ROLLESTON FIRE BRIGADE UPDATE

Well, we're officially halfway through 2023! The shortest day has come and gone, and now we can look forward to summer.

The Rolleston Fire Brigade has been busy, and as of 9am on Tuesday, June 27th June, they had attended 291 incidents for the year.

Now that winter is here if you have a fireplace make sure the chimney is clean and remember to allow hot ashes to go cold before discarding them. Check your guttering is clear of leaves and debris.

Allow yourself a little extra time when on the roads and drive to the conditions! Turn your headlights on in low light conditions, this helps others to see you.

Recently, the Rolleston Brigade was nominated for a Volunteer Recognition Award with Volunteering Canterbury. Congratulations to the Brigade for receiving this Award. All Brigade members put in a lot of time and effort, and are extremely well supported by their families, which allows them to help the community.

Over the past few months, we’ve had Brigade members away on various courses, including Rural Fire behaviour, Qualified Firefighter Courses, Senior Firefighter Course, Medical Courses and more. These courses are on top of the normal weekly training members attend. Over the next five months, we will have more Brigade members away on courses to upskill themselves.

Some of these courses will include Fire Appliance pump operation and Emergency Response driving, Qualified Firefighter Course, Station Officer Course, Medical recertification at First Aid level and First Responder level. At the beginning of May, two members travelled to Wellington to compete in the National Firefighter Challenge.

Nathan represented Rolleston and Chris represented Christchurch Airport. Both of these guys put in a lot of time preparing for this! They don't call it the toughest two minutes, in sport, for no reason! The challenge consisted of:

• Climbing a six storey tower while carrying an 18kg hose pack

• Then at the top, hauling up another 18kg hose by rope up the six storeys

• Down the six storeys, to jump on the forcible entry machine and hit a 70kg beam

1.5metres

• Run a 30 metre slalom course, grab a charge hose and drag it back 30 metres and hit a target

• To finish, drag a 80kg dummy 30 metres to the finish line! This is all completed in a full firefighting kit, including a breathing apparatus set and on air.

Nathan completed the course in 2 minutes and Chris in 2 minutes and 19 seconds, which was good enough to win Rookie of the Year.

The fastest competitors run the track in 1 minute and 37 seconds!

Stay warm and look out for each other.

Chris Peat, Senior Firefighter, Rolleston Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Sccct Update

Selwyn Central Community Care (SCCCT) recently held its AGM, and Chairperson Olive Webb was able to report a successful year. Much of the success has been due to the wonderful service given by volunteer drivers. As more and more people become aware of what SCCCT offer in the way of transport, visiting, shopping and caring for the elderly or housebound people in the district, they have started receiving calls from Templeton, Lincoln and Southbridge.

The van trips are still very sought after, and even though the weather has not been kind SCCCT have ventured out for half day, full day and overnight trips. This is only possible because of their volunteer drivers, who give their time generously. All drivers have undergone police vetting and have clean licenses. SCCCT’s Board remains the same, and they welcome Averil on board as Secretary, which is a huge relief for Yvonne, who steps back from that role but remains as Coordinator.

The Trust has been humbled after being nominated for the Selwyn Awards, and is looking forward to attending the gala dinner.

SCCCT contacts remain the same: Yvonne 021 313 1122 (for transport and general enquiries) and Ross 027 433 4767 (for van trips). The Trust also sells lovely leather shoes. Contact Yvonne or see the Trust at local markets.

Heather Power, Publicity.