🚒 The Guardians of the Works: Mr Warr and the Lancing Railway Fire Brigade
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| "Historical image of the Lancing Carriage Works Fire Brigade courtesy of Southeast Communities Rail Partnership. We are grateful for their work in preserving these vital snapshots of our village's industrial past." |
In the heyday of the Lancing Carriage Works, the site was a labyrinth of timber, paint shops, and flammable materials. To protect this industrial powerhouse, a dedicated Works Fire Brigade was formed—an elite group of men who were as highly trained as any municipal force.
A Footplate Legacy
Among these guardians was Mr W.J. Warr. Living at Bessborough Terrace, he was a fireman in the truest sense—navigating both the steam engines on the tracks and the safety of the works itself. Being part of the Works Fire Brigade was a badge of immense pride; these men were the first line of defence for Lancing’s biggest employer.
Mr Warr Snr eventually moved from the heat of the works to the leadership of the village, serving as a highly respected Chairman of Lancing Parish Council during the pivotal post-war years of the late 1940s and 50s.
Mr Warr Snr eventually moved from the heat of the works to the leadership of the village, serving as a highly respected Chairman of Lancing Parish Council during the pivotal post-war years of the late 1940s and 50s.
"A Special Person to Know"
I had the great privilege of knowing the younger Mr Warr and even tended his garden for a few years. He was a truly special person—highly thought of by everyone in our community.
There is a fascinating irony in the family history: while the father dedicated his life to the steam and safety of the railway, the son went on to work for Dr Beeching. To navigate the high-pressure world of the "Beeching Axe" era while remaining such a kind, grounded, and respected neighbour is a testament to his character.
There is a fascinating irony in the family history: while the father dedicated his life to the steam and safety of the railway, the son went on to work for Dr Beeching. To navigate the high-pressure world of the "Beeching Axe" era while remaining such a kind, grounded, and respected neighbour is a testament to his character.
"Tending Mr Warr's garden gave me a unique perspective on a man who was a pillar of Lancing. Whether he was discussing village life or his time in the professional world, he always maintained that 'common touch' and a deep love for our village."
Why We Remember
The Carriage Works closed in 1965, and the steam has long since cleared from the Lancing horizon. But through families like the Warrs, the spirit of that era lives on. They remind us that Lancing wasn't just built on bricks and mortar, but on the character of the people who worked the shifts, tended the gardens, and chaired the meetings.
💬 Over to You: Do you remember the "Warrs" of Bessborough Terrace? Or perhaps you recall the Fire Brigade drills at the Works? We’d love to hear your memories in the comments below.
A Community Note: While I spend my time digging through the ledgers, groups like the Keep Lancing Lovely team are doing wonderful work. Take a moment to see the heritage displays in the Lancing Station ticket office.
This project is a collaborative effort, combining local memories with digital research to preserve Lancing's industrial history.
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