World's oldest emergency number celebrates 80th anniversary
The 999 service turns 80 this month. It was created back in 1937 following a fire at a doctor's surgery in London two years earlier.
The government considered using 707, 333 and 0171-891-3741 before settling for the number we all know today.
London got it first, then Glasgow and by 1948 most British towns and cities were hooked up.
Villages soon followed, including Huish Episcopi - its first 999 call came from Mrs Nelson when Mr Rastall locked her in the stationery cupboard at the comprehensive back in 1952.
As part of the birthday celebrations, a number of archive call scripts have been published including a handful from Langport and the surrounding area - and we are delighted to publish some of them here.
The year calls were made is in brackets after each transcript.
The year calls were made is in brackets after each transcript.
"I'm bloody furious.....get me the police.....I've just stopped squeezing the nozzle but the pump has ticked over an extra shilling at Shire's Garage...." (1937)
"Hello? I'm calling from Bonds Pool at Langport. The Yanks have just driven a tank transporter through the Hanging Chapel - it's wedged in there - silly sods - the Jones boys told them not to go through but would they listen?!" (1942)
"Police please.....hello I'm calling from North Street, Langport. Just to say there hasn't been a fight at the White Lion yet tonight....we're all rather worried" (1958)
"Ambulance please - Rose & Crown men's urinals - Huish Episcopi.......I've just been trying to watch the moon landing and pissed all over me Grandad" (1969)
"please help us - the Langport Arms has run out of Black Forest Gateau" (1972)
"Fire brigade quickly - Westonzoyland Airstrip - a Bridgwater woman's just gone down.....yes I know.....third time this week it's disgusting." (1993)
"Police....somebody's sold our beautiful old church hall and used the money to buy a derelict pub on Bow Street - can you send a squad car?" (2006)
"Which service do I require? Local Government Ombudsman please - somebody's told me the Town Trust is trying to offload the Hanging Chapel because they've buggered up the lease and can't think of any other ways it can make money....and the council leader and clerk seem more concerned with applying for grants to do things with Cocklemoor instead of concentrating on the landmark they're supposed to be looking after on our behalf...what?....I couldn't agree more...yes it's definitely time they both spent more time with their families..." (2017)
If you have an emergency, dial 999 immediately.
- unless of course you live in Huish Episcopi where things are a tad different:
You cycle up the vicarage, get Jess Pitman to ring the church bells and hope Bowdens can hear them. The farmer up there then sends up a flare which makes staff at High Ham Windmill send a fax to Somerton Town Council which phones the emergency switchboard at Portishead.
carryonlangport.blogspot.com
"Police....somebody's sold our beautiful old church hall and used the money to buy a derelict pub on Bow Street - can you send a squad car?" (2006)
"Which service do I require? Local Government Ombudsman please - somebody's told me the Town Trust is trying to offload the Hanging Chapel because they've buggered up the lease and can't think of any other ways it can make money....and the council leader and clerk seem more concerned with applying for grants to do things with Cocklemoor instead of concentrating on the landmark they're supposed to be looking after on our behalf...what?....I couldn't agree more...yes it's definitely time they both spent more time with their families..." (2017)
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| High Ham Windmill Emergency Switchboard |
If you have an emergency, dial 999 immediately.
- unless of course you live in Huish Episcopi where things are a tad different:
You cycle up the vicarage, get Jess Pitman to ring the church bells and hope Bowdens can hear them. The farmer up there then sends up a flare which makes staff at High Ham Windmill send a fax to Somerton Town Council which phones the emergency switchboard at Portishead.
carryonlangport.blogspot.com
Tomorrow evening (Weds)...on the River Parrett...the Duchess of Cocklemoor is being launched!
Get down there between 6 and 7pm to see the timber-built former Devonshire passenger ferry hit the water.
Best wishes to all involved!
***
In the centre of Langport...
BOILERTEC & LANGPORT HARDWARE
Tel: 01458-259451
