The fire hose reel was purchased by the Fire Ladies' Auxiliary for the Mt Beauty S.E.C. Fire Brigade in the late 1950's for over 1000 pounds. Initially they competed with Bogong fire brigade as both were 'Industry' Fire brigades - both owned by the State Electricity Commission. Competition was at 2 levels - north east Victoria and state competitions involving rural and urban brigades with a difference in the equipment. Mt Beauty was/is an urban brigade whereas Tawonga is a rural brigade. Competition involved members to improve their skill, keep fit and was a very social occasion. After the Shire took over Mt Beauty township in 1961, the Fire Brigade ran by itself but soon became affiliated with the C.F.A. because of insurance and legal liability e.g.. enabling them to stop traffic or wreck buildings if required. The CFA were not happy with the Mt Beauty truck so a new one was obtained while the old one went to Bogong. Competitions gradually ceased as it was a young man's sport and young members had prior commitments. The reel was donated to the KVHS in the mid 1980's as it failed to be sold as it competed with new, cheaper, aluminium reels. The practice strip was located beside the fire station in Lakeside Avenue. This fire hose reel was used by the Mt Beauty Fire Brigade for demonstrations at competitions during the 1950's and 1960's. The Mt Beauty Fire Brigade Team won the competition in 1966 at Wangaratta. The score was close against the home team and was decided on a play off. The team benefitted by the man who wound the hose on allowing it to end up at the easiest height to handle when full of water and very heavy.The Mt Beauty Fire Brigade was an 'industry' fire brigade belonging to the State Electricity Commission of Victoria from the 1940's. It became a member of the Country Fire Authority in the early 1960's. During the 1950's and early 1960's members would compete with other local fire brigades in competitions against other brigades in the north east of Victoria using skills such as unwinding the hose off the reel and turning on the water in record time. The Mt Beauty Fire Brigade continues today as an urban fire brigade affiliated with the CFA.Varnished wooden cart reinforced by painted red steel frame. The wheels have 14 wooden spokes and steel around the outside of the wooden wheel. A long canvas hose is wound around a central winding cylinder. The cart has a wooden handle with a rubber jockey wheel at its end. There is a brass hose nozzle attached by a stainless steel frame on the outer side near one of the wheels.Each Reel: "Mt Beauty F.B." yellow print outlined in black with red background.fire hose. mt beauty fire brigade. country fire authority. fire reel.

Museum Exhibit Notice - re London and Lancashire Fire Insurance Plate, 1857. (Bendigo Historical Society?). The Plate was 'found at Glover's Cordial Works, Chapel Street, Bendigo'. Some background on notice about fire brigades of the time. [Note:The Plate referred to is not this 1207.29 item]document

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of Heather WALE, Beryl RIGBY (both seated), Suzy MILBURN and Ann GIBSON preparing finger-food for the launch of Fire in the Borough.fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services, heather wale, suzy milburn, ann gibson, beryl rigby nee dixon

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 and firemen's quarters at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street.fire and fire services, fire station, williamstown road

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street.fire and fire services, fire station, williamstown road

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street.fire and fire services, fire station, graham street

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of a vintage Fargo Fire Engine from the Melbourne Fire Museum arriving at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39, Graham Street.fire and fire services, fire station, graham street

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of a vintage Fargo Fire Engine from the Melbourne Fire Museum at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39, Graham Street.fire and fire services, fire station, graham street

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of attendees gathering for the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39.fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of attendees gathering for the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39. Three PMHPS members sitting in the back row - Beryl RIGBY, Lorraine HALL and Heather WALE.fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services, beryl rigby nee dixon, lorraine hall, heather wale

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of a vintage Fargo Fire Engine from the Melbourne Fire Museum at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 for the launch of Fire in the Borough.fire and fire services, fire station, fire in the borough

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of the front grill of a vintage Fargo Fire Engine from the Melbourne Fire Museum at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 for the launch of Fire in the Borough.fire and fire services, fire station, fire in the borough

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of a vintage Fargo Fire Engine from the Melbourne Fire Museum at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 for the launch of Fire in the Borough.fire and fire services, fire station, fire in the borough

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of attendees at the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39. Janet BOLITHO talking with Don HOSSACK at centre. Shirley VIDEION talking to Suzy MILBURN next to them and Shirley's family on the extreme left, daughter, Eleanore VIDEION wearing red patterned top, husband Hugh VIDEION with his arm around grand daughter Katya TEHAN.fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services, janet bolitho, don hossack, suzy milburn, shirley a videion nee lobb, eleanore videion, hugh videion, katya tehan

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of attendees at the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39.fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of Phillip BENCRAFT talking with attendees (including Len GREANEY and Hugh VIDEION) at the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39.fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services, phillip bencraft, len greaney, hugh videion

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of Suzy MILBURN at the microphone at the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39. Author Shirley VIDEION sitting at the table.fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services, suzy milburn, shirley a videion nee lobb

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of Suzy MILBURN at the microphone at the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39. Author Shirley VIDEION sitting at the table.fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services, suzy milburn, shirley a videion nee lobb

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of Suzy MILBURN at the microphone at the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39. fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services, suzy milburn

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of the Station Officer at the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39. fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of the Station Officer at the microphone at the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 with Suzy MILBURN looking on. fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services, suzy milburn

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of Phillip BENCRAFT at the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 with a canine attendee in the foreground.fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services, phillip bencraft

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of the Station Officer at the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39. fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of Suzy MILBURN at the microphone introducing Philip BENCRAFT at the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39. fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services, suzy milburn, phillip bencraft

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of Phillip BENCRAFT at the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39.fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services, phillip bencraft

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of Phillip BENCRAFT at the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39.fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services, phillip bencraft

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of Phillip BENCRAFT at the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39.fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services, phillip bencraft

Fire in the Borough (2007) by Shirley A VIDEION was launched in 2008 at the Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39 at the corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. Current Fire Fighter, Station Officer Phillip BENCRAFT was special guest to help launch the book. Phillip is the great-grand nephew of William BENCRAFT who was appointed Superintendent of the United Insurance Companies' Brigade in March, 1858.Digital colour photograph of Phillip BENCRAFT at the launch of Fire in the Borough at Port Melbourne Fire Station No 39.fire in the borough, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, port melbourne historical & preservation society, pmhps, fire and fire services, phillip bencraft