Exhibition to showcase first female firefighter
A new exhibition will celebrate the story of the first female firefighters in West Yorkshire through a series of workshops and photo displays.
Arts and social change charity Space2 has worked with Leeds Beckett University to launch its project at a former fire station in Gipton.
The story of Penny Rowntree, who became the first female firefighter in the region in 1987, at the age of 18, will be on display, alongside other women’s stories.
Ms Rowntree, from Wetherby, said she was “delighted” to have been invited to take part.
Recalling her days of working at fire stations in Bramley, Wetherby and Gipton, she said: “I was working as a swimming instructor back in the late 1980s and I remember watching the first pilot showing of London’s Burning on the TV, which included a female firefighter.
“A friend of my brothers was a firefighter so I asked him whether they were recruiting women.
“I applied straight away and had to do a range of physical tests and entrance exams before being accepted.”
She added some people thought the idea of women wanting to work as firefighters was “a bit strange at first”.
Penny Rowntree said some people thought the idea of female firefighters was "a bit strange at first"
“But once they’d met me we got on really well and I had an amazing time,” she added.
The first event on Saturday included workshops with Professor Shane Ewen, from Leeds Beckett University, exploring the role of women in the fire service.
Ms Rowntree was also be available on the day to answer questions.
Visitors could also see several vintage fire engines, while former firefighters spoke about their role in the fire service.
Coralie Datta, heritage co-ordinator for Space2, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for the community to share stories about Gipton Fire Station, and its community role since 1937, and learn more about their own local heritage - with an emphasis on women.
“The fire station is surrounded by former firefighters’ housing which led to a very close community of firefighting families in this area.
“‘There is now an urgent need to capture their stories for posterity.”
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