www.firefighterscharity.org.uk Spring 2014 Issue 10
Barnett’s Barbers A Cut above OUR STORIES THAT MATTER TO YOU! All the news from your Charity
Registered Office: The Fire Fighters Charity, Level 6, Belvedere, Royal Patron Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 4HG. Her Majesty The Queen
Charity registered in England & Wales (1093387) and Scotland (SC040096) SOF A4 Ad_Layout 1 29/01/2014 17:54 Page 2
Guest introduction
Dear friends What’s inside As the Charity’s Volunteer Support Manager 4-5 In the news I have the great privilege of supporting our check out our Chief’s viewpoint committed volunteers across the UK. 6-7 Spirit of Fire check out this year’s finalists
8-9 Events calendar Recently we had the honour of what’s going on near you? hosting Irwin Jewell, one of our life patrons and longest serving 10-11 Our services Charity volunteers, at our head latest news from around our centres office. Turn to page 20 to read all about his involvement with the 12-13 Your stories Charity over the years. The same meet our beneficiaries and supporters day we also welcomed Sarah Lewis 14 Your support our recently appointed Service getting to know you better Co-ordinator for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service. From 65 15 Our online buzz years of service to those that have your social media reviews very recently taken on a volunteer 16-17 Corporate corner role, our dedicated volunteers are an For the inside scoop on our Shoosmiths in the spotlight essential part of The Fire Fighters inspirational shortlist turn to page 6. Charity helping us to continue to 18-19 Regional round-up With everything our volunteers do support those in need within the Fire who’s raised money for us & how? and Rescue Service community. to fundraise, raise awareness and support our service delivery we are 20-21 From the archive Over the coming months I will be working hard on how we can provide your trip down memory lane Celebrate the unsung heroes travelling around the country, from the best possible help to you! From 22 Kids’ corner Harcombe House in Devon to our new Charity intranet to our will you solve our Spring safety puzzle? Perth in Scotland attending Charity Supporter Care Team (fundraising@ regional meetings and catching up of the UK Fire and Rescue Service firefighterscharity.org.uk) we are 23 Take a break with our key volunteers across the striving to ensure you have all the check out our book reviews UK. These meetings not only provide The Spirit of Fire Awards is one of the most prestigious events in the UK fire information and resources you the chance to give an update on all need. As part of this process of and rescue calendar recognising bravery and dedication within the industry things Charity but are also a great improvement we really welcome any opportunity to hear all the fantastic thoughts you might have on how we A word from work our volunteers do to support can enhance your experience as a your editorial team... Venue: Park Plaza Westminster, London Organised by us. From Lincolnshire’s bumper volunteer and support you better. Date: Friday 16th May 2014 (7pm onwards) Christmas collections, to the 20th We are always keen to hear your stories for the inclusion anniversary of West Yorkshire’s My door is always Flaming Charity event to Bedford open just drop me a line on in Shout Magazine from fundraising To book your place and show your support visit: Fire Station’s long awaited and hard [email protected] successes, case studies, book fought for victory in our January or 01256 368 841 reviews or archive material so recycling competition, the examples please get in touch with Rachel Headline Sponsor www.spiritoffireawards.co.uk of exceptional support just keep For now though thank you so much Goddard, Marketing Officer at coming. Need any more convincing? for everything you do and I hope you [email protected]. enjoy this copy of Shout! Alternatively please contact Rachelle Cornel at I point to the record breaking number For comments, queries or feedback [email protected] or Tel. 0207 250 7043 of nominations received for this on the magazine please contact year’s Spirit of Fire Awards. Take care, Judith [email protected] Media partners
Disclaimer | The Fire Fighters Charity believe that the information given in this magazine is correct at the time of going to print, however we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or ommisions. The opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the writers and not always that of the Charity. Where external links are provided to other websites or social media accounts, we do SPRING 2014 | 3 so for information purposes alone and we are not responsible or liable. We do not endorse the material on them and if you choose to follow links to other websites, you do so at your own risk. SHOUT! Chief’s viewpoint, In the news Chief s viewpoint During their time at The Fire Fighters I am pleased to Charity, the Peer Review team were bring you news of an well looked after and everyone the team met were fully engaged with the exciting development process and came across as being Welcome open and honest. on board! here at The Fire The Charity’s first textile bank was placed at Fighters Charity. The Peer Review was not an Our recycling scheme Kettering Fire Station thanks to the support of inspection, rather it was an invitation to Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service – a team of people with the appropriate and there are now over 500 clothing banks at skills to look at our organisation as various fire stations across the country where Building on its partnership with the ‘critical friends.’ The team, led by donations can be left. Chief Fire Officers’ Association, the the current President of the Chief hits million mark! Local Government Association (LGA) Fire Officers’ Association Paul Fuller, Our successful ongoing relationship with has undertaken a Peer Review to recognised and commented on areas We’ve been operating the successful recycling our recycling partners over the years has ascertain how well we are performing of strength and then added useful campaign since the summer of 2009, which helped us raise this staggering £1m – in relation to the “Charity Commission’s areas for the Charity to explore further. thanks to the support of D. Robinson & Co, six hallmarks of an effective charity”. Our particular thanks go to the Local has seen over 7,000 tonnes of clothing Tom W Beaumont Ltd, Alford Storage & Government Association and all those diverted away from landfill sites and has Textile Company (Astco), WH Tracey, Clyde The Peer Review took place in involved in collating the evidence Recycling, LMB and Elmtree Recycling. February and consisted of a range of beforehand and to those taking part in raised such a large amount of money for us. on-site activities including interviews, the Peer Review at Head Office and at conference calls, observations and our Marine Court rehabilitation centre focus groups. The review team met in Littlehampton. with a broad cross-section of staff, beneficiaries, stakeholders, We will now communicate the volunteers and partners. findings of the Peer Review and We extend a warm Terry supported our Charity throughout will use them to improve our welcome to Rose New his career until retirement and acted as a performance and efficiency, as representative at fire station level. He was well as learning new and better Donoghue – our treasurer to the Dorset Fire Brigade and ways of meeting the evolving newest member on Year’s also carried out the duties of a Home Visitor, needsof our beneficiaries. Using visiting members of the fire community who our critical friends’ review of our the Board of Trustees. Honours are distressed or in need, to find out how performance, and the impact and we may help them. outcomes of our work, the findings will feed into the Charity’s business planning process to influence our Rose is a solicitor and partner with Our congratulations future direction. Shoosmiths. She has extensive Terry John Cordery from Ferndown experience working with charities go to Terry and all It’s an exciting who support victims of personal was made a Member of the British those recognised in time for us! injury and also volunteers and Empire for services to Dorset assists Basingstoke Shopmobility in the 2014 New Years’ John Parry fundraising events. Her position as Schools’ Football Association, to the Chief Executive Honours List! partner at Shoosmiths means she community in Ferndown and to The has strong financial and business modelling experience, as well as Fire Fighters Charity. excellent attention to detail.
