Sports and welfare magazine issue 12 web

MAG A ZINE • ISSUE 12

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Contents Drayton Manor ............................................................. 3

FireSave Credit Union Ltd ........................................... 43

Foreword ..................................................................... 4

Jubilee House ............................................................ 44

Firefighters Charity ....................................................... 5

Firefighters Charity - How are we funded? ................... 45

Angling ........................................................................ 6

Firefighters Charity - Fundraising and ESS ................... 46

Fosters ........................................................................ 9

Skatehut .................................................................... 47

Astronomy ................................................................. 10

Open Age Football Section ......................................... 48

Advanced Vehicle Contracts ....................................... 12

Football Vets .............................................................. 50

ISAR .......................................................................... 14

Friendship Club .......................................................... 52

Amplify....................................................................... 17

Golf ........................................................................... 54

Blue Lamp Foundation ............................................... 18

Community Heritage Group ........................................ 56

The New Alexandra Theatre ........................................ 20

NARF ......................................................................... 60

Bows and Belles ........................................................ 23

Merlin ........................................................................ 62

The Choir Brigade ...................................................... 24

Sailing Challenge ........................................................ 65

Skiing NEW ............................................................... 25

My Road to Rio .......................................................... 66

More4Members .......................................................... 26

Running ..................................................................... 68

A letter from Bavaria ................................................... 31

St Mary’s Hospice ...................................................... 69

Chaplaincy ................................................................. 34

Yoga at WMFS ........................................................... 70

Firefighters Charity ..................................................... 35

Be Our Champion ...................................................... 72

Cycling ...................................................................... 36

Tastecard ................................................................... 74

Bespoke and supportive finance from exfirefighter ....... 38

Walking and Mountaineering ....................................... 76

Belgrade Theatre ........................................................ 40

Sporting Contacts ...................................................... 79

This Magazine is funded entirely by the Sports and Welfare Fund

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© West Midlands Fire Service Marketing 2016 1617•215

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Foreword When I joined West Midlands Fire Service in 1992, I never envisaged that I would be writing the foreword for the Sports and Welfare Fund magazine, and I have to say how pleased I am to be given this opportunity.

I have had a long association with the Sports and Welfare fund and have benefitted from being a member in a number of ways over the years. From the early days of inter divisional football matches, “A” Division golf and 5 a sides, to representing WMFS in teams at rugby, cricket, football and a short spell in over 35’s football. I even got lucky as a fire fighter with a £200 win on the prize draw. To the present day my family and I are regular attendees at the Birmingham Hippodrome pantomime, with the tickets sourced via the Sports and Welfare fund. It’s a great night out and the kids love it.

It is clear that there is a wide variety of activities supported by the Sports and Welfare fund and, as I read each magazine I see lots of people engaged in the activities they love with a clear desire to grow and develop each area by encouraging new participants. I would like to say thank you to each and every one of you, and to the HQ team organising behind the scenes, for your enthusiasm and recognising the key part you play in keeping the fund going and growing. Without you the fund would not exist.

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Jason Campbell Area Commander Strategic Enabler of Prevention

I hope you will enjoy reading this latest issue which highlights the benefits and numerous opportunities’ that are available to you. I wish all of you success in all that you are involved in and if you are reading this but are not actively involved with the Sports and Welfare Fund why not make a few enquiries and give it a go.

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Angling

Mark Edwards

As our busy match calendar for this season finally concludes I have to reflect on some brilliant matches and some equally impressive personal performances.

fantastic job of organizing and running the event raising the profile of the West Midlands Angling Section to the rest of the country.

This year as a Brigade we hosted the National Freshwater Angling Championships at the excellent Tunnel Barn Fishery.

The event was very well supported with teams from all corners of the country representing their respective Brigades. We had an excellent team result finishing a very respectable runners up to the eventual winners Greater Manchester. This included a very impressive third overall position for the ever consistent Matt Haines. Well done to all team members for a great result. And a special mention must go to Ken Hughes and his dedicated team of helpers, who behind the scenes, did a

As a club we hold matches on many top class venues each season such as Larford Lakes and Solhampton Fishery, which produce some bumper nets of fish, with a few double figure specimens making a welcome appearance. I can honestly say that the standard of angler in the club at the moment is at a very good level, with the more experienced anglers always willing to take time out to offer advice and support to the less experienced members to improve their ability.

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Tunnel Barn Fishery

Mark Edwards with a nice carp 7

Far left: West Midlands Fire Service hosted and competed in the Fire Service Angling National Championships at Tunnel Barn Farm.

22 teams took part and West Midland A team achieved a brilliant 2nd place overall.

Team was Matt Haines, Liam Hart, Mark Edwards and Graham Green Left: Matt Haines managed to get 3rd individual overall weighing in 116 lb!

Our membership just keeps going from strength to strength, and our match turn outs are usually in excess of 20 anglers.

We pride ourselves on being a family friendly club with family members always welcome to come along and fish. We are always on the lookout for new members, so if you fancy joining us, what we can offer you is:FREE midweek fishing at a local commercial fishery 12 matches at top class venues A chance to compete in inter service and national competitions If you are a novice, expert or just haven’t fished for years, dust off your tackle and come join in the fun.

Anyone interested in joining the club or just coming along to try out one of our matches can contact either Mark or Ken for more details.

Mark Edwards D3 Orange - 07963 742836 Ken Hughes (Retired) – 07988 156014 Tight lines, Mark Edwards 8

Lee Dugmore into a fish

Astronomy The summer months have been relatively quiet for the club with the longer days and cloud cover working against us. However, with the night’s drawing in it’s getting into the prime time of the year for star gazing as the cooler weather tends to bring with it clearer conditions for viewing the night sky.

It couldn’t come soon enough as in November we have the annual Taurids and Leonids Meteor Shower and with it a modest 10-20 meteors an hour, not much in the way of meteors but never the less plenty of opportunities for socialising to pass the time between sightings. Whilst there may be over 20 million meteors that are observable every day, only one or two ever reach the surface of the earth.

Whilst the WMFS Astronomy club is not affiliated to any other club, talks are ongoing for us to become associates of a number of accredited Astronomical Society’s across the region which will allow Sports and Welfare member’s full access to a greater pool of resources, events and lectures.

At the time of writing I am researching the possibility of purchasing a number of DVD boxsets for members to use, this will include the award winning COSMOS series originally written and presented by Carl Sagan and later remade with Neil deGrasse Tyson. The purpose of this is to open up the opportunities for people to engage with science and all things Space without the need to leave the home…Watch this space!

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Martin Ward-White

Since my first article in the last addition I’ve been contacted by a number of people both serving and retired about how to join the Astronomy Club, to keep things simple if you email me asking to join you’re in! No application forms required. All I ask is that you keep me updated about any events you attend so that we can write them up for the next issue.

So for now, can I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2017 (Wow…that’s come round quick!!).

Martin Ward-White.

Astronomy and Me Astronomy- one single word that covers such an immense topic. Before being given the opportunity to study astronomy as an extra-curricular subject, I had no idea about the wealth of knowledge available on what lies in our solar system and beyond, but now I know that sense of awe you can get when looking into what you know could, theoretically, be infinity.

Constellations have to be one of the most beautiful aspects of the night sky, with the pinpricks of light they provide forming various shapes in the darkness above. As the seasons change, so do the constellations that you can see, with Orion the hunter only being seen during the winter months if you are located on the Northern Hemisphere. The sheer beauty of the stars at night cannot be compared to what you see in pictures or in films- the real thing easily surpasses them all.

There’s so much more to astronomy than just looking at the sky too- there’s the factual side. For example, there are different types of stars in the universe and the ‘types’ spread much further than categorising their size. One of these types is the recently discovered vampire star. These types of star occur in a binary star system (where two stars orbit each other), where one star will seemingly ‘suck’ the gas fuelling the other, providing it with a much bluer colour for far longer than an ordinary star would be able to (as blue is the colour of a young star).

