46 Mahurangimatters December 1, 2016
localmatters.co.nz
Firefighters celebrate at Leigh
In an occupation where the average length of service for a volunteer is five years, Robbie Torkington’s 49year stretch is a remarkable feat. He is pictured with wife Sharon.
Former Leigh Volunteer Fire Brigade members and supporters marked the station’s 50th anniversary over the weekend of November 18 to 20. The celebration included the launch of a book co-authored by Tony and Jenny Enderby, which traced the brigade’s first half-century. There was also an open day and Honours Night. Special guest on the Saturday night was former senior firefighter and current New Zealand Fire Service Commission board member Te Arohanui Cook, of Hawkes Bay. She said small units like Leigh served their communities well and she thanked the members for their years of service. Chief fire officer Steve Paddison thanked all the members for their involvement in organising the celebrations, especially Carol Davies who received her 14-Year Medal. Awards were presented to the following: Three Year Certificate – Carmel and Mark Simmonds, Grant Bonner and Jeff Morris; Silver Bar – 7 Years service, Malcolm Allen, Martin Lefley and Errol Murray; 9 Years, Alan Borich; 11 Years, Tony Enderby and Kevin Lawton; 13 years, Tony Borich; 17 Years, Nick Torkington; 21 Years, Mark Borich; Gold Bar for 31 Years, Barry Davies; 41 years, Steve Paddison; 49 Years,Robbie Torkington.
Fire officer Carol Davies, whose father was the fire chief at Leigh from 1972 to 1981, received her 14Year Medal for long service and good conduct.
Two generations of firefighters – Mark Borich with sons Alan and Tony, who all received citations at the awards night.
SPCA bucket appeal collects $2000 The SPCA annual bucket appeal on November 13 raised $2000 from four collection sites in Mahurangi. SPCA area coordinator Christina Windram says they were overwhelmed by the amount raised across Warkworth, Matakana and Snells Beach. “Thank you to all our volunteers and the generous and lovely people who care about animals in this area,” Christina says. Pictured: Bandit and Zephyr with owners Genevieve Driver and Kelly Turner.
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