4 | SHOUT! SPRING 2014 SHOUT! SPRING 2014 | 5 TitleAchievements Adult Hero
• Alan Chapman, Littleport • Tracey Jane Marriott, Evesham The Spirit of Fire To be shortlisted for these awards • Emma Burles, Hannah King, and is a remarkable achievement Awards are held The Spirit of Fire Jordan McNulty, Hockley so please come and show your • Paul Tunnah and Grant Blears, annually to honour support by attending on 16 May Manchester members of the Fire 2014 at the Westminster Park Plaza in London. To book a place Team of the Year and Rescue Service, or table, and for more information, please visit our website: • Blue Watch Newport, Isle of Wight and members of the finalists www.spiritoffireawards.co.uk • Borders Barmy Army, Galashiels public, by recognising • Oxford to Bonn Challenge Cycle bravery within the Judges Team, Oxford fire community and Revealed • StrongArm Challenge Team, Tyne Andrew Lynch – Editor of Fire The shortlist of and Wear / Durham and Darlington dedication to The Magazine and Trustee of finalists for our special Fire Fighters Charity. The Fire Fighters Charity Supporter of the Year 2014 Spirit of Fire John Parry – Chief Executive • Ally Birkett, Aberdeen Awards has been Officer of The Fire Fighters Charity • Dom Furby, Birkenshaw announced, and • Andy Hunter, Dunfermline Ken Seager – Chairman of includes a number • Tim West, Huntingdon The Fire Fighters Charity of exceptionally Best Newcomer of the Year Peter Sweeney – Chairman brave and dedicated of PC David Rathband’s finalists who have • Ashley Brown, Shropshire Blue Lamp Foundation • Claire Boer, Norfolk been successfully Russell Wood – Director of • Clare Morris, Lancashire Dom Furby nominated in • Kevin McKenzie, London Sales at Infographics UK LTD the following ten Corporate Supporter of the Year Now in its ninth year, The Spirit of categories: Fire Awards is the most prestigious • D. Robinson & Recycling Partners event in the fire and rescue • Babcock International Group calendar, with the aim of raising • Infographics as much as possible for The Fire Fighters Charity. The event • Oxfordshire County Council attracts Chief Fire Officers and Fire Fighter of the Year key purchasing members of the fire and rescue community up and • Jim Golder, down the country, along with key Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service politicians and celebrity supporters. • David Millward, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Andy Hunter • Paul Rich, London Fire Brigade • Rachael Streeting, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service Finalist focus Fire Service of the Year Beneficiary of Courage Youth Courage Award • Bob Williams, Hertfordshire Fire The team took on their most and Rescue Service Congratulations to the difficult challenge yet when • Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service • Helen Jones, Bolton • Adam Criddle, Ross on Wye Borders Barmy Army • Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service • Victoria Marks, Liskeard • Joshua Hopkins, Ben Hool and they completed their 2013 • Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service • Maureen Spenley, Merseyside Lewis Byng, Carmarthen (BBA) for once again campaign in aid of The Fire Lifetime Achievement Award – Fighters Charity and successfully • Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service • Mick Titmarsh, Bradford • Bailie Kershaw, Millom making the shortlist as a revealed at the awards on 16 May 2014! climbed Mount Kilimanjaro • Scottish Fire and Rescue Service • Alfie Sharpe, Kilmarnock Team of the Year finalist! raising a massive £23,800! • West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
6 | SHOUT! SPRING 2014 SHOUT! SPRING 2014 | 7 Calendar of events
The skydive itself was, in Richard’s words “Unbelievably fun, like being on the top of a ferris wheel and just about to go over the top, for that moment you feel weightless and then you enjoy the thrill all the way down. The instructor Richard’s Story was great at reassuring me, although events calendar we sat on the edge of the plane and 2014 counted to three but actually jumped Daredevil Fire Commander Richard Dykes on 2! Then you are tumbling through took the plunge and did a 13,000ft freefall the air, seeing sky, land, sky, land. But it is just the most amazing experience, April skydive to raise money for The Fire May the views are spectacular. I was so 6 April - Brighton June Fighters Charity in August 2013. lucky as it was a clear sunny day.” Marathon 2014 St. Florian’s Day Celebrations July throughout the month 13 June - Ben Nevis Midnight 13 April 19-21 July - London to Richard is keen to encourage others - Virgin Challenge London Marathon 4 May - Spinnaker Tower Abseil Amsterdam Ride24 to take the leap. “I would definitely 14-15 June - London to 24 May - London to Brighton recommend it to anyone wanting to Lands End Ride24 20 July - Tunnel 2 Towers Not only was Richard helping to Richard saw an advert for the Walk it, Jog it, Run it do a challenge; I am still trying to London 5k 2014 celebrate the Charity’s 70th Skydive celebrating the Charity’s 21 June - Edinburgh Night convince all my friends and family! 25 May - Bupa London 10,000 Anniversary but he was also 70th Anniversary. “I saw the advert and Ride 2014 I was 52 when I undertook the (10k) 2014 celebrating nearly 30 years of active thought that it just seemed like the right 28 June - Grand Union Skydive and I just want to say to 31 May - O2 Abseil fire service duty. time - I was celebrating my 30 years in Walk it, Jog it, Run it anyone else out there who thinks the Fire Service and the two together that they can’t do it at their age, it Station Commander Dykes at made 100! Actually before I realised was such an achievement, no age Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue I was definitely going to do it I found is too old to make a commitment Service explained why he decided to myself saying to people that I was like this.” do a skydive: “I regularly make going to do a Skydive and then there charitable donations but this time was no backing out!” August September wanted to do something specific. I 4 August - World War One 6-8 September - thought it was really important as you And there wasn’t, after much planning If you are interested in Centenary Bike Ride 2014 November never know when you might need the and organising Richard set about London to Paris Ride24 10 August - RideLondon 100 2 November - New York help of the Charity and so I felt that fundraising for his jump. “Fundraising was taking part in one of our 7 September - Bupa Great Marathon whilst I was able to contribute it was made easier by being able to use online 16 August - Birmingham North Run 2014 events to raise funds for Colour Run the perfect time to try something new fundraising pages and the Supporter 13 September - Thames and raise vital funds for the Charity.” Care Team at The Fire Fighters Charity The Fire Fighters Charity 23 August - Isle of Wight Pathway Walk it, Jog it, Run it are on hand to help if you need it.” In fact Walk it, Jog it, Run it Register online at 28 September - Tunnel 2 Richard raised a fantastic £500! October www.firefighterscharity.org.uk or contact 30-31 August - London to Towers – New York 2014 Newcastle Ride24 5 October - Chester Marathon us at [email protected] 26 October - Bupa Great or 01256 366581. Alternatively, if you would like to hold an event, let us know about it and we South Run 2014 can offer you support and advice!
