Stokes Valley Volunteer Fire Brigade is the proud new owner of a vintage 1939 Ford V8 open cab fire appliance. This fire engine has been fully restored by Maurice Bognuda and his son, Aidan. Maurie had been approached by overseas parties interested in purchasing the appliance. However, after some subtle arm-bending, Maurie agreed to sell the appliance to the Stokes Valley brigade.

The brigade had been raising funds to restore an old appliance it had previously acquired, but it was decided to use these funds - as well as a greatly appreciated grant from the Community Trust of Wellington - to make the purchase.

This appliance started active service at the Lower Hutt central fire station as its Flyer (the first truck to turn out to calls). From there, it has served in all of the fire stations in the Hutt area at some point in time (including Stokes Valley). It is great that it will not be lost from the area and that the community will be able to appreciate a part of the fire brigade's history for years to come.