Newstead Abbey hosts emergency services day

From fire engines to forensics, dogs to dive units and rescue boats to road traffic collision demonstrations, visitors will be able to get up close to the kind of situations that firefighters, police officers and paramedics have to deal with.

The star of the show is set to be the mighty Sea King helicopter, which is appearing courtesy of RAF Search and Rescue, while our local air ambulance will also be flying in.

The event was the idea of Ashfield fire station manager Paul Vasper.

He said: “I’ve been coming to Newstead Abbey for years and I absolutely love the place. I wanted to do something to encourage more people to come and enjoy the beautiful surroundings while supporting a valuable local landmark.

“Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service works very closely with its police and East Midlands Ambulance Service colleagues and this seemed the ideal opportunity to bring us all together to showcase some of the work we do and the equipment we use.”

The event is taking place on Sunday 11th August and is thought to be the biggest display of 999 emergency response vehicles and equipment ever seen in Nottinghamshire.

Newstead Abbey’s commercial manager Penny Beniston added: “We are delighted to welcome our emergency services for what promises to be a fantastic day out for all the family.

“To see so many of the emergency response resources that we take for granted set against the spectacular, ancient backdrop of Newstead Abbey is going to be very special event indeed.

“I urge everyone to pack a picnic, round up the family and come along to experience the wonderful surroundings of the Abbey while finding out more about the work of our dedicated emergency services.”

The day runs from 10am until 4pm. Car parking is £6 per car, with entry to the Abbey priced £1. A number of demonstrations will take place, including the rescue of a ‘casualty’ from a boat on the lake by the Sea King helicopter crew, a road traffic collision extrication demonstration followed by police forensic investigation, and a police dog demonstration.