During the time I spent on my coursework, I needed to observe the moon and make several sketches. When you look up and see its silver surface, many would not give it a second thought, but I am always reminded of the view I had through my binoculars- the clarity of the seas and craters was incredible!

And although many people may think that you need expensive equipment to have a decent view on astronomical bodies, I can safely say that that is not true; whether you can afford to have a powerful telescope or a small pair of binoculars, the feeling is still the same- no matter what tool you use.

By Jessica Allington

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ISAR UK International Search & Rescue Team returns with Top Honour Did you know that West Midlands Fire Service provided the Command & Control function when the UK-ISAR Team ‘United Kingdom International Search & Rescue Team’ is deployed to international disasters?

Natural disasters can strike anytime, anywhere. It is why the team is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Did you know that all members are volunteers and the last few deployments of the team have been to Indonesia, Haiti, New Zealand, Japan & Nepal?

So when on the early hours of April 25th 2015 a devastating 7.8-magnitute natural disaster hit the country of Nepal we were within hours at Solihull getting our kit ready as getting to the scene of the disaster as soon as possible is the key to finding more people alive.

The team having returned from helping out in Nepal where over 8,000 people died and over 16,000 were injured did not have time to rest as the focus shifted onto making sure the team and its ICT components were functioning at their best in readiness for the IER reclassification as a United Nations INSARAG classified team.

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A team of eight, Rob Norman, Russ Gauden, Tom Hatfield, David Heywood, Andy Tite, Shyam Rana, Dean Harris & Aghia Pal led by team leader Sean Moore took part in a 4 day exercise in Germany in May which tested our response capability alongside teams from Spain, Italy and the Czech Republic.

It’s official West Midlands Fire Service has some of the best firefighters in the world.

I would like to thank everybody who supported the UK-ISAR team because in playing your part it allowed us to not only retain our global accreditation under UN search and rescue guidelines which we must achieve every five years but we came back with top honours from the United Nations and European Union-backed event, having recorded the highest ever global pass mark.

28th May 2016 UK ISAR INSARAG Reclassification Aghia Pal United Kingdom International Search & Rescue Team West Midlands Fire Service Infrastructure Engineer

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Blue Lamp Foundation Helping our injured emergency services heroes PC David Rathband’s Blue Lamp Foundation was set up six year’s ago to help those in the emergency services who are injured in the line of duty.

Initially set up to cover physical injuries and out of pocket expenses, the Foundation has evolved and now includes physical and emotional wellbeing. It is helping individuals across all three services including those who are suffering from PTSD as a result of their work and those who’ve received life-changing physical injuries. The Foundation has recently provided bereavement grants to the families of two paramedics killed in road traffic accidents, and it’s been able to provide support not available through any other avenue including refurbishing bathrooms into wet rooms to accommodate the individual’s reduced mobility and complex physical injuries.

The Foundation is working with organisations who also directly support the three emergency services, and it’s funded emotional health and wellbeing programmes with each including a £75k grant towards a Psychological Wellbeing Programme with the Police Treatment Centre in Harrogate to complement its existing Physical

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Wellbeing Programme. Further funding of £30k towards a bereavement support programme for the children of those in the emergency services who lose their lives on duty and an initial £30k grant for The Ambulance Services Charity to help it get a PTSD support programme off the ground for ambulance personnel and their families.

The Foundation continues to work in close collaboration with The Fire Fighters Charity and has provided a £8.4k grant to upskill its psychological services team meaning it can help more Fire Fighters and provide a range of treatments from EMDR to CBT and meditation.

The Foundation’s Founder PC David Rathband knew what it meant to be injured in the line of duty, and his lasting legacy is an organisation which is here for others in the emergency services are find themselves injured in the line of duty. The Foundation’s support enables them to get back to the job that they love, where that is possible, and improve their overall quality of life.

To find out more about PC David Rathband’s Blue Lamp Foundation, please visit: www.bluelamp-foundaiton.org If you would like to fundraise for the Foundation, please visit: www.bluelamp-foundation.org/get-involved/ 19

B WS

B E L L E S Charity Ball 2016

Congratulations

strength.. I look forward to next years’ Annual Dinner and Dance celebrating the work, Graham, a great friend and colleague, did for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Congratulations everyone a job well done, roll on 2017!

A well-deserved congratulations to all the Bows and Belles committee for making what is and in no doubt will continue to be a successful dinner and dance.

Bows and Belles is a fitting tribute to a great man.

Grahams’ memory lives on through this annual event, which I’m sure you will agree will grow from strength to

Dave Smith (Bows and Belles Committee.)

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The Choir Brigade Although The Choir Brigade were only established in April 2016, the 1st October saw us embark on our first public performance!

What have you discovered?

The choir were fortunate enough to perform at the West Midlands Fire Service band concert held at Sutton Town Hall see the pictures for proof!

I enjoy being with people I wouldn’t usually see or work with

This Choir is for everyone, you don’t have to audition, just come and have fun and enjoy singing with a group of likeminded people.

If performing is something that is not for you, there is no pressure, just enjoy the Thursday sessions.

In writing this article I asked some of the Choir members for their thoughts

Singing can be fun!

I have discovered that singing makes me really happy!!!

I feel better and relaxed after singing What have you enjoyed the most?

I really enjoyed being part of the singing at the Band Concert on 1st October – as a group I felt we rose to the occasion and developed from the experience Always a fun atmosphere

What has being a member of The Choir Brigade done for you?

I love being with everyone, the Choir brings people together for a common goal in the work place that’s not work! That’s brilliant!

I enjoy the sessions so I keep turning up – it is not heavy and Katie is talented, positive and supportive

I enjoyed the concert and the sense of achievement

It’s nice to relax after a long day at work!

Anything else?

At home I’m asked not to sing (there’s history) so now they are happy and so am I!

I really enjoy meeting up with everyone and having a good sing to blow the cobwebs away after a long day I have become more confident with singing, I am so happy that performing with The Choir Brigade has enabled me to tick something off my bucket list!

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It doesn’t matter if you think you can’t sing, it’s about bringing people and voices together, if there’s only one voice alone you can hear the notes you don’t hit, when there’s more than one voice you can find the harmony.

If any of the above appeal to you, get in touch.

If you are interested, do come and join us, we meet every Thursday in the Bistro at headquarters, 4.30pm until 6.00pm.

There is a fee to be paid each week at the rehearsal, which is £2.00 for members of the WMFS Sports and Welfare Fund and £3.00 for non-members. No payment is required if members are unable to attend.

I am in the process of setting up a Ski/ Board Club for members and their families, people of all abilities to join, with a view to organising group ski trips.

You may get the opportunity to see us perform as we are now taking bookings for the Christmas season!

For further details please contact one of the committee members, Michele Pym, Cheryl Olver, Tania Hale, Hannah Cross, Joanne MacMillan, Julie Connor, Alison Newis or Karen Hunt, or just come along one Thursday and give it a try – you will be made most welcome.

Michele Pym.

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It also develops friendships within the organisation to perform with one of your colleagues, some who I didn’t know very well before the Choir was formed.

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The Choir brings people together on an informal level and have a laugh when things go astray.

Even though it’s still summer, it’s time to start thinking about beautiful scenery, fresh air, pistes and Apres Ski!

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Calling all Skiers and Snowboarders!!!

Snow sports are becoming more and more affordable and group trips reduce costs even more.

If you’re interested in joining the club and whizzing down the slopes with friends and family, then please contact me kevin.fitzgerald@wmfs.net

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Ein Brief aus Bayern My name is Colin Derry; I retired on December 6th 2004 after serving all my time within West Midlands Fire Service in E Division serving on most of the stations in the Walsall and Wolverhampton district. I’m writing this in response to Stuarts request in his last newsletter about what us retirees get up to now that we are free agents again…. so, here we go.

