10 years (and a bit) of Fire and Water

Its has been 10 years (and 18 days) since Fire and Water started! On October 18th 2016, Fire and Water was given the 125 year lease on the former fire station, council offices and swimming pool. And in this decade, through the tremendous support of our members and volunteers, we have (and will continue to) worked towards creating a landmark centre for arts & culture, community, and education in Sowerby Bridge. 

Although a quiet nod, written on a blog, to the wonderful news that Fire and Water turned 10, it is an opportunity that we would love to take to acknowledge and thank those who have been involved in shaping this era and welcome everyone in our community to join in. The graft, support and joy that has powered Fire and Water to grow into what it is has taken many minds and bodies. 

• We’re very grateful and thankful to our members, who have supported us in numbers since the beginning, many staying with us throughout our first 10 years. 

• A huge thanks to any and all of those who have volunteered with Fire and Water - whether as part of the immense stalwart DIY team, volunteering  helping out at an event, or being on hand in any other way - your time and effort has gone a long way in making Fire and Water what it is. 

• We’d like to thank the many bands, theatre productions, creatives, and the like that have put on the 100s of events since Fire and Water opened its doors.

• Finally, just to make sure we’ve captured every one in this moment of gratitude, thank you to anyone who has come through our doors for what ever reason that was (but please do think about becoming a member).

With the continued support of the community and everyone involved, the next 10 years are looking rosy. We have much coming up, a slew of events; and ongoing renovation work on the building. We do desperately need more people to get involved, all skills are needed but we currently particularly need a volunteer bookkeeper. If you are reading this and have any suggestions for workshops, events, or the use of a community space - please do reach out to us there is so much that can be done in this space.

Although there is no planned event for us to celebrate the 10 year anniversary together, we do ask, suggest even, that you bring yourselves down to one, two or as many as you can, events we have coming up before the end of 2026. A full list of these can be found on our events page. 

Thank you,

Fire and Water Board