LAST week past and present members of the Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade gathered to celebrate the 50-year milestone of David Hughes for his diligent service and exhume a time capsule buried 25 years ago.

Past members of the Darlington brigade from the year 2000 joined current members and guests for a morning of memories and stories, presentations, and the discovery of what was buried, followed by a special lunch.

The time capsule contained items including newspapers, photographs, crew lists, Darlington Brigade history books and newsletters, stories from local school children, a brigade shirt and patch, and even a $2 chip from the old Burswood Casino.

For the returning year 2000 members it was also a chance to see how the brigade has expanded and grown over the past 25 years, including two building extensions, renovations and upgrades, and changes to, and modernisation of, fire trucks and firefighting equipment.

At the special event stalwart member David Hughes was presented with his 50-year clasp for his Bush Fire Long Service Medal, for his diligent service with the Darlington Brigade by special guest, DFES deputy Commissioner Craig Waters.

Mr Hughes joined the Darlington Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade in 1975, a year after the brigade reformed in 1974.

He became a lieutenant in 1977, and in 1981 was appointed the brigade captain for four years, and subsequently the fire control officer from 1984 until 1988.

During this time, he was always very proactive in hazard reduction burns, as a permit issuing officer and fire attendee in many instances in areas outside of Darlington.

Mr Hughes also served two years as chairman of the Shire of Mundaring’s bush fire advisory committee and he was heavily involved in building the shire’s first fire communications van.

However, his greatest legacy to the brigade were the buildings which now house the Darlington station.

Back in 1979 the Darlington Pony Club had a shed on the site, but relocated to the Eastern Hills Arena.

In December 1980 the Shire of Mundaring gifted the brigade what is affectionally known as the ‘shed’ and Mr Hughes and other members created a two-vehicle area with a small meeting room and kitchen.

That soon became too small and in 1985 Mr Hughes and others commenced planning the brigade’s new home and started building the new station, which was officially opened on October 22, 1988.

He also acted as manager for the brigade teams that competed in the Blackwood Marathon over a 10-year period as well as being historian for the brigade, co-writing the Brigade’s 17-year history book.

After giving up involvement in front line firefighting, he joined the collar tank team in 1999, remaining with them until stepping back to being an associate member a few years ago.

Mr Hughes said he was both surprised and honoured with the presentation and questioned where those 50 years had gone.

“I’m so pleased to see the brigade continues to grow and evolve with the times and this is due to the commitment of all our dedicated volunteers,” Mr Hughes said.

“Involvement in the brigade has resulted in many lasting friendships and a feeling of belonging in the community,” he said.

A detailed history of the brigade can be found in the full colour, 82-page book History of DVBFB 1942-2020, compiled by Cliff Burns and published by the brigade and the Darlington History Group.

The book is a collection of documents, photos, drawings, stories, and a historical timeline of the brigade’s significant events, milestones, and activities.

Copies of the book will be available at the station.