I moved to Bavaria 4 years ago, it all began when I met a German lady on a bus in Turkey (as you do!) in April 2005. It so happened me and my mate were on a tour bus full of Germans and I was trying to interpret what the guide was saying when Bianca, who was sat in front of us turned and said “I think my English is better than your German so shall I translate?” I was obviously spouting

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a load of rubbish from my dimly remembered German language lessons at school – which I thought was a bit unfair as I’d never had a problem ordering beer in Kiel, Cuxhaven and Hamburg when I was in the Navy! Over the course of the next few years she’d visit me and I’d visit her in Bavaria until it nearly got to the point that the air stewards on the Lufthansa Birmingham to Munich flight knew me by my Christian name. After spending a wonderful 3 months in the summer there in 2012 we decided I should move over for good, which I did in the November, so I packed what I could into my car, and set off for Bavaria and my new life.

Or… A Letter from Bavaria.

These days I live in a small town called Rain (pronounced Ryne) am Lech which stands in the Schwabia area of Bavaria. The river Lech is situated on the outskirts of the town to the east and the Donau (Danube) is about 5km to the north. There are approx.

9000 people in Rain and for a small town it’s surprising what goes on here. There’s the town band which is excellent and often puts on free concerts for the locals, a football club with 4 or 5 teams and a stadium that’s better than I’ve seen in some of the leagues in the UK. A 4 star hotel and a proper Gasthaus , “Zum Boarn “ which serves local Bayerisch fare , 3 Italian restaurants , 1 Chinese and a kebab place and not forgetting the ice cream café. They do like their ice’s here, they come from miles away just for an ice cream from the little villages in the area.

It’s a very agricultural area, huge fields growing maize (mainly for bio gas) wheat, potatoes, sugar beet, Spargel (giant asparagus) and other salad crops. What land that isn’t used for crops is densely wooded and managed by the local villages or the state…. as you can imagine the majority of homes have a wood burning stove. Wild boar still roam the area along with deer, hunting is commonplace so a lot of them end up on the menu at local restaurants, and very tasty they are too being free range so to speak! And if you don’t fancy meat there’s a trout farm not far away where you can have them made ready for the pan while you wait.

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They still have half day closing on Wednesdays, and most of the shops are closed by 4pm on Saturdays. We have one set of traffic lights which from late on Saturday just issue an amber flashing warning light to remind you to sort it out amongst yourselves until they function normally again on Monday morning!. it seems to work very well. Winter tyres are mandatory from November to April, I’ve never seen anyone stuck in the snow yet. The first time I took my car for a service and went to collect it , debit card at the ready , they looked at me strangely and said “No , no , no we’ll send you the bill within the next month” and handed over my keys. Definitely not come across that before in the UK – no cash, no car!

The Health service is excellent, at my age when you need to see a specialist – Urology springs to mind – my doctor just gives me a list of specialists and says choose who you want to see and you phone them up and it’s all sorted. We’re on first name terms now as he likes to practise his English when I have an appointment.

I have a health insurance card funded by my N.I. contributions ,and when I visit they just swipe it and say “ Aah … Herr Derry, GrossBrittania “ ….. Is that good or bad I wonder?!

The geographical location of where we live, just over an hours drive North of Munich, means we can reach the Alps in about 3 hours. A favourite spot of ours is a town called Bad Reichenhall very close to the Austrian border. There are some stunning walks through the mountains, Salzburg just down the road and plenty of lakes etc. to visit. Not far from there and you’re at the Gardasee (Lake Guarda) and into Italy. At the moment I’m still into discovering Bavaria …. It’s a big place with lots of variety on offer.

We’ve discovered a fair bit this summer especially by bike using the dedicated cycle trails (Radwege) which keep you off the road 32

most of the time and directs you through some charming villages and countryside. We try and go for a Rundweg (circular tour) with a hostelry at the 20km point for a bit of a break, you can always find somewhere to get some food and drink, it’s all very civilised!

Well, I’m off to the Biergarten shortly (I’m writing this in September by the way) so I wish you all Auf Wiedersehen and if any of you are thinking of a visit to Bavaria I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed by what you find here…… apart from beer at 2.50

Euro a pint the food’s great, natives are friendly and there’s such a diversity of castles, medieval walled towns, mountains etc. etc. you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Regards or Pfia Gott!

Colin Derry 33

Chaplaincy Well here we are, another year coming to an end and Christmas about to hit us between the eyes. Christmas is such a funny time of year, a time for families, fun and festive spirit. But for so many a time of sadness, depression and almost unbearable grief. Is it that we have such happy memories of Christmases past that we face the coming holidays without loved ones with such dread? Is it because childhood memories of deprivation and misery are so strong that we attempt to make up for them with enforced good cheer and overindulgence?

We all have a story to tell, a journey undertaken, a life lived and it is as individual as we are. The promise of Christmas has always been for a time of celebration, of thankfulness for a child born, of hope for a future improved, of peace on earth for all men! Yet the reality is all too often one of disappointment and frustration, disillusionment and regret.

I think it is because we expect too much and too little.

We expect too much of the longed for earthly treasures and are, therefore, disappointed with what we actually get.

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Sallie Morgan

We expect too little of the promise held out to us through the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and, therefore, fail to see the hope of a better life, of peace and of thankfulness for all the good things we do have in abundance.

I would like to suggest this Christmas that we take some time to count our blessings, let go of our expectations and just enjoy both what we get and with whom we spend it.

If we are more concerned with giving than getting then we will not be disappointed with what actually comes our way. If we set out to help others enjoy themselves more than worrying about what we are doing then we will be less frustrated and disillusioned.

I love Christmas. The lights, the songs, the presents. But I will be glad this Christmas morning if my stockings are filled with legs that still carry me, if my heart is filled with love and joy, if my eyes behold the smiles of those I love and my life is filled with purpose and a future.

Happy Christmas to you all.

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Cycling Back in February 2016, I applied for a charity place in the Ride London 100 mile cycle ride with the pledge of raising £599 which at first seemed bit of a hurdle, but after helping at a couple of car washes that target was soon reached.

Included in my plans was to organise a charity ride, with a suggested donation of £5 each towards the Fire Fighters Charity.

As plans developed and the route took shape, starting from Walsall Fire Station, out into Staffordshire via Cannock, Penkridge, & Brewood, then into Shropshire through Albrighton & stopping at Bridgnorth at the half way mark where local crews helped greatly by opening the Fire Station and putting out some timely refreshments. (Pictures at Bridgnorth Fire Station) The ride then went up hill, downhill, up more and more hills and on to Kinver, Wombourne, Tettenhall, Codsall, & back through Bloxwich to Walsall. (Seemed a good idea two weeks before the ride London event, to do an 80 mile ride with a group of riders!).

The day of the ride, Saturday 15th July just after 9am with good weather, the group made up of Fire fighters from West Mids & Staffordshire as well as Ambulance staff from Shropshire a few retired fire fighters and friends set out from Walsall Fire Station, just under 50 riders started off, going in two waves, with the faster riders setting out 20 minutes after the first group.

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Following along as an insurance policy for any mechanicals or injuries were 2 in a Support vehicle, which was greatly appreciated for giving up their day. No injuries to report, only a slightly grazed knee & one mechanical repair, so not bad considering.

Along the route a few stood out as fine hill climbers, in particular the pace setters from Tech Rescue and those that were able to keep up with them.

Plenty of attacks on the strava segments marked up along the route, with a couple of KOM established. (Bike talk) On the day a total in excess of £400 was raised for the Fire Fighters Charity and everyone managed to finish within 20 minutes of each other, due to the staggered start.

Really good day out, and I now have the desire to organise similar event next year, Qatch this space!!

Postscript.

2 weeks later with a FF’s Charity shirt on again I set out on the ride London 100 at 0620 from the Olympic park. After just 30 miles 2 cyclists crashed in front of me, and brought me down, as I was unable to avoid the mayhem. No damage to the bike, but some pain & discomfort in my left elbow, thigh & ankle, but on the bike again after a quick dust down, and off again, determined to complete the remaining 70 miles or so. Managed to get to the finish line on The Mall just under my target time of 5 hours, with a time of 4hours 59minutes 56seconds-Officially!

