About Us

The AVFS is a CAA-regulated rescue and firefighting service that provides the initial emergency response at the spectacular Shuttleworth Collection. Originating as a small fire crew in 1989, the AVFS was officially formed in 1994 and has developed into a professional and highly regarded volunteer rescue and firefighting service. Registered as a charity in 2002 (1094593), the AVFS is proudly supported by three highly distinguished patrons:

• HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada

• Mrs Helen Nellis, MA Barrister CVO CStJ

• Sir Samuel Whitbread KCVO

• The Right Reverend Richard Atkinson OBE, Bishop of Bedford.

2019 marked another milestone in the evolution of the AVFS as ageing facilities were replaced with a brand-new purpose-built fire station. Providing secure accommodation for the fleet of five fire appliances, the new fire station also features a modern training room and networked control office. Welfare facilities comprise of a fully equipped kitchen, separate toilets, and a locker room with ensuite showers and space for more than 30 sets of operational firefighting clothing.

At the opening ceremony of the new fire station, the Chair of the AVFS Trustees, Paul Mackin MBE, commented that the facility “provided the Airfield Volunteer Fire Service with a major step forward in the standards of its operational development and delivery.” The Shuttleworth Trust constructed the new fire station as part of a new development of hangars, allowing the AVFS to relocate from a temporary wooden structure built in 1999, and a refurbished portacabin.