Massey Shaw Fireboat

30/05/2026

We've just launched a new video detailing some of the activities, updates and events from April. It took us a little longer to edit and release this as we initially anticipated but have another recording in the pipeline.

What do you think of this format? Comment below feedback or any questions you'd like answered in the next recording. Or drop us an email at [email protected]

Watch on Youtube or our website here: https://masseyshaw.org/news/massey-shaw-activity-update-april-2026/

https://youtu.be/qcR5lMKvk-g

Join David, Bill and Tom as we discuss key updates from the Massey Shaw Education Trust and how we're moving forward with fundraising, engine repairs, events...

27/05/2026

Urgent — help needed. Our current container storage location in Essex can no longer support us, and we need somewhere to keep parts and equipment. If you or your business have space for a container, or an empty container we could move items into in East London or Essex (short- or long-term), we’d love to hear from you.

Please email [email protected] and share this post with your networks.
Thank you!

29/04/2026

Some of you may have seen the replica model of Massey Shaw Fireboat at previous events, but the great team of LFB Fire Cadets have repainted and engineered a fully working version!

It was amazing to see it feature at this year's

Thank you to all involved and well done to all the runners and fundraisers!

26/04/2026

David and Bill hosted Bruce Shultz from New York aboard Massey yesterday. His father had purchased a Dunkirk Watch from William Wood Watches and he is running the London Marathon today.

Best wishes from all at Massey Shaw.

Dunkirk watch available here: https://williamwoodwatches.com/products/dunkirkwatch

18/04/2026

A few photos from our volunteers over the past few weeks inlcuding:

- monthly pumping test completed with engine starting first time!
- starboard strum boxes being cleaned from mussels and molluscs
- rebuild of 'mini Massey' by the LFB Fire Cadets group

All work completed by our volunteers to get Massey back to full capacity.

Please support by sharing this post to your feed or groups.

26/03/2026

Our incredible volunteer engineers have been very busy stripping down the gearbox, cleaning every component, and prepping it for fitting brand-new bearings! It’s a complex puzzle that requires some serious brainpower and patience!

A HUGE thank you to the team for mastering this one-of-a-kind setup. We couldn't keep things moving without them.

If you can support through volunteering or a donations, please visit our website for information.

25/03/2026

We had a great time at the Fireground Museum in Rochdale for the Fire Heritage Network. Between the Sunday memorabilia sale and the great company, it was well worth the trip!

How you can support us today:
🙋‍♂️ Volunteer: Join our team and help out at future events.
💼 Board member: Bring your skills into our Board of Trustees
💰 Donate: Help us fund our upcoming projects.

Check out our photos from the weekend below! 👇

10/03/2026

This is our Port Engine running at temperature. A 1935 vintage engine demands respect and resources. To generate the power (and heat) needed to propel us and pump thousands of gallons of water, we rely on high-grade fuels, specialized lubricants, and custom replacement parts.

The results showed the exhaust temperatures across the eight cylinders which were within an acceptable range between 70 to 80 deg.C. Which is good news overall, but one aging gasket or worn-out piston ring can quickly change everything. Our volunteers work tirelessly to monitor and maintain this delicate balance, but we can't do it without parts and supplies.

Your donation keeps this engine firing.

Every pound helps us purchase the specialised oil, seals, and materials required for its return to the Thames. If you love seeing this historic fireboat in action, please consider a donation or subscription today.

👉 Donate Here: https://masseyshaw.org/donate/

04/03/2026

NEW LAUNCH: Our Great Fire Of London caseback houses a genuine British £2 collectors coin commemorating the Great Fire of London of 1666.

50 Great Fire of London Watches will be available to purchase from our stand at the Day this Saturday in London. Any unsold pieces will be added to our website for sale at 6pm UK on the same day.

Best of luck securing your limited edition Great Fire of London Watch 🇬🇧🔥🤝

13/02/2026

⚓️ News from the engine room: Keeping Massey Shaw safe & dry

​We’ve been busy below deck! Protecting a historic vessel like the Massey Shaw requires constant vigilance, even when our crew isn't on board. We are thrilled to announce that we’ve successfully installed a new remote alarm monitoring unit.
​📱 High-Tech Protection
​This smart system acts as our eyes and ears 24/7. If water is detected in the bilges, the unit immediately sends a text message to our designated contacts. This allows us to respond instantly to any potential issues before they become serious problems.

​💪 Engineering Dedication
​Testing the system wasn't exactly a walk in the park! Our incredible volunteers had to manually trip every float switch throughout the boat to ensure 100% reliability.
​The biggest challenge? The chain locker. To reach the final sensor, the team had to:
​Haul the entire anchor chain up onto the deck and ​navigate an incredibly tight space.

​🔋 Battery Health
​Beyond water monitoring, the system also keeps a watchful eye on our battery levels, alerting us if the voltage drops. This low-cost, high-value investment is a massive win for the long-term preservation of the boat.

​A massive thank you to our dedicated volunteers who did the heavy lifting to get this vital safety system online. Your hard work keeps this piece of history afloat.

Thanks for Hello Sailor for their advice and support. https://hello-sailor.co.uk/

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