Roll up, Roll up… Last year, Ryde Community Fire Station held a 48-hour event on their local seafront on the Isle of Wight using a giant hamster wheel, raising over £4,300 just running in it!
The wheel was made for ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and is a really well made piece of kit. Following their It cost the station £500 in total to get the wheel and ‘wheely’ successful event, the human hamsters are they would obviously welcome this much again to now looking to move the kit on to another brigade go back in their charity pot, with the new buyer doing who may like to raise funds for The Fire Fighters the same so it effectively becomes cost neutral. If Charity in a similar way. you would like to put some fun into your fundraising, please contact Sam Ade at Ryde Fire Station on Congratulations and a huge thanks goes to 07736 279351 or email [email protected]. Richard for such a brilliant fundraising effort
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Operations update Centres updates Your new Jubilee House Marine Court To assist in this process the So times are changing at estates and facilities team at Jubilee House have an on-going Marine Court with some new psychological maintenance plan that includes additions to the team. We project works to ensure our beneficiaries can focus on their were excited to welcome rehabilitation while enjoying our new Centre Operations services! facilities in good order. During the past year we have commenced Manager Andy Wilkinson a programme of renovations to What can I now expect if I who started in January. the bathrooms and bedrooms, come for rehabilitation at replacement of double glazing Our new physiotherapist Vicky is settling in well, she has now been with us for a few one of the centres? As with any in the main house and in some months and is encouraging staff with Pilates classes at lunchtime! Talking about lunch, of the properties, and exterior there has been some fabulous smells coming from the kitchen at Marine Court with new property, our centres decoration and roof work. In Chef Tino joining the ranks, helping to add his Italian twist to the meals. More good news What’s involved in addition, behind the scenes We take an approach to your occasionally need came over Christmas from Kim Dixon, one of our physiotherapists, who gave birth to a my assessment? various key plant and machinery rehabilitation that includes you being fine bouncing boy Harry! Congratulations from all at the Charity and we look forward to a little TLC and even is in the process of being replaced involved in psychological, physical meeting Harry when you visit Marine Court soon. or renewed. Finally, we want and social care activities. This means though Jubilee our beneficiaries’ stay to be as But it is not just all about the people, our new Combined Heat and Power unit has just that you may be involved in nursing, Your initial assessment involves a House was only enjoyable as possible so now passed generating 100,000 kilo watts of free electricity as a bi-product of heating our two physiotherapy, gym and psychological meeting (up to 50 minutes) with one of every room has Freeview TV with pools at Marine Court. This equates to £11,000.00 of saved energy within its first year! sessions dependent on your individual opened in 1995 we our trained psychology team members built in DVD players and Jubilee need, both on a one-to-one basis and as to discuss any particular psychological are constantly ensuring House now has an extensive DVD part of a group. We also have support needs that you might have whilst staying library! services at the centres that can offer at the centre. Our psychology service that the building and you advice and guidance on a wide Harcombe House is freely accessible to all beneficiaries contents are in the range of social care issues. We take on a self-referral basis as part of their great pride in providing you with caring, rehabilitation programme. Please best repair. supportive environments at our centres, note that our recuperation clients are healthy and nourishing cuisine, and currently not able to access the Charity’s Are you looking for a new place for a short break or good company to aid your recovery and rehabilitation programmes, including holiday? Do you fancy some adventure or a tranquil improve your quality of life. psychology services. As always, we will be asking all beneficiaries attending our place to read that book you have been meaning to centres for feedback on our services to get to? Well then, look no further. Where can we access review our performance, and the impact psychological services? and outcomes of our work. Harcombe House is the perfect All revenue generated from our place to enjoy a stay and you can rental breaks goes straight back into fundraise with your feet up! Whether the Charity, enabling us to upgrade you just want to explore the beautiful existing facilities and services. With Over the past year we have invested Devon countryside or get involved an array of facilities on offer and heavily in our new psychological in the plentiful activities on offer in excellent accommodation, each centre services. Where previously psychology the area, Harcombe House has is an ideal location at which to base a was only offered at our Jubilee House something for everyone. There are family holiday. In particular, if you are centre, staffed by Dr Clare Lennie, Kerry certain times of the year when the looking for a short break, Harcombe Hodgkinson, Sheila Dowton and Bob occupancy at our centres is naturally House in Devon will offer any number Pringle, we now have psychological low, and it’s at these times we offer of nights outside of peak times (school services at our other two centres too. rental accommodation for members holidays). To find out more about our Harcombe House is staffed by Anita of the fire and rescue community rental breaks at Harcombe House or Robeiro and Dr Anna Tissandier, and their families. our other centres visit our website at Marine Court is staffed by Drs Cara www.firefighterscharity.org.uk Gibson and Tina Bartley.
