder approving final payment for Fire Station
7th December 1978
Letter from Brigade to Council re sale of old metal knapsacks and the new Fire Station
“approval to sell these to local residents.. ..would assist in paying for improvements to our new shed which we propose to pay for ourselves, including metal guards on windows; and for the cost of paint and brushes which we will be using for painting our vehicles with members supplying the labour, and repairs.”
“We are very pleased with the new shed, and it seems to have increased the enthusiasm of our members, for attendance at meetings and working bees has been the best for many months.”