Answering the Call
For generations, Fordingbridge has relied upon local men and women willing to drop what they are doing when the alarm sounds.
The town’s firefighting history stretches back well into the nineteenth century. By 1889 Fordingbridge had two fire engine houses, and over the years its firefighters have tackled everything from burning thatched cottages and farm buildings to forest fires, floods, road accidents and aircraft crashes.
During the Second World War, Fordingbridge had nine retained firefighters. By 1949 a new alerting system could automatically sound the siren above Lloyds Bank and ring bells in firefighters’ homes — calling them from their everyday lives to report to the station.
That tradition continues today. Fordingbridge Fire Station in Station Road is still an on-call station, crewed by trained firefighters who make themselves available around their work, families and other commitments. When alerted, they make their way to the station and turn out on the fire engine to protect their community.
The equipment may have changed dramatically, but the principle has not: local people ready to answer the call when Fordingbridge needs them.
Sandy Balls
Sandy Balls – From Woodcraft Camp to Holiday Village
Sandy Balls is now well known as a holiday destination in the New Forest, but its story goes back much further. Our display explores the fascinating early history of the site and its links with the Woodcraft movement, which encouraged outdoor life, traditional crafts, music, dancing and a strong sense of community.
Through photographs, documents and memories, the display looks at the Folkmoor Circle, the Woodcraft camps of the 1930s and Grith Fyrd, when people came together at Sandy Balls to camp, learn new skills and enjoy life in the countryside. These gatherings offered an escape from everyday life and reflected a growing belief in the benefits of nature, friendship and shared experience.
Historic photographs show tents, caravans, camp gatherings and some of the people who helped create the distinctive character of Sandy Balls. The display also includes the story of the 1934 film It’s a Great Life, which gives a wonderful glimpse of the Woodcraft movement and the ideals behind it.
For many local people, Sandy Balls holds happy memories of holidays, outings and family occasions. This display tells the story of how those beginnings developed into a place which has remained closely associated with Fordingbridge and the New Forest for generations.
Come and discover the story behind one of our area’s best-known names – and see just how different a holiday at Sandy Balls once looked.
Dolls
Dolls Through the Generations
Our dolls display is a lovely journey through changing childhood fashions, from treasured dolls of earlier generations to some of the most familiar names of the 20th century.
The collection includes delicate older dolls that were once carefully cherished and handed down through families, alongside baby dolls that reflect changing ideas about childhood and play. Moving through the decades, visitors will also spot much-loved favourites including Sindy, Barbie, Ken and Tressy, as well as the wonderfully distinctive Cabbage Patch Kids.
Some of these dolls were precious possessions, carefully dressed and looked after, while others were played with every day and became part of family life. Their clothes, hairstyles and accessories also tell us a great deal about the fashions and popular culture of the time.
Whether they bring back memories of your own childhood or introduce younger visitors to toys their parents and grandparents once loved, our dolls offer a colourful and nostalgic glimpse into the changing world of play.
Come and see how many you recognise — and perhaps discover an old favourite.