MALVERN'S firemen demonstrated their prowess a century ago at the Imperial Hotel (now Malvern Girls' College) in Avenue Road.

The occasion was not a real fire but a display of the brigade's skills during a mock call- out. The alarm having been raised, the call was promptly responded to.

"The horses were obtained from Mr Woodyatt's stables, taken to the station and attached to the steamer, and within eight minutes the brigade was in front of the hotel, while shortly afterwards the Wells division with their manual engine also galloped up," reported the Malvern Gazette.

"The fire escape was run up to the topmost windows where "excited females" were gathered. Soon a number were rescued in realistic fashion, the firemen performing this part of the work in a most praiseworthy manner.

"Meanwhile, the steamer and the manual kept up a constant stream of water on those portions of the building where the 'fire' was greatest."

The exercise, observed by civic dignitaries, was followed by the presentation of long-service awards to members of the brigade.