10 | SHOUT! SPRING 2014 SHOUT! SPRING 2014 | 11 Case studies ommun Case studies C ity
Community Michele’sa ‘Class’ act C h Leaving to return home was very difficult and “Over the years I have managed to emotional as the ladies both felt that they raise £14,000 for The Fire Fighters Challenge a l e had made a real difference to the youngsters’ len g lives. However, it also strengthened Sally’s Charity, although I have left the and Leanne’s resolve, saying that they would service after 34 years, I am still Ghana 2013 “We were shocked when we walked love to go back and continue supporting the into the classroom for the first time. children of Woe. “It was an opportunity of a strutting my stuff in aid of the Charity” Last November Sally Giles and Leanne There was nothing on the walls, no lifetime but one I hope to repeat”, Sally says. educational posters or pictures, just The Fire Fighters Charity team and the group Player set out on an incredible adventure concrete walls and floors with wooden they travelled with have decided to sponsor desks. It was such a contrast to the Michele Carter, a retired to help a local community in Ghana two of the children in Woe, Kelvin (12) and schools in the UK but the teacher District Administrator, has whilst raising money for The Fire Fighters Mavis (10). Their mother was unable to feed explained that they had nothing to use been raising vital funds for them and left the children at the school to go to fix the children’s work to the walls. It was just so sad The Fire Fighters Charity for Charity, it seemed like an opportunity not to the capital for work. The cost of supporting to think that these drawings that the children had put so over 34 years! be missed. Here is their story... a child through their education and a good much work into, were being stored away in cupboards” meal costs approx £1.00 per day whilst they Michele started a keep fit class explained Sally. are at primary school. Another brilliant aspect at Dogsthorpe Fire Station in However, during the weekend break the group visited to come out of the trip was that the year 2 at Peterborough (Cambridgeshire Michele charges a Sally Giles, wife of Fire Fighter Kevin Giles and a shopping mall so Sally set about ensuring that she Madley Primary School now have some new Fire and Rescue Service) in nominal amount for Leanne Player, a Retained Fire Fighter both purchased something to fix up the children’s pictures. pen pals... year 2 in Woe! 1976 for the ladies section serving with Hereford and Worcester Fire and “When I returned to the School on Monday morning which included Fire Control “We would highly recommend the community those that attend Rescue Service, took on the African Adventure I made a display of the children’s pictures that staff, relatives and friends of challenge, it is a fantastic opportunity to and the money Community Challenge. The aim of the event is they had drawn of their family. They were over operational and admin staff. make a real difference to people’s lives whilst to support a local community project in Ghana, the moon to see their work displayed on the Then in 1979 she joined raising vital funds for fire fighters back in the raised is donated which could include construction, decorating, walls of the classroom, it is something that I will Cambridgeshire Fire and UK. The experience was hard at times but to the Charity. So teaching or sports pursuits. never forget! The looks on their faces were just Rescue Service as a Control incredibly rewarding and something I would incredible, it felt so rewarding. Then I explained Room Operator at Dogsthorpe After signing up to this exciting adventure, the jump at the chance of doing again,” explains far over the years to their teacher that the fixings can be used over Fire Station. In 1980 following ladies set about fundraising £2400 and were Sally. So if you fancy a challenge of a lifetime she has raised an and over again, so in the future the children’s on from the success of her first overwhelmed with the support that they received. then why not sign up for our next Community pictures will continue to adorn the keep fit class, Michele launched “As an administrator for Madley Primary School, my Challenge and if you are fortunate enough to incredible £14,000! walls. She was so thankful and another class south of the city colleagues were eager to help and Head Teacher Lee go to Woe in Ghana, Sally and Leanne have delighted that they could at Stanground Fire Station. Michele is a fantastic Batsone and Sports Teacher Tom Hutton had their asked if you would say hello to Mavis and carry on putting up new supporter of the Charity and legs waxed with the proceeds going to my fundraiser,” Kelvin and the children of Woe! Throughout her career she explains Sally. With Madley Primary school fully behind pictures, something that also held other posts such her continued dedication Sally’s endeavours, the children also wanted to get they couldn’t have dreamt as Station Clerk, Station raising vital funds for the involved and brought unwanted uniform, clothes, pencils, about doing before,” Sally Administrator and with the re- Charity over the years has had and paper for Sally to take with her on her challenge. describes. organisation of the service into a significant impact. A huge thanks and congratulations Local companies also extended their support donating Sally and Leanne were Districts became one of the goes to Michele on all her £100 to have their logo added to Sally’s T-Shirt. amazed at the children’s District Administrators working hard work over the years, it is outlook on life and although in the Peterborough District. After all the fundraising, it was time to set off on the long very much appreciated by all they have nothing at all, and hot journey to the village of Woe. On arrival the The two classes are still at the Charity. ladies then settled into the very basic, but adequate, the children are very happy, going today and their accommodation and were then treated to an amazing always singing, dancing and popularity continues. welcoming ceremony with lots of drums and dancing. playing games. “The children Michele’s enthusiasm Sally and Leanne started work at the school the following played with the basics in life and and dedication is visible morning, with Sally working with class 2 and the rest of played using their natural instincts to to all and through word the group including Leanne busy painting the outside of communicate and play with friends and of mouth the classes the school and the classrooms. of course their games do not require batteries or bring people of all electricity!” Leanne explains. ages from 12-80!