Struggled to get home, but made a trip to A&E, only to find out I had a broken elbow and damaged ligaments in my foot. (Photo in plaster & Mr Bump Top, which was ironically brought the day before at a cycle show in London) Oh dear, never mind, off to Penrith for some rehabilitation, see how the money we raised is well spent.

More to follow next issue.

Kevin Challener. Tettenhall Orange Watch 37

Bespoke and supportive finan c Hi, I’m Dave Grigg. Some of you will already know me; I’m a former West Midlands firefighter now working as a professional financial adviser.

A new career

I provide tailored financial planning to support current fire service personnel and their families and also individuals who’ve now left the service.

For me however, both roles are all about protecting people, their family, their possessions and their property - and ensuring everything is safe and secure.

In future issues of our magazine I’ll bring you some useful updates with tips relating to the financial needs of both uniformed and nonuniformed colleagues.

These will hopefully help to keep your own and your family’s finances on track and also aim to get everything lined up for the future.

Unique understanding As a former firefighter myself (I left in early in 2016 after 15 years operational service) I retain strong personal links to the service and I understand therefore, the unique issues you face.

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I guess for some people my move from firefighter to financial adviser may appear worlds apart.

Qualified and authorised The first thing I’d like you to know is that I’m a qualified financial adviser, my practice Hampton James Financial Associates Ltd is a Partner Practice and appointed representative of the highly respected St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group.

Because of this, I am well connected within the industry and able to access the most up to date and practical financial solutions.

n cial advice from exfirefighter A financial life plan My overall passion is to help individuals put together and maintain a financial life plan and feel comfortable at all times about their day to day money and financial future.

Retirement planning In the next issue, we’ll look into how you could manage your finances prior to and during your retirement and managing your pensions.

If you’d like to book a one to one, have an initial chat on the ‘phone or even just ask me a question - then I’d be very pleased to hear from you.

For further information, please contact me on 0121 733 6733, or my mobile on 07738 822850 and you can also email me at dave.grigg@sjpp.co.uk The website’s www.hamptonjamesfa.co.uk

I also work one to one I’d also be very pleased to work with you on a one to one basis and I generally start the process with a no obligation personal/ family finances review, which we can do at a time and location to suit you.

The Partner Practice represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/ products. The `St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles `Partner’ and `Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

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FireSave Credit Union Ltd

Ladywood Fire Station

Phone 0121 380 6947 Email: credit.union@wmfs.net Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority & the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Reference No. 213466 Information for the future

Firesave, owned by you, working for you.

New rules allow us to extend our Loan Limits and Repayment Times. We are now looking into how we will introduce these changes. These changes will be measured in their introduction.

At the moment we are investigating changing the interest rate bands and extending certain loans to 10 years. We will let you know when each of these changes are due to occur.

For savings and loans since 1992.

Breaking news - certain loans can now be taken over 10 years 43

JUBILEE HOUSE The Fire Fighters Charity, Jubilee House, Penrith, Cumbria Located in the beautiful Cumbrian Lake District, Jubilee House is a 42 bed facility situated in 10 acres of grounds within the picturesque village of Eamont Bridge, lying one mile from the historic town of Penrith.

Equipped with purpose-built facilities, Jubilee House is the newest of the Charity’s three centres. It offers the same high standard of service and specialist knowledge, along with unique psychological support tailored to our beneficiaries’ specific needs.

Members of the fire and rescue community can also benefit from nursing care assistance at Jubilee House.

Jubilee House Facilities:

Jubilee House’s professional nursing team is able to cater for a diverse range of needs including post-surgery and those with neurological, musculo-skeletal and degenerative conditions.

The Charity is also able to offer neurological physiotherapy as part of the programme for those who require it.

• Fully equipped gymnasium and sports hall • Indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and hydrotherapy pool • Restaurant, bar and lounge with Sky TV and DVD • Pool table • Laundry facilities • Extensive grounds, ideal for walking and cycling

To find out more about The Fire Fighters Charity rehabilitation and recuperation programmes email helpline@firefighterscharity. org.uk or call 0800 389 8820

The Programme

Email: jubilee@firefighterscharity.org.uk Telephone: 01768 890009

Like all of the Charity’s centres, Jubilee House is run by a team of dedicated professionals. Having worked with the fire and rescue community for many years, they have built up an unrivalled knowledge of treatments that its beneficiaries require.

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Rehabilitation programmes will be adapted accordingly.

On admission, each individual is thoroughly assessed so that a tailored programme can be developed to best aid personal recovery.

Jubilee House, Eamont Park, Penrith, CA10 2BN

How are we funded?

The Fire Fighters Charity receives no regular funding from Government and relies greatly on the generosity of its regular donors and volunteer fundraisers, the vast majority of whom work within or are retired from the UK fire and rescue service.

However, changing times for the charitable sector and for the fire and rescue service has seen a shift in the fundraising landscape and, as demand for our services has increased, the Charity’s fundraising income over recent years has struggled to match this increased expenditure.

Play The Fire Fighters Lottery: Donate via our monthly lottery and you could win up to £25,000.

Visit www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/lottery

Fundraise for us: Thousands of people run, climb, walk, cycle, bake, abseil and undertake all kinds of challenges for us every year, you can too. www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/whatyoucando

Donations and fundraising support from across the fire and rescue community, and from the general public, is therefore more important than ever.

Remember us in your will:

How you can support The Fire Fighters Charity

What difference can you make?

There are a number of ways you can donate to support the Charity. You could:

A week’s residential rehabilitation for one beneficiary costs the Charity around £1,200. If you and 10 friends each donated £10 a month for a year, you’d pay for that beneficiary.

Become a regular donor: Whether you’re a member of the fire and rescue service or a member of the public, regular donors are the lifeblood of our Charity and becoming one is as simple as following this link: www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/donate

Leave a life-changing legacy www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/will

Every penny really does count and your donation will help to change someone’s life for the better.

The Fire Fighters Charity wouldn’t be here without the thousands of people who support and fundraise for us.

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FUNDRAISING 46

On the 18th December the Firefighters Charity has again been granted a Street Collection Licence in Birmingham for 24 hours.

We are extremely lucky to have been offered this date so close to Christmas during The German Market.

EMERGENCY SERVICES SHOW

We need volunteers to make a success of this opportunity and help us raising a large sum of money for OUR charity.

We need volunteers from Stations, H.Q, Fire Control, Non uniformed or uniformed to give some time during the day (and maybe evening !).

Retired with time to help? On or Off Duty, Could you join us in Birmingham City centre?

Please make this event your priority. It is one day a year and The Firefighters Charity needs your support!

If you, your Watch, your Section, your Station would be prepared to give up some time during the day, no matter how short, to support us. Please contact Paul Guyver by telephone or Email. Paul Guyver 07583132620 – paul.guyver@wmfs.net

On the 20th and 21st September at the Emergency Services Show we raised £900.00 for the Fire Fighters Charity by running a stand at the show.

Generously giving their time here you can see, Barbara Stark, Harry Dennick, Sheila Dennick and Lynn Bow.

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Open Age Football Section WMFS vs GMC We kicked off our 2016/17 campaign with a difficult first round fixture in the UK cup at home to Manchester, the same team knocked us out of the semi-final last year so we were keen to make amends.

With a fantastic response from players stating their availability, we were able to field a strong side against difficult opponents.

The game started - tight and cautious with both teams weighing up the opposition after the numerous battles we’ve had over the last 3 seasons.

Following our GMC victory, our next game in the UK cup was against Merseyside.

West Mids vs Merseyside Open Age Due to staffing and holidays. We had a squad of 8 open age and 7 vets.

