1997 saw the fire engine and a group of GVFB members set off from Plymouth to Spain. We wanted to take the Queen Eleanor to Los Heulgas Abbey where much of history began for the inhabitants of Geddington and of course members of the brigade. To find out more about this history click here.

From the time that we landed on Spanish soil we were given an enthusiastic reception, the Santander fire service hosted us magnificently and prepared us for the difficult journey over the High Sierras into Burgos.

The fire service in Burgos were no less welcoming shutting off the streets so Queen Eleanor could drive through the city and enter the grounds of the abbey in spectacular fashion. Click here to see the vintage Fire Engines on show at the Burgos Fire Station.

We took with us a young Crab Apple tree from Geddington Chase which was planted in the grounds of the Fire Station, as can be seen in the photo aside beneath that is another taken in 2005 when one of our number returned for a short visit the Crab Apple tree was still there and thriving.

The then commanding officer Lloyd Marlow presented the mother superior with a plaque (see below) marking our visit and why we had come to her ancient domain. In return she gave us a glass of sherry each and a postcard. The order is silent so it is not known to this very day the significance of the postcard.