12 | SHOUT! SPRING 2014 SHOUT! SPRING 2014 | 13 Fundraising focus Getting social
Firmly established on the fire and rescue service calendar, the National Car Wash is the charity’s Marc Cavaciuti All largest national fundraising event of the year. As well as being a At The Fire Fighters Charity rehab #kindwords centre Harcombe house in Devon. fun fundraising event for The Fire Fighters Charity, the popular event Am amazed, proud and so so also gives fire fighters the unique privileged to be here. opportunity to share life-saving Your kind feedback... advice about road safety with a large scrubbed up cross-section of their community. Let’s face it, washing the car is Lisa Hawes Lisa Hawes Mike Williams nobody’s favourite job. So why not for charity! Outstanding care and support when I take the hassle out of it and head I have been to recuperation twice The BEST Charity of all. I am proud needed it most, to recover from work on down to your local fire station following major lung surgery. Also to say that I have supported them in March and September for the I have used the facility whilst my related stress, anxiety upper limb (and previously the FSNBF) for over disorder and repetitive strain injury. Every March and The National Car Wash provides National Car Wash, raising vital daughter has been ill & I will always 40 years. Thank you MY Charity. an excellent opportunity for drivers funds for The Fire Fighters Charity! support this fabulous charity Those 2 weeks in Penrith were the September, drivers across to have their cars scrubbed whilst start of my recovery and new life - I the UK are given the learning vital road safety tips. In am so thankful and grateful to all the March and September, fire fighters staff at The Charity - thanks to you, chance to brush up on up and down the country make I’ve got my life back! Ceri Kinsey their fire and road safety, the nation’s cars sparkle using Ian Johnson @firefighters999 big thanks to specially-formulated car care whilst their car receives a I spent a week at Penrith with shampoo donated by Autoglym, all Harcombe House gang, after 2 gleaming polish from their the UK’s leading car care experts rehabilitation problems with an weeks rehab, superb & professional local fire fighters! (Shampoo available in September). ankle injury. I must confess as Jill Bowen people, great experience a “non-fire fighter” I was slightly Stations can also opt to run a car apprehensive as to how I would So here I am at Harcombe House valet day instead of the traditional be received at the centre. There Devon for 2 weeks intensive car wash – as a water-efficient was no need, I was accepted physio rehabilitation. Courtesy of way of raising funds for The Fire almost as one of your own and The Fire Fighters Charity. What a Fighters Charity. Using buckets and received treatment that put me great facility. sponges means the fire crews can back on the road to total recovery. clean around 30 cars with the same amount of water that their hoses Thank you for all you do and would take to clean just one! how you do it. Keep up the good work.
In September 2013, the National Car Wash raised over £125,000 and here’s how it was done… Join us...
Region Total You’ll find us on Facebook, Twitter and Scotland £35,157.21 You Tube, so come and South West £15,469.50 join the community. North West £15,906.37 Everybody is welcome. Southern £11,385.05 It’s a great way to find East Midlands £9,501.05 out what’s going on and share your own stories East Anglia £8,429.77 with like-minded people! Wales £12,306.62 South East £5,708.32 Yorkshire & Humberside £7,184.66 West Midlands £3,011.17 North East £1,636.50
14 | SHOUT! SPRING 2014 SHOUT! SPRING 2014 | 15 Corporate corner Gift in your Will
www.firefighterscharity.org.uk your
ABOUT YOU... Letter Date We would like to take this opportunity to ask some questions about you. opinion This helps us to ensure that the details we currently hold for you are www.firefighterscharity correct. We thank you in advance for your assistance. Addressee .org.uk Address Line 1 First Name(s): Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms (Please circle) Address Line 2 matters! Title: Address Line 3 Middle Name(s): Surname: City Address: County Postcode Postcode:
Corporate Home Tel: Work Tel: Mobile: Email: Dear
Are you working / retired? Family Other Control Support As a valued supporter we are asking you to assist us with our forthcoming campaign which will raise Fire Fire Fighter What was / is your role? Staff Member Retained Room Staff awareness of the positive difference such a generous gift can make. Fighter
Main Role Job Title Enclosed with this letter you will find four different leaflets all promoting leaving a gift in your will. be a life I would be most grateful if you would spend 10 minutes or so reviewing the leaflets and completing the enclosed questionnaire to give us your opinion. Did you know that your partner and your dependants are also beneficiaries of The Fire Fighters Charity? So that we can understand how many beneficiaries we have it would be most appreciated if you could tell us the following: It’s a common myth that only very wealthy people leave money to charity when they die. The reality is Cohabiting Separated Will you leave a Single Married that most bequests are made by ordinary, hardworking people like you and me, who want to make It’s also a good idea to set up Marital Status: with Partner a positive difference to their community after they’re gone. Members of the fire service community
are no different and currently around £500,000 is left to The Fire Fighters Charity each year. Divorced Widowed
It is difficult to talk to our supporters about this subject, but we recognise the value of these gifts to the changer?No (If yes, please indicate how many and their age group(s): a Lasting Power of Attorney Yes Charity. It costs £9million a year to keep The Fire Fighters Charity running. With no government funding, Do you have any dependants? 12 – 17 years 18 years+ Under 4 years 5 – 11 years we rely completely on the generosity and enthusiasm of our supporters to help us continue our vital work
making a positive difference to people in the fire and rescue community when they are in need. Rather not say Yes No (LPA) so you can appoint gift in your Will? Have you made a Will? Thank you in advance for helping us decide on which approach to take when talking to members No Rather not say of the fire service community. We look forward to receiving your thoughts. I have I intend to with Shoosmiths Access Legal Would you consider Corner... leaving a gift to The Fire Fighters Charity? Yours sincerely somebody you trust to deal The information you have provided will be used by the Charity to fulfil your request. Your details may also be used to keep you informed about the THANK YOU Charity - please call 01256 366566 if you do not wish us to contact you. Thank you so much for helping us with this Nikola Ilott with your affairs if you lose If you would like to receive our email updates please tick here. research, your time is Marketing Analyst If you would like to receive our SMS updates please tick here. greatly appreciated. Making a Will ensures your loved ones are looked the mental capacity to make If you don’t want to be contacted by third parties please tick here. It’s a common myth Please send your questionnaire leave a gift in your will back to us in the FREEPOST Contact our Supporter Care team on 01256 366581 decisions for yourself. envelope provided. Royal Patron Registered Office: The Fire Fighters Charity, Level 6, Her Majesty The Queen Royal Patron after and helps avoid problems after