We started the game on the front foot with Kyle Brooks coming close to opening the scoring in the first 10 minutes. Then constant pressure resulted in their centre half scoring an own goal, although claimed by Ian Wroe who was adamant the last touch was his!

After strong play down our right and a through ball for Adam Ricketts to latch on to, we took the lead 1-0. This was closely followed by a great solo effort from Brendan Houston who put the ball in the top left corner to double our lead.

For the remainder of the first half we soaked up the pressure, with some outstanding goalkeeping from Andy Minor, we went into half time with a 1-0 lead.

Second half, GMC came out very strong and good defensive play kept them at bay for 25 minutes until they bundled the ball across the line from a low cross. Credit to all our players and the teamwork they showed to battle for the remainder of the game to win 2-1, whilst also having more chances of our own.

Making one substitution at half time to change our shape, we came out into the second half and made a perfect start. We scored 2 goals in the first 10 minutes. Firstly another own goal (also claimed by Ian Wroe) as a result of a corner. And then Wroey made a lightning run through their back four to slot it past their goalkeeper. Claiming his so called hat-trick.

A well-deserved victory.

Final score 2-1 Match report Matt Price 48

For the next 30 minutes we played excellent possession football all over the park. The fourth goal came from a Beckham-esque set piece from Chris Baker resulting in a bullet diving header from Dan Meers at the back post.

In the final minutes a lack in concentration allowed them to pull one back. But overall a very good performance all round, hopefully a repeat in the next round verses East Scotland away.

Final Score 4-1 Match report - Chris Baker

I would like to thank all the players who continue to support and give up their time to represent the section. Finally, another thank you to Jon McNaughton who always asks when the games are and comes down to photograph the games when possible, much appreciated.

Any players who would like to get involved going forward then contact either myself Matt Price at Aston White, or Chris Baker at Ladywood Red. Yours in sport Matt Price

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Football Vets 6th October English Vets Cup - WMFS vs Leicester FRS – Hollyfields Sports Club, Erdington.

Having won both the English & National Cups in 2013 the last few seasons have been disappointing. The ageing team were dumped out of all competitions in early rounds last year highlighting the need for some new blood and a bit of a shakeup. Investment in our scouting team and a new youth academy scheme looks to be paying dividends. The purchase of a new Lycra kit (with the controversial request for some medium sizes) and a 6 figure sponsorship deal with Just-for-Men© has also played a part in attracting youth into the squad.

Our opponents Leicester always field a strong squad and from the kick off we knew we were in for tough game. Leicester played neat football and had the majority of possession in the first half resulting in a deserved goal around the half hour mark. A second goal came not long after and a shell shocked West Mids side needed a response. This came with the very late arrival of Steve Ball. A few lollipops and a volley later and we were back in it 2-1. Steve then responded to his pager and vanished like it had all been just a dream. This brief cameo and goal was just what the team needed. The half time talk, energy drinks, Jaffa cakes, teas, bananas and Sanatogen© rallied the team and the second half performance was much improved. A genius tactical decision (forced change) was made by manager Chris Gauntlett - utility player (and MVP) Chris White was 50

shipped out onto the wing, defence played a higher line which provided more support for our strikers. Our second goal came in the dying minutes from one of the new kids – Stu Mayo who threw himself at a cross with the ball finding its way in off his belly (his words) - 2-2!

Extra time for over 35s is not pretty!! From the side-lines it looked like a sniper had been given the green light. With half the players on the floor cramping up our high line cost us. Scott Walkers half time energy intake must not have been sufficient and a long ball caught our whole defence napping to put us 3-2 down with only minutes to go.

The investment in our youth policy however was now evident as another debutant Craig Reid was still bounding around like an escaped puppy. With seconds left on the clock a slick passing move through midfield led to Reid being put through to score taking the game to 3-3 and penalty’s.

The penalty shoot-out was torture – this was likely down to exhaustion, but after White’s fine opener the standard slid drastically with some atrocious attempts from the West Mids team (thanks for filming them all Adam Kendall). Leicester however had brought their shooting boots, what they hadn’t accounted for was that Walker had refuelled and was back on form making some near athletic saves. This went on for what seemed like hours until sudden death and Reid rolling one past the keepers left for a well fought Victory for the Reds.

Oh and John Hodgkiss made a tackle (ok John).

Next round Staffordshire FRS Contact Chris Gauntlett C01R or Andy Powell C08G if you want to get involved.

Chris White.

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THE FIRE SERVICE FRIENDSHIP CLUB I want to tell you all, about the lovely times my partner and I have had since joining The Fire Service Friendship Club For several years running we have been to “Turkey and Tinsel” holidays, which celebrate Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, all in a five day break.

There have been parties, with crackers, balloons, poppers, lots of fun, and of course dancing for watching or taking part!

The spring and summer holidays are superb. We went to Croyde Bay this year, had great accommodation, good food, days out with lovely company, and even good weather.

August our Guest Speaker Carole Gibbs gave us a talk on “Trading in the Solomon Islands” it was soooo interesting and entertaining.

Cannot wait to hear the proposed Programme of Events for next year.

We feel privileged to be part of The Fire Service Friendship Club. We have done many interesting things over the years, and have met a lot of lovely people who have enriched out lives.

Why not come and join us?

Gillian Castle (Member) For additional information telephone 0121 458 7711

All the holidays are reasonably priced at very good hotels.

We also have days out. Bletchley Park was really interesting with a conducted tour included in the price. A good day out. We are looking forward to our visit to Melton Mowbray to sample the pork pies. Yum Yum. Unfortunately we cannot attend the Turkey and Tinsel this year, but we are looking forward to the Festive Lunch with musical entertainment at Alvaston Hall.

Oh! The meetings at Safeside are brilliant too. Coffee mornings with cake and refreshments, and this year we have had two delicious buffet lunches. At the lunch in 52

STOP PRESS Two of our members will be going on an additional Dunwood holiday next year. On the 6th October, Margaret Stanton attended the Dunwood Travel Holiday Show in Dudley, where her name was entered in the Prize draw. Margaret said, “I was stunned, and of course delighted when my name came out first to win the holiday for two”. This generous prize was donated by Potters Resort and Dunwood Travel.

Friends h

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The proposed Programme of Events for 2017 are as follows: Friday February 3rd 2017 Alexandra Theatre “Abba Mania” Tribute Group. Price £18 Evening Performance

Return Coach, “2 Excursions, including ADMISSION INTO PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD,

Sat 18th – Mon 20th 2017 Mystery Trip Cost £102.

ENTRANCE ONTO LORD NELSON’S HMS VICTORY, THE NEW EXHIBITION OF KING HENRY

Wednesday 15th March Council House Tour, with Tea in the Lord Mayors Parlour Thursday 4th May 2017 “Dream Boats and Petticoats” Cost £19, Afternoon Matinee, Alexandra Theatre.

Wednesday 10th May 2017 Three Course Lunch Birmingham College of Food. Menu/Cost in New Year.

Monday 12th - -16th June 2017 Clifton Park Hotel, Lytham St. Anne’. 1940’s themed week. Our “Tin Hat” Holiday. Bring your identity card. This is a 5 day H/B Break, Return Coach, 2 Excursions Cost £289 pp.

VIII’s MARY ROSE, PLUS MUCH MORE. COST £169.

There are two Buffet Lunches one in April and July. At the July lunch Carole Gibbs guest speaker will give another talk on “Trading in the Solomon Islands”.

These Lunches are for members only.

We are always adding to our Programme with additional holidays and lunches to be decided.

For more Information Telephone Margaret Stanton on 0121-458-7711

Thursday 8th July 2017 Ride on the Metro to Wolverhampton.

Thursday 31st August – Sat 2nd Sept 2017. 3 Day H/B break staying at the 3 Star Holiday Inn, Southampton.

Friends h

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Golf Well that’s another golf season done with!

It’s time to put the clubs away and ponder over what could have been and wait for the sun to start shining again.

I would firstly like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported the section this year Showing real vigor and representing our region so well not only at our regional matches but at our national events too!

