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Station officer Dave Rogers first got involved with the Massey Shaw more than 20 years ago. A bit of a history buff, he had read about the boat during his fire brigade training but didn't realise it still existed.
In 1983 he was amazed to see an appeal for volunteers to help raise funds to save this famous fireboat, and signed up immediately. When Dave first saw the Massey Shaw, it was being used as a walkway in St Katherine's Dock in London. Dave had no experience with boats but he and the rest of the volunteers rolled up their sleeves and started the massive task of restoring this historic craft.
Dave has always enjoyed tinkering with cars and the massive engines on the Massey Shaw were a challenge he enjoyed. The fireboat is a labour of love for him and his colleagues because, he says: 'She is a unique craft with a great atmosphere and an incredible history.' Dave enjoys meeting retired firemen who served on the Massey Shaw, who often come aboard to share their reminiscences.
Dave and the other members of the Massey Shaw Trust are currently trying to find a permanent berth for the boat in order to guarantee its future preservation. They are also planning a return to Dunkirk with the famous Little Ships in May 2005.
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