your death. Belvedere, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 4HG. The Fire Fighters Charity, Level 6, Her Majesty The Queen (1093387) and Scotland (SC040096) Registered Office: Charity registered In England & Wales Belvedere, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 4HG. that only wealthy Charity registered In England & Wales (1093387) and Scotland (SC040096) The three most common reasons Shoosmiths Whatever your legal need, people leave money Access Legal hears for not doing that are: from buying a house to compensation for injury to charity when they or planning for the future, 1. I’m not worth enough! You don’t 3. It costs too much! It doesn’t Shoosmiths Access Legal die. The reality is that have to be wealthy to need a Will. have to. There are lots of Will can help. Call them free leave a gift in your will most bequests are Contact our Supporter Care team on 01256 366581 If you own your own house or making options available, self-help on 0808 256 5566 or visit Registered Office: The Fire Fighters Charity, Level 6, have savings over £5,000 then packs and organisations that offer www.access-legal.co.uk Belvedere, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 4HG. made by ordinary Royal Patron making a Will can save lots of Will-making services. Currently Her Majesty The Queen time, arguments and even reduce our sponsors, Shoosmiths, are hardworking people any tax that’s due. Also when offering Charity beneficiaries an who want to make a you factor in life assurance and exclusive 10% discount on the pensions, we are all worth more cost of making a Will. Shoosmiths positive difference to In November 2013, we than we think! LLP sponsors their community after sent a questionnaire to over 2. I’m married - does my family The Fire they’re gone. 7,000 of our supporters asking Once we have completed our analysis, get what’s due to them Fighters Charity them to review four concepts we will be using the learning to create automatically? Not having a for our new ‘Gift in Your Will’ Members of the fire service our new Gift in Your Will leaflet, as well Will means the Rules of Beneficiary leaflet. We’re currently analysing as new factsheets and website pages Intestacy dictate how your estate community are no different and Support Services the results to see which images for legacy giving. We were thrilled to is distributed. That could result currently around £500,000 is left to and content the respondents in those you want to inherit Factsheets that The Fire Fighters Charity each year. receive so many helpful opinions – and favoured. missing out. If you are simply can be found on even more thrilled that a number of living together, not having a Regardless of the size, legacy gifts those who responded indicated that Will means your partner may our website are vital in helping us continue our they are considering leaving a Gift in get nothing at all. work of helping the fire and rescue their Will to The Fire Fighters Charity. community at times of need. Whilst research shows that around 35% of people say they’d happily leave a gift in their Will, only 7% actually do. Thank you!
We’ll look forward to sharing our new legacy materials with you in the near future!
16 | SHOUT! SPRING 2014 SHOUT! SPRING 2014 | 17 Around the UK
9. Lincoln 6. Isle of Wight 1 Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue raised a fantastic 2 £12,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity in their On 12th October 2013 the Inverness Christmas collections. A big thanks to the team Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue who accompanied Santa and his sleigh through Service and Police Banchory neighbourhoods, spreading Christmas cheer. Officers from Hampshire Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue set itself a goal of Constabulary went toe to raising £70k to mark the events toe in a charity boxing night Charity’s 70th anniversary in aid of The Fire Fighters and thanks to these seasonal Charity, Hampshire & Isle of efforts, they are now getting Wight Air Ambulance and the near to their goal! . Lottie Rann Trust. 12 fighters from each service battled it out in the ring for 3 x 1 minute rounds at the Cowes Yacht round up Haven. With 700 people in attendance, To share your news, contact the Fundraising the event raised £10,000 of which £5,000 Team on 01256 366581 or email came to us. Thank you to Dave Hunt for organising this event and 8 [email protected] to everyone else involved in making it such a success. Ballymena 9 1. Inverness, Scotland 3. Birmingham 7. Dartford* Lincoln Dave Mattison, husband of Scotland’s A huge thank you to West Midlands Regional Fundraiser Jan, met the Fire and Rescue Service, who raised We’d like challenge to walk 100 miles in 4 days a staggering £1,917.13 for the Charity to thank the over some of Scotland’s toughest on 21st December. Fire Fighters from fantastic folk at terrain raising £1,363.75 for the Charity. Bournbrook, Hay Mills, Highgate and Justice 4 Claire, an 3 Dave walked the top part of the West Ladywood entered into the spirit of organisation created in Highland Way from Kingshouse to Fort Christmas whilst collecting and our memory of would-be fire fighter William, before tackling the Great Glen very own Blaze Bear also made an Claire Tiltman, 16, who was sadly Birmingham Way to Inverness. Well done Dave and appearance! murdered twenty years ago. They 7 thank you for your support! held a tribute evening in aid of the Charity and a local hospice, and raised 4 4. Croydon Dartford* 2. Banchory & Stonehaven, a wonderful £1,612.26 for us. Scotland The Croydon Abseil took place in *Photo Courtesy of Jon Snapaway Croydon November and raised an amazing £6,343! One team did the abseil in super hero Craig Chalmers and Stewart Murdoch, 8. Ballymena, 5 Fire Fighters at Banchory Fire Station, onesies, raising over £3,000. It was a along with Mark Greig and Gregg Taylor fabulous day enjoyed by all, with the Northern Ireland 6 from Stonehaven Fire Station took super hero onesies attracting a crowd of Winchester Fire Fighters from Ballymena Fire Station on a massive challenge in November spectators! were presented with a £1,300 donation 2013. The team trekked to Everest Isle of Wight for the Charity last year. The money was Base Camp to raise money for the 5. Winchester raised by Siobhan Shiels from Ballymena, Charity. A huge congratulations to the following a charity quiz night in honour of guys in achieving an amazing goal Thank you to the team at Barnett’s her late daughter’s memory. Sandy-Leigh and raising £4,829.75! The incredibly Barbers in Winchester who raised just Gilmore tragically died in a house fire in tough challenge was physically and under £500 on Sunday 27th October her home in March 1993. When presenting mentally exhausting and included a 2013 from the takings made on the day. the donation, Mrs Shiels said she never 200m ice climb, altitude sickness, Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the event forgot the bravery of the fire fighters who -20 temperatures and difficult living and the organisers are hoping to hold responded to the emergency call on that conditions. However, they even it again this year. Thank you also to fateful evening and who did everything managed a game of football at 2,900m everyone who came along to get their hair they could to try and rescue her little girl. and were invited into locals houses for cut and support this event! Our sincere thanks go to Siobhan Shiels coffee and fried yak! All in all it was a and everyone who attended the event. rewarding experience and one that they will not be forgetting in a hurry.