When I last wrote to you a team was representing us at the Sheriffs Cup at Newmacher Golf Club in Aberdeen, a strong team went there and we were hoping to come away with some silverware; Unfortunately the golfing gods weren’t on their side and they came away empty handed. Better luck next year with that one.

The result of the season has got to go to our team that went to the National stableford at Portal Golf and Country Club in Cheshire, the four players were Tim Beech, Mark Davies, Bob Cleaver and Nick Bird to say that they cleaned up is an understatement between the four of them anything that could have been won over the two day competition they won it. There was a Garmin range finder and couple of free 4 ball rounds to name just a couple of the prizes, but to top it off they won the main competition bringing home some silverware for the first time in recent memory. Super proud of you guys well done! same again next year I think.

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Most recently and to end the season we held our Brigade Championship at Copt Heath Golf Club in Knowle. The event was very well attended and the course was in great condition for the time of year. For a time I was getting excited with the prospect of winning the event in consecutive years but it was not meant to be being pipped at the post by Eamonn Durkin with a fantastic net score of 66 well done to Eamonn this is the third win for him which I believe is a first. The best gross score went to Rich Hawkeswood with a gross score of 77 very well done to you both. There was a consolation prize for

me though as winner of division one with Clive Holgate taking division two. A big thank you to all that attended and to Rich for making the day a great success.

Looking forward to next year, the section has been working hard to gain some sponsorship to help with funding and clothing for the national competitions that we go to, I will hopefully be able to give more information at our AGM but things are looking good to gain sponsorship. Which brings me nicely onto our AGM, it is likely to be held in late March so that we can get the teams organised for the up and coming national competitions and don’t forget your score goes towards your order of merit score so well worth attending.

More information on where and when will be out in the New Year.

Any new members wanting to join us this is the perfect opportunity for you to come along and introduce yourself and see what we are all about, so keep your eyes peeled for when the AGM is happening.

Let me finish by once again saying a big thank you to all of our members who have supported the section this year and let’s have another great season next year.

Nick Minshull, Golf Secretary

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West Midlands Fire Service In mid October the Birmingham Borough of NARF was contacted by Chocolatemedia.tv a television production company who were filming for a forthcoming program called ‘Restoration Of The Year’. The series looks at various buildings up and down the country which have been restored and have been nominated for the award.

The TV company wanted to speak over the phone to retired firemen who worked and or lived at headquarters to get a background for the building. Time was very tight as they had planned filming at HQ days after they contacted NARF. However, NARF contacted some appropriate retirees and some of them contacted the Assistant Producer to give their views and stories concerning the building. It must be said that not everybody who was contacted was keen to take part, perhaps because they did not want to end up on television!

The night before filming I was asked to attend and ended up talking on camera to the shows presenter Johnathan Foyle. I am fully aware that there were people much more qualified to talk to the program than me because although I worked there for twenty one of my thirty one years’ service I never lived there and I only joined in 1975, but with the time constraints concerned I took part.

The program is due to be aired in March 2017 on Channel four.

Ian Forrester 56

The crew. L-R Tom Redhead Soundman, Rebecca Arnold Director, Alice Ankeny Asst Producer, Jonathan Foyle Presenter, Bob Ghosh Architect, Ian Forrester, Adam Hobbs Cameraman.

Community Heritage Group

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Fire Heritage Network –UK The West Midlands Fire Service Community Heritage Group is part of the ‘ Fire Heritage Network – UK ’ , which is an organisation dedicated to offering advice and network opportunities to most of the fire museums, and other interested groups, in the United Kingdom.

The Fire Heritage Network - UK hold their Annual General Meeting at a different fire related site each year and this year’s was held at the ‘ National Emergency Services Museum ‘ Sheffield, on the 7th, 8th & 9th October 2017. The museum utilises an old Police & Fire Station and attracts over 20,000 visitors a year.

Members of the network meet up on the Friday evening for a get together, have speakers on the Saturday morning, hold the AGM on the afternoon and have a formal three course meal on the night. On the Sunday a local site is visited and this year’s was to the Mansfield Fire Museum, ably founded by Terry Spalding.

Transport for the weekend is usually provided by old vehicles and this year’s was a double decker bus, which, unfortunately broke down. However, other arrangements were quickly made so not much time was lost.

Subjects covered on the Saturday morning included ‘ The History of the National Emergency Services Museum ‘, a National Lottery Funded project called the ‘Blitz’, and ‘ Insurance Fire Brigades’.

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The AGM resulted in Chairman Alan House (Hampshire), Secretary Bob Bonner (Greater Manchester) , Membership Secretary Bob Wright (Scottish Fire Group), & Magazine Editor Phil Consadine (Ex Coventry) all agreeing to stand again for the coming year.

One of our newer members Ron Gilcrest attended on behalf of the West Midlands group.

An interesting time was had by all.

Ian Forrester

Latest Donations

The group are pleased to have received a donation from Haden Cross Fire station in the form of a National Fire Service Competition Cup.

Although the cup has a date on it of 1938 the NFS was not formed until 1941 so it is thought the 1938 date concerns one of the named peoples date of appointment.

Apparently the cup had been held at Halesowen Fire Station and when that closed down the cup, with others, were transferred to Haden Cross and stored in the boiler room.

The group are grateful to the Station Commander and the personnel at Haden Cross.

The cup is inscribed ‘National Fire Service Competition Trophy’, Presented to the Borough of Rowley Regis by A.G.James Esq RE. It goes onto to show the names of the Mayor J.E.W Highton, the Chief Officer Alec Longfellow, and Town Clerk C. Buckley.

We have also received a Service Manual, from ‘Roddy’ Llewellyn at HQ, for Siebe Gorman Airmaster Mark 2 Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus. We believe this dates from the 1980’s.

The group are always looking for donations so don’t throw it away - tell us first on heritage.group@wmfs.net Ian Forrester 59

NARF - News Round Up Constitution The Committee of the West Midlands Branch of the National Association Of Retired Firefighters has recently been doing some work on updating the Constitution of the Branch and also to write Borough Constitutions for the four Boroughs of City Of Birmingham, City Of Coventry & Solihull, City Of Wolverhampton & Walsall and Dudley & Sandwell.

The Constitution for the Branch was written some time ago and needed updating whilst the Boroughs were operating under ‘usual practice’ and needed a more formal approach.

Bob Crowley (Treasurer) Dudley & Sandwell Borough did a lot of work in gathering information together and following some discussions the Committee are now ready to take the amendments and Constitutions to the next AGM for approval.

In order to approve the changes we need an improvement in the attendance of our AGM, so please, if you can make it do so.

The AGM will be held on Wednesday 22 March 2017 at West Bromwich Fire Station at 1930 hrs.

Firefighter’s Pension Scheme 1992.

Following the passing into law the ‘Firefighter’s Pension Scheme (Amendment & Transitional Provisions) England Order 2016, and the fact that The Age Discrimination Legislation came into effect 60

on 1/12/2006, Fire & Rescue Authorities can finally implement the Pensions Holiday for members of the 1992 Firefighter’s Pension Scheme.

Basically this means that young firefighters paid in contributions to the scheme without getting any benefit for them.

This means that if you meet the criteria you will be entitled to repayment of contributions plus interest.

The criteria are :You must have been an ‘active’ member on 1st December 2006, Have 30 years service at or after this date.

Not have reached 50 by the earliest of 1/12/2006 or on the day on which you achieved 30 years service.

The Brigade have identified 192 individuals and either written to them or e-mailed them.

The WMFS Pensions Dept are, at present, unable to give any timescale for payments as they are waiting for the issue of tables from the Government Actuaries Department.

They will keep people informed.

The bad news is that payments will be subject to National Insurance and Tax payments.

Borough AGM’s

Christmas Greetings

The Borough AGM’s are as follows :-

The Committees of the West Midlands Branch and the various Boroughs wish all our members a pleasant Christmas and a healthy new year.

