Calon Tan Q4 2009 (English) by Paul Thomas

tân

Candle with Care

calon

Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Ca lon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon ân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Ca Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân

Q4 2009

alon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon ân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân alon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon ân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân alon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon ân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân alon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon ân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân alon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon ân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân alon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon ân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân alon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon ân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân alon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon ân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân alon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon ân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân alon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon ân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân alon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon ân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân alon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon ân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Ca lon tân alon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon ân Calon ân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Ca alon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon ân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân alon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon tân Calon 08:40:23

10/12/2009

A0128-01-E.pdf

Lighting up your Christmas!

CM Y

CMY

Calon Tân talks to John FitzJohn, Head of Community Safety

In Conversation

Atlantic Challenge Adventure out on the high seas

Ypres 2009

The Remembrance Ceremony at the Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium

Diving holidays in the Great Barrier Reef

Taking the Plunge

GWASANAETH TÂN AC ACHUB Canolbarth a Gorllewin Cymru

Mid and West Wales FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

Editorial

Calon T창n Q4 2009 EDITORIAL TEAM Bridget Bassett Corporate Services Manager

Carly Matthews Communications Officer

Gary Williams Partnerships Officer

Carly Matthews | Editor Corporate Communications & Member Support

Tel: 01267 226 866 ext 4466 Email: c.matthews@mawwfire.gov.uk

Index:

Paul Thomas | Designer

Swift Water Rescue Team - Carmarthen Crew | 03

Corporate Communications & Member Support Tel: 01267 226 862 ext 4462 Email: p.thomas@mawwfire.gov.uk

Calon Tan is printed on 100% recycled paper.

The calon T창n production team would like to thank everyone who contributed to this edition. 02 A0135-01-E.indd 2

10/12/2009 09:15:57

Swift Water Rescue Team Carmarthen Crew

Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Firefighters at Carmarthen Fire Station have been undergoing specialist training over recent months to become Swift Water Technicians (SRT) allowing members to enter swift water if necessary to carry out rescues. The setting up of the SRT team at Carmarthen was partly funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, with the funding being used to provide specialist personal protective equipment, technical rescue equipment and 2 new inflatable boats. The boats have been specially designed to operate in swift water environments, either with an outboard engine, or by using controlling lines and pulleys from the relative safety of the river bank. The Carmarthen firefighters who are trained to SRT level have undergone an intensive 4 day SRT course at Llandysul. The course covered various practical and theoretical sessions, learning new technical rope skills that are required to carry out a range of different rescue techniques in water and from the river bank. Firefighters A0135-01-E.indd 3

who are also boat operators at Carmarthen station also underwent a further 2 days boat familarisation in Milford Haven with the new boats, to learn the handling characteristics of the new boat in a range of different water conditions. Head of Operational Learning & Core Skills, Group Manager Richard Webborn said “The firefighters at Carmarthen Fire Station have adapted very well with learning and developing their new SRT skills, in what were challenging conditions at Llandysul. I’m very pleased with not only their determination, but also their commitment to learn the new skills”. He added “I’m sure that these skills will not only help ensure Firefighter safety at water related incidents, but will also be used to the benefit of communities at times of flooding etc. The Carmarthen SRT team has been set up initially as a pilot project, with a view of the Service introducing SRT teams in other locations within the Service area over the coming years. 03 10/12/2009 09:16:07

John, after a lengthy career in the Fire Service, retirement is fast approaching, what are your feelings at this time? It’s a strange feeling, the Fire Service has been a major part of my life. I will miss the job, it has provided me with so many enjoyable times working with colleagues from the FRS and from other Services, Agencies and Communities. When did you join the Fire Service? 1978, Gwent Fire Brigade, training at Malpas near Newport. Bit worried about the quality of instruction after asking one of the course staff a question. He had just given us a basic FP lecture and I asked why all doorways were measured in millimetres rather than centimetres. In his red cap with his cane under his arm he pushed his face into mine and shouted “You stupid boy, we don’t go that small!”. Coincidence that, the latest Trainees are across the corridor from your office, what would you say to them about the Fire Service career in front of them. I can clearly recall the Recruit Course I attended and in particular the yellow fire appliances we used in Gwent. Today the Trainees face a completely different set of challenges to those I faced when I joined. The job has improved in leaps and bounds. It disappoints me to hear old hands saying ‘The job’s gone.’ The trainees may not realise how lucky they are to have secured a place in the Service. They are to be congratulated, as the entry procedure is far more arduous with greater competition for places. I would probably tell them that they have joined a profession that is very rewarding and will give them every opportunity to progress if they apply themselves.

You have witnessed many developments and changes in the Fire Service. What are the most significant? Operationally, I would say the wide range of specialist equipment that is carried on the pumps. At an incident the other day I looked into a pump locker … it looked like a Cape Canaveral control board. I can recall the main cutting tools in use when I joined were Air operated Cengar saws and other hand saws. Hydraulic cutting equipment and air bags were just being introduced. From a fire safety perspective, development of the Community Safety Department and its diverse areas of work have made a major contribution to reducing deaths and injuries in fires. Our arson intervention work in partnership with the Police, Local Authorities and other agencies has been invaluable in reducing deliberate fires. I don’t think I will be challenged if I say that I pioneered partnership and collaborative working during the early ‘noughties’. The success of partnership working relies heavily upon personalities and the vehicle arson and Autocrime partnership in Swansea initiated in 2000 was a recipe for success. Jeff Davison (C & C of Swansea) and Tim Jones (SW Police) were very like minded characters and we achieved huge success.