18 | SHOUT! SPRING 2014 SHOUT! SPRING 2014 | 19 Our Life Patron With great sadness
Our tribute to Sir John Zochonis Sir John was a major regular donor Typically he never wanted or sought to the Charity through the Zochonis to take credit for his remarkable Charitable Trust, which he founded generosity but his legacy will live in 1977 as well as a very generous on throughout Manchester and donation from his personal funds. further afield in the lives of the The aim of the Trust was, and people that he helped. Sir John will Irwin Jewell Life Patron still is, to tackle the inequalities be remembered for his kindness, in education, health and social generosity, humility and genuine provision, primarily in Manchester philanthropy. On several occasions This month I was lucky enough to spend some and the North West. In the 33 years members of The Fire Fighters that Sir John managed the Trust it Charity met with Sir John including time talking to Irwin Jewell, a Life Patron of has benefitted hundreds of charities, enjoying a lively lunch with him at The Fire Fighters Charity. Irwin is one of the helping thousands of people the Greater Manchester Fire and including many of our beneficiaries. Rescue Service HQ and a meeting very few people that have been involved with with him at his PZ Cussons office in the Charity throughout his career and beyond. His kindness and Birmingham in 2012 to present the Irwin Jewell We regret to Charity’s plans going forward. We generosity touched so would like to extend our heartfelt announce the thanks for all the help that Sir John It was in 1948, when he came out of Along with my station we raised enough many people, many and the Zochonis Charitable Trust the RAF that Irwin joined the Berkshire money to buy the Charity (which we sad passing of has shown to the Charity over the and Reading Fire Brigade as a retained then called the Ben Fund) an estate of whom will not have Sir John Zochonis past few years and send our sincere Fire Fighter. He was immediately made car so that Ronnie could pick up the known the man who condolences to his wife Brigid, his the Station representative of Mortimer beneficiaries easily. We continued to who died on 30 gave them such an family and friends. Fire Station. He served as a Part Time raise more money with different events November 2013. Fire Fighter and had a long career in and managed to buy another car for the incredible gift. the Fire and Rescue Service becoming charity as well.” the officer in charge of the station in In fact Irwin and his team at Mortimer 1958 and throughout this time he also Fire Station were so dedicated to dedicated much of his efforts to the regularly raising money for the Charity Charity even spending 14 years on the that the 12 strong team made more Obituaries National Executive Committee. Irwin’s Wiltshire news money than any other Fire Station in work was recognised in the Queen’s Berkshire for 25 consecutive years. Congratulations goes to Rev. Charles New Years Honour list of 1977 where A very special thank you to all Mr Masson, who was 101 when Sutherland who at the age of 83 It is with great sadness he was awarded a BEM for his services Irwin’s dedication to The Fire Fighters those who attended his funeral and he died, joined the service in has written his first novel entitled to the Fire Service. Charity continued throughout his that we also announce gave so generously to the Charity 1935 and served until 1975 when ‘FAANCY THAT!’. Charles is a keen career. He was on the committee when that was so close to his heart. he retired. He was awarded an supporter of the Charity and served the passing of Trevor Irwin explained to me about how he got we purchased Harcombe House and Our thoughts are with Fiona and MBE in 1949, the OBE in 1956 as Chaplain to Wiltshire Fire Brigade to know Ronnie and Maureen Green, following a cold winter Irwin organised a Woolley who died on all his family and friends. and the Queen’s Fire Service for 8 years before retiring. His work is that they became great friends and how change in the heating system in one of Medal in 1975. The Charity would based on his early years spent in the 12 September 2013. We would also like to send our much he wanted to help Ronnie make the cabins for free. This was then done like to send our condolences to the Charity so successful. “One day I Highlands of Scotland in a tiny village condolences to family and friends of Alex Masson’s family and friends. throughout so that all the guests were Trevor served with Derbyshire Fire met Ronnie down at Marine Court, he called Culcabock, near Inverness and Gerald Hotchkiss, who died on 5 comfortable and could enjoy their stay. and Rescue Service at Long Eaton was picking up beneficiaries in an old shows the readers about the primitive December 2013. Mr Hotchkiss was Our thoughts are with the family Irwin was also involved in the purchase Fire Station from 1978 until he Morris Mini Traveller and could only life styles that were endured by the very well known and respected in and friends of Reginald Arthur of Jubilee House and watched as the retired five years ago. Throughout take a couple at a time and so he spent people in the Scottish Highlands at the London Fire Brigade and will be Haley QFSM FIFireE who sadly Charity went from having one centre to his time in service he was an avid a long time ferrying back and forth. In the time of his birth and upbringing. greatly missed by all who knew him. passed away on 28 December three state of the art locations to help supporter of the charity and would fact, none of the guests realised who he Charles now lives in Devizes with Our thoughts are with his wife Mary 2013, aged 88. Mr Haley was a beneficiaries. regularly help with events. He also was at first, they didn’t realise that they his wife Christine and they retain and all his family and friends. former Institution of Fire Engineers had on occasion used the services were being picked up by the manager! On behalf of the Charity we would links with the fire service community President and also held other and always spoke highly of the help The Fire Fighters Charity were But I