19/4/17 at Safeside, HQ, 1500 hrs. Coventry & Solihull 2/2/17 at Binley Fire Station 1930 hrs.

Wolverhampton & Walsall 25/1/17 at Fallings Park Fire Station 1930 hrs.

New Members

Dudley & Sandwell

The group welcomed a couple of new members recently.

1/2/17 Venue to be arranged.

1930 hrs.

National Service Of Thanksgiving.

Following last year’s failure to hold a service due to site works, the Firefighter’s Memorial Trust are pleased to confirm that there will be a Service in 2017. The service will again be held at the Fire Service plot, The National Memorial Arboretum, Arlewas, Staffordshire, DE13 7AR on Sunday 14th May 2017, at 1200 hrs.

National Magazine Members should have received the first issue of NARF News from the new printers. We note that the adverts in it were for northern areas, as that is where they are from, but we have been assured that future editions will be regionalised and show adverts for our particular area.

The magazine Committee would like to hear any comments on the new format so, if you have any, please let the editor, Ian Ferguson, know on 07932 004401 or ian.ferg@btinternet.com

Ron Gilcrest ex Birmingham Fire & Ambulance Service.

Ron served operationally at Aston, Central & Aldridge before going into ‘A’ Division Fire Safety, at the old HQ , Sutton & Aston Fire Safety Centre. Ron moved to the Ethnic Minorities Section at HQ for a short time before ending at Walsall Fire Safety.

John Rushton is the other who joined Smethwick Ambulance Service after trying to become a fireman (no vacancies).

During his service John joined the AFA (Auxiliary Fire Service) at West Bromwich Fire Brigade. John Joined Smethwick Ambulance Service and after local government re-organisation John was an ambulance man out of Harborne & Moseley Road Fire Stations, eventually going back to Henrietta Street Ambulance Station where he had worked briefly before.

Welcome aboard !

Ian Forrester

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My Road to Rio Rio 2016 Olympics - My Experience My Rio 2016 Olympics volunteering experience – I’ve been asked, was worth it???

The simple answer to the question was yes the experience was worth the investment. Leading up to the start of the Olympics, the world media had us believing that Rio was a no go city. There were concerns that the Games would be delayed or cancelled due to the Zika epidemic and unfinished Olympic Venues. In spite of these issues and questioning whether I was doing the right thing, I remained confident that Rio 2016 would be a successful games and I accepted my role.

After four years of planning, the day finally arrived for me to set off on my incredible journey. I was very excited and looking forward to the prospect of being part of another magnificent Olympic sporting event following on from London 2012. This was also a landmark games as it was the very first Olympics to be held in South America.

The selection process was long and drawn out and required a great deal of perseverance to see it through. My interview was held on 10th August 2015 via WebEX and I was notified on 30th November that I was approved to be a Rio 2016 volunteer, however I didn’t received my ‘Congratulatory’ email until the 3rd April 2016. During this time I often wondered if I would be offered a role at all. When I did finally received my 66

email notifying me of my role as, ‘Field of Play’, Team Member in Athletics at the Olympic Stadium I was over the moon and the negative thoughts were soon forgotten. I was very surprised to get my first choice, as competition was fierce for my role.

The mandatory generic training was done online with the exception of the Role Specific Training that had to be done at the venue. There were two training dates allocated for this training and on both dates the training commenced before my arrival in Rio. I notified the Athletics management team about the crossover and was reassured that was not be a problem as my team leader would manage to bring me up to speed prior to the start of the competition. I still find this a little bemusing, because I never received this venue training input!

28th July and my long-awaited adventure was about begin!!!!

I departed from London Heathrow Terminal 5 and whilst checking-in was informed that Team GB Rugby Sevens Team were also checking in and were on my flight – not a bad start to the journey!!

The first couple of days in my role were a little chaotic as there were no inductions or briefings. It was just a case of showing up and getting on with the job. However things soon settled down and by the start of the competitions everything had fallen into place. I was based on the athletes training ground at the back of the Olympic Stadium where the

athletes came do their last minute training and warm-up before their final call. It was special for me to have had the opportunity to watch the biggest names in the athletics world prepare for their life defining moments. Watching their preparation brought back many fond memories of my own training, in days gone by, and a small measure of emotion! Prior to the start of the competition, the training ground was fairly quiet as athletes came and went about their business checking facilities and familiarising themselves with the track and field responsiveness and equipment. As the competition started though the venue came alive and was buzzing like New Street station, but on a city wide scale!

I can remember thinking to myself one night as I stood and watched the activity on the ground, noting the entirety of planet earth’s athletes from every nation spread before me, each one

striving to be number one in their sport. By the start of the competition the atmosphere in the stadium was electrifying as it sparked into life with swelling crowds and great applause?

The introduction of both Mo Farah and Usain ‘lightning’ Bolt to events, also helped increase interest and crowds to fever pitch levels.

My whole Rio experience was very positive as the volunteers were welcomed by the Cariocas. They appreciated that we had given up our time and financed the trip to come and volunteer at their Olympics. We received our travel costs to and from work on public transport, a hot cooked meal daily and most important our volunteer uniform.

NOW THAT RIO 2016 IS OVER…. WHAT NEXT!!!!

Rose Berridge.

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Running The Fire Service Cross Country team has been in action competing in the Police and Services Cross Country League. There was a great turn out for the first race of the season at Tally Ho! There were competing teams from the Police, RAF, Prison Service and Civil Service. The five mile route wound its way around three fast laps consisting of grass, woodland paths and tracks. The front of the race was keenly contested between Leicestershire Police and RAF Cosford. The Fire Service Cross Country team is experiencing a rebuilding process at the moment and unfortunately this time we didn’t have the required number of finishers to affect the overall standings. I’m sure this is all about to change!

There are still five events remaining over the winter months over a variety of terrain. Though competitive, races are genuinely open and welcome runners of all abilities. Cross Country racing is about discipline, effort, skill and working together as a team. With the support and encouragement of your fellow runners on race day you are guaranteed to get the most out of your hard work, whether contributing to team points or simply trying something new.

Fixtures 2017 Wednesday 18th.January. Eric Humphries inc Service League.

Northampton Wednesday 25th,January. Service League. Venue and hosts TBA Wednesday 15th.February. Services League. RAF Cosford Wednesday 22nd February Services League. Hewell Grange Wednesday 8th,March. Final Services League. Tally Ho. All races to start at 2pm apart from last one to start at 1pm.

If you’re interested in Running, taking part in our Cross Country competitions or just want more information please get in touch, Tim Kelly, Wolverhampton White Watch. 07817 029118 68

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Yoga at WMFS At lunchtime every Tuesday in Fire Service HQ a small group of people are led in an hour of Dynamic Yoga by our dedicated yoga teacher, Janette. Janette is a very experienced and helpful local teacher who teaches at various locations in the West Midlands area.

People are often put off the idea of yoga by thinking “I’m not flexible enough”, especially when seeing photos of experts doing some of the more extreme positions. We are all different and Janette is experienced enough to be able to handle those variations. Some people can touch the floor with straight legs, some can touch their hands behind their back, some can do the lotus position, some can do all of these, some can do some and some can do none. This doesn’t matter the main thing is the practice it’s not a competition and nobody is going to judge you.

The basic positions can take a little while to learn and it can be frustrating at first as you become familiar with them, but after a few weeks you’ll get the hang of them and you’ll start to flow from one position to another. One important thing is to realise that you can’t learn it all at once and that a little patience goes a long way.

Also, unless you are already super-flexible or very young, you’ll never be able to do the extreme positions or even some of the popular ones. For example, I can’t touch my toes with straight legs and I never will, but that doesn’t stop me from enjoying the pose.

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Yoga can be surprisingly strenuous and it’s quite likely that a day or two later, you’ll develop aches in muscles that you never knew you had, but these will soon go away.

