Researchers are on the hunt for stories about the Old Fire Station in Stoke Newington

The Old Fire Station on Leswin Road. Photograph: @OldFireStatN16

A team of historical researchers is hoping to gather stories about an iconic venue in Stoke Newington.

The Old Fire Station has been home to community groups since the fire brigade moved out in the 1970s.

Now local residents are being invited to share their memories of the place for a major heritage project next year called Looking Out!.

People can go along to an open day at the Old Fire Station on Saturday 18 May to recount their stories, or to just find out more about the venue.

Natalie Silk, a trustee at the Old Fire Station and Looking Out! project manager, said: “We’d love people to bring any photos or memories of their experiences of the building which has been home to so many community groups over the years.

“We’re particularly interested in meeting people who were involved in the setting up of the Old Fire Station as a community centre after it stopped being a working fire station in the 1970s.”

Archive photographs will be on show to help jog people’s memories. Photograph: courtesy the Old Fire Station

Visitors to the open day will be treated to a view of a vintage fire engine, and historian Billy Reading will also be hosting free, guided tours.

A team of community producers and historical researchers will be on hand to record people’s memories, and to present archive photographs of the Old Fire Station’s past life.

Free activities for all ages will be on offer, as well as music and refreshments.

Guests can also find out a bit more about the Looking Out! project, which will run until April 2025 and is set to feature events, workshops and other educational opportunities.

The project is being funded by Historic England’s Everyday Heritage grant programme, which celebrates working class and community histories.

For more information, head to oldfirestation.org.