knew that one of these days that wholeheartedly like to thank Irwin and through membership of the Wiltshire posts, including voluntary roles and support he had received. It is a also saddened to hear that former the car would break down and so I set all our other Life Patrons for the Retired Firefighters Association. throughout his career displaying true testament to Trevor that a kind Firemaster of Perth and Kinross, about raising money to help. I decided dedication, enthusiasm and hard work his commitment and dedication Copies of ‘FAANCY THAT!’ may be donation was made to the charity Alex Masson, passed away over to organise and run a horse show to they have given over the years. We are to the organisation. ordered through DEVIZES BOOKS for £250 on his behalf following a the New Year. fundraise and this was so successful incredibly lucky to have such support on 01380 725944 or by email on collection from his family and friends. that it continued for 25 years! for the Charity as it has helped us achieve significant milestones and [email protected] get to where we are today.
20 | SHOUT! SPRING 2014 SHOUT! SPRING 2014 | 21 Kids corner Take a break Win a Blaze The Fire Fighters Charity Our loveable Blaze Bear has been out Whilst Others Sleep and about again, supporting fundraising by Teresa Leggett Blaze and raising awareness of the Charity. book club This book of events and From bucket collections at Sainsbury’s to supporting the anecdotes centred on the London Marathon charity runners, he is a busy bear. Let’s hope he was Fire Brigade has been lovingly On his travels just saying hello to the two police officers and being a good bear! Beyond the Flames brought together by Teresa Leggett, the daughter of Colin As ever, Blaze likes to please the community – A London fireman’s story Reynolds. Colin was a Station and is having his picture taken here with a tourist. by David C. Pike Officer in LFB during the period But which famous home is he standing in front of? immediately following World War II at a time when the traditions of today’s fire and rescue service were being laid down. Answers by email to marketing@firefighterscharity. This book takes you org.uk by 1st August 2014 please. On your email into the world of a London The close knit team-working and camaraderie are a central please write your name, age and parent/guardian Fire Fighter and David theme in Colin’s descriptions of his exploits across London. details. Correct answers will be entered into a prize Fellow fire fighters will readily recognise the humour and draw to win a Blaze Bear. Children only please! Pike’s journey which lasted four decades, from the many of the capers he and his watches got up to and jokes sixties to the nineties. they played on one another. There are tales of station displays As a teenager at a South going wrong (but more often right!) and impressing on the London comprehensive public the traditional fire fighting skills and tenacity that were The Fire Fighters Charity supports grown school, young David at the forefront of the approach to operational incidents. The ups who work in the fire and rescue service Pike is advised by his potential negatives around a traditional watch culture are by helping to make them better when they careers teacher to seek also at times in evidence but this book is a record of one have been injured, or help them recover employment at a local individual’s experience of the time and should be seen in word search when they have been poorly for a long time. engineering factory. this context. For me it emphasised that many fire fighting Test your fire safety knowledge with our Spring safety puzzle! Kids techniques and traditional knowledge passed down through Determined not to do We can do our bit to help fire fighters by so, at sixteen he seized the offer of a place as a Junior the generations have been hard won and that at times fire keeping ourselves safe and listening to S T O P D R O P Fireman and started a journey climbing the career ladder fighters have paid a price for it. At the same time it shows just our parents. D E P A C S E F within the London Fire Brigade. On the way he undertakes how much has changed both technically and culturally. Find the following safety words in the a wide variety of roles, as well as organising several high There are numerous interesting and detailed incidents O N A N D G O I grid and write the leftover letters in the profile charity events for The Fire Fighters Charity and events recounted all with a very human touch, boxes to spell out a safety message. (previously FSNBF). R O A D U L T R and with a realisation of the traumatic effects such things can have inside the brigade and on O T C R A W L E Stop drop / and roll It is impossible not to get drawn in to these pages, members of the public. The mischievous and Fire alarm the author captures you with his honest, factual S S M O K E H A ingenious jokes and scenarios are written in a Stay low / and go and funny story, providing his own account of the fresh and imaginative style. Most fire fighters T E L L A N S L camaraderie, fundraising antics and devastating Exits will recognise the “hedgehog on a fishing line” fires that sometimes ended in tragedy. It was an A I D L E G T A used outside fire stations late into the night Family excellent read, not only for those in the job, but also watch, but Colin gives this an extra twist which Y L I M A F I R Smoke for anyone who ever wanted a fascinating insight makes it all the funnier. Colin’s respect for his L O O U T S X M Crawl into the world of the Fire Service whilst combining fellow firemen and the love he it with an honest account of David’s life and Road / safety had for the job are much in O P L A N I E D career, doing a job he loved. Escape / plan evidence and this book will W E S A F E T Y Tell an / adult You can find this book on remind all fire fighters of www.amazon.co.uk how valuable their role The safety message: in society is and how lucky they are to be , ! a part of it.
22 | SHOUT! SPRING 2014 SHOUT! SPRING 2014 | 23 www.firefighterscharity.org.uk
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