Janette always seems to be able to find different muscles to exercise each week. Sometimes you’ll come away from a session and feel disappointed that you DON’T have any aches, thinking “I really could have tried harder”.

The yoga class is open to anybody who wants to attend; working, retired, on or off duty it’s £6 per session.

Yoga mats are provided. Each session ends with a five minute relaxation and it’s not unusual for people to feel so relaxed that they fall asleep during this.

If you’re out at a station or non-HQ location and have sufficient people who would like a regular session then Janette might be able to accommodate you at your location. I can put you in touch with her if required.

I am the facilitator so contact me if interested, John Pennifold john.pennifold@wmfs.net Teacher, Janette Vaze email: janettecv@gmail.com

Consider Yoga for better wellbeing Yoga aims to build a well-balanced flexible body and a clear mind.

It’s ideal for all ages and abilities. Even the most unfit person can do yoga by having postures adapted to suit them or adapted to accommodate any injuries they may be carrying.

Yoga is not a religion, it can make suggestions for ways of living to enhance calm, resilience, personal growth and responsibility.

It can help us to live happier lives.

The meditation and breath work aspects of yoga provide an opportunity to find stillness and peace which is essential for mental wellbeing, but so often hard to find in this digital age.

It is also known that the happier we are the more productive and engaged we are!

If you practise yoga consistently your flexibility will improve, which is a major benefit if you consider the sedentary life we live in.

Even if you do mild exercise every day, you are still considered to be sedentary if the majority of your job is spent sitting down.

Our bodies were designed to be stretched and moved and yoga does just that.

We hold a yoga class in Headquarters every Tuesday 12-1 pm at a cost of £6 and it’s open to all.

Elaine Debenham 71

Be Our Champion With the ever increasing range of events, trips, tickets and discounts available from the Sports and Welfare Fund the way we communicate these to you continues to be possibly our biggest hurdle.

We want you to make the most of your membership and need you to be aware of everything on offer.

To help us achieve this we need volunteers to become our Sports and Welfare Fund Champions.

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We need someone at every Fire Station, at every location across the Brigade.

It will not be an onerous task, simply putting up our posters and spreading the word will be a great start.

If you are interested in having a go please contact sportsandwelfarefund@wmfs.net

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Walking and Mountaineering The Shropshire Six Summits now has a website which you can find at www.shropshire6summits.co.uk The site offers walkers the opportunity to enter the event online, purchase event merchandise and view the event galleries from previous years.

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Membership of the WMFS Walking and Mountaineering Club is open to employees serving or retired from WMFS providing they are members of the Sports and Welfare Fund.

There is a one off joining fee of ÂŁ5.

If you have any pictures from any of the previous year’s events and would like to include them in our gallery, please contact Mark Phillips.

For further information, please contact me at mark.Phillips1@wmfs.net or Aston White Watch.

We are still encouraging new members. You will be made to feel welcome no matter what your level of ability and experience.

We will be holding a number of invitation walks throughout the year.

Mark Phillips.

g Club Red Screes - Lake District Our first autumn walk this year was in the Eastern fells of the Lake District.

My companions for the trip were Rory Campbell, Mark Lawton and Ed Jones.

The starting point was the car park opposite the Kirkstone Inn. This Inn is the third highest in England.

Our route was 7.5 miles long with 1000 metres of ascent, taking in three Hewitts of; Red Screes, Little Hart Crag and Stoney Cove Pike.

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On arrival we were met with cold damp conditions, but good visibility.

As usual George (Ed’s Springer) was keen to set the pace as we left the car park, following the well marked path northwesterly. There was an air of remoteness as we climbed steadily into the mist and the Rain. We soon reached our first summit of Red Screes.

After a much needed brew, we descended 100 metres into clearer weather.

Despite the ground being boggy in places we made good progress and before long we were ascending Little Hart Crag.

With the wind clearing the mist we were treated to a wonderful view of the surrounding peaks including Fairfield, Great Rigg and Hart Crag.

Ed also pointed out our next summit of Stoney Cove Pike which was unfortunately on the other side of the Kirkstone Pass.

Our descent took in High Hartsop Dodd which although not a Hewitt, is a Wainwright. The steep descent was knee jarring, so we decided to break for lunch and admire the view.

Our final Hewitt, Stoney Cove Pike was a long steep steady ascent which seemed to go on and on. We eventually reached the site of the disused Caudale quarry and with no visible path, we headed straight up scrambling in places. Caudale moor was surrounded in mist and we had to supplement the map with a GPS to locate the trig point.

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Our descent followed John Bell’s banner, which is named after the Reverend John Bell of Ambleside, who was born in the sixteenth century. The word ‘banner’ means boundary, so this was presumably the boundary of his parish, as three parish’s meet at the top of Caudale moor.

We were pleased to get back to the car for a change into dry clothes and before long talk started of our next planned walk.

Cnicht in North Wales.

Mark Phillips

Sporting Contacts Walking & Mountaineering

Mark Phillips

Aston White

mark.phillips@wmfs.net

Rory Campbell

Retired

rory.campbell@gmail.com

West Midlands Fire Service Walking and Mountaineering Club Ed Jones

Woodgate Valley Red Watch

Six Summits Challenge Walk

edward.jones@wmfs.net

www.shropshire6summits.co.uk

Football (vets)

Andy Powell

Billesley Green

andrew.powell@wmfs.net

Football (open age)

Matt Price

Aston White Watch

matthew.price@wmfs.net

Golf

Richard Hawkeswood

Kings Norton White Watch

richard.hawkeswood@wmfs.net

Nick Minshull

Highgate Red Watch

nicholas.minshull@wmfs.net

Ken Hughes

Retired

07988 156014

Mark Edwards

Smethwick Blue Watch

mark.edwards@wmfs.net

Running

Tim Kelly

Wolverhampton White Watch

timothy.kelly@wmfs.net

Astronomy

Martin Ward-White

FSHQ

martin.ward@wmfs.net

Table Tennis

Mick Jervis

Aston Green Watch

michael.jervis@wmfs.net

www.wmfsgolf.co.uk Angling

Janet Matthews Rugby

Ben Cluroe

0121 308 6030 Billesley Blue Watch

benjamin.cluroe@wmfs.net 79

Editor It has been a fantastically successful year for the Sports and Welfare Fund; as we continue to grow and develop more and more of you are getting involved and taking part in the functions and events we have to offer.

Over the last 12 months you will have seen us offering many more coach trips than ever before which have been incredibly popular, to destinations including Liverpool, London, Bath and Cheshire Oaks for Christmas shopping!

We’ve introduced our new Cinema events at the Everyman cinema in Birmingham, provided Theatre deals for productions at the Hippodrome Theatre including their Christmas Dick Whittington Panto

Stuart Campbell

with our Panto nights in January 2017 and not to forget the great tickets we offered to the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC twice this year in June and November!

The range of events we offer is growing and we welcome you’re involvement, your suggestions help us create an exciting and interesting schedule of events so please if you have anything in mind for 2017 get in touch, email sportsandwelfarefund@wmfs.net with your ideas, where should we go and what should we do?? Let us know.

More4Members! there are still a lot of you who haven’t used it and you are missing out on some great savings!

Contact our team Sports & Welfare Fund Membership Services Maria Harris, Emma Edwards, Vicky Perkins or James Moir Tel: 0121 380 6067 10am - 4pm

www.more4members.co.uk is provided for you as part of your membership it doesn’t cost extra it comes as part of your £2.17 fee; it is simply a website where you can access great savings and deals at retailers across the Country saving you far more than the cost of your membership with deals on everything from groceries to holidays, electronics to fashion - there is truly something there for everyone to benefit from. If you’re unsure what to do or how to use it please get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk you through how it works and start you on the road to some big savings…

As ever if you need anything please get in touch, Stuart Campbell.

Executive Committee President: Phil Loach Chair: Sarah Warnes Vice Chair: Vic Mallabar Treasurer: Vicky Burrows Secretary: Stuart Campbell