In relation to arson & autocrime reduction, I don’t want to embarrass you but what was it like going to Buckingham Palace to receive the MBE? I was extremely proud and I honestly accepted the award on behalf of the team that was tackling the issue. It was pleasing from a personal view and my wife and family thoroughly enjoyed the day.

In Conversation Calon Tân talks to John FitzJohn, Head of Community Safety

04 A0135-01-E.indd 4

10/12/2009 09:16:08

What did Prince Charles say to you? To be perfectly honest he asked me if I found it difficult driving fire engines and running up ladders! I told him that I spent most of my time driving a desk but still attended incidents occasionally. Each recipient only has about 20 seconds for a two-way conversation instigated by HRH but the Investiture process was extremely well organised. Was a close working relationship with the Police and Local Authority one of the key factors in the success of the Vehicle Arson Initiative? Definitely, no one Agency could have resolved the problem. In the early 1980’s there was definitely a ‘them and us’ culture at incidents. The Police and Fire Service did not interact. I tried to promote change personally when I met Police Officers on social terms after my nephews joined South Wales Police. Was the success of this scheme, the catalyst to set up the Arson Reduction Teams? I was involved in the Committee that produced ‘Up In Flames’ Report for the Welsh Assembly Government. The Arson Reduction Teams were born out of this report. I led for the FRS and DI Steve Trigg led for the Police in Wales. I was well aware of the benefits of joint office working after a year at Sketty Police station during my partnership days. The teams have worked well in reducing deliberate fire setting in Wales and have helped considerably in reducing arson costs from £79M in 2004 to £40M last year. What other benefits have you seen? This partnership has definitely improved communication and co-operation between the Emergency Services. We have been able to provide solutions for each other’s challenges through shared resources, skills and experience. In your role as Head of Community Safety, you have overseen Service ‘Home Safety Initiatives’ particularly Home Fire Safety Checks. . . I never envisaged 30 years ago that the Fire Service would be involved in this line of work. Historically we ‘set up shop’ in shopping malls etc and spoke with people who were interested in hearing what we had to say … ironically not the people who were suffering house fires. Site specific risk reduction advice and the installation of smoke detectors have made a significant contribution in reducing accidental fire deaths and injuries. I do appreciate the efforts made by our staff in carrying out HFSCs in our communities.

What does the future hold for JFJ and family? I don’t know really. I would still like to carry out some meaningful work … perhaps help my Wife develop her curtain and blind business. There are still some unanswered questions from my FRS years though. I never really got to grips with how big a Hectare is or the meaning of the term ‘job & finish’.

05 A0135-01-E.indd 5

10/12/2009 09:16:09

For the Woman who has everything

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the women in your life? Then look no further than a day driving fire engines! As part of the Ladies Driving Challenge 2010, they will get a chance to drive a variety of unusual vehicles including fire engines, dumper trucks and performance cars around specially designed courses at Pembrey Race Track. The event is taking place on Sunday April 18th 2010 and raises money for the Fire Fighters Charity. If you would like to find out more about how you can purchase this day as a gift for your loved one then please email Deborah Gale at dgale@firefighterscharity.org.uk or phone her on 07766 901823.

06 A0135-01-E.indd 6

10/12/2009 09:16:10

and the winner is... The last edition of Calon Tan featured a competition inviting personnel to send in photographs they had taken within the Service area with the theme of ‘Autumn’. The winning entry would have their picture professionally framed and also featured in Calon Tan.

h The entries received were of an exceptionally high standard and congratulations to keen photographer SM Gary Williams from Morriston HQ whose photograph of ‘Aberdulais Falls in the Autumn’ was judged to be the winner.

h Coming in a close second was Ryland Williams with his photograph of ‘Autumn Leaves‘.

g In third place was Ryland Williams again with a photograph of ‘Neath Fair by Night‘

Many thanks to all those who entered the competition and congratulations again to all our winners. A0135-01-E.indd 7

07 10/12/2009 09:16:12

Ypres 2009

On the 11th November 2009, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Fire Authority members and personnel, attended the Remembrance Ceremony at the Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium. The Menin Gate is the memorial to the 54,338 allied soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient during World War 1, who have no known grave, with a further 34,888 names inscribed on panels at the rear of Tyne Cot, cemetery, at Passendale.

Written By Gary Williams, Station Manager, Community Safety HQ

Members of MWWFRS marched with the Colour Party through Ypres to the Menin Gate, where a Service of Remembrance was held. Poppy wreaths were laid by DCFO Coleman and Councillor Newbury on behalf of the Service and Fire Authority respectively. During the ceremony the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Last Postâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was played by buglers from the Ypres Fire Service who have been carrying out this ceremony every evening since 1929.

Fire Authority Members: Cllr J. Newbury, A. Davies, D. Davies, and J. Holmes

08 A0135-01-E.indd 8

10/12/2009 09:16:18

Did you know?

Philip Coleman a Gethin Davies

1. Three different colour poppies are sold. Visits were also made to a number of historical sites including Viny Ridge and Thiepval in the Somme. The Thiepval Monument is the largest in the world, commemorating over 72,000 British Soldiers who died in the Somme and have no known grave. Essex Farm was also visited on the outskirts of Ypres where John McCrae a Canadian Medical Officer wrote the famous poem ‘In Flanders Fields’. This poem was the inspiration for the use of the poppy as a symbol to raise money for ex-servicemen. A Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service remembrance poppy card designed by Sara Ivey, Swansea Command, was laid at the hospital bunker where the poem was written. A number of cemeteries were visited including Tyne Cot, which is the largest commonwealth war graves cemetery in the world, with 11,956 burials. The German cemetery at Langemark was also visited and provided a stark contrast to the allied cemeteries, where 20,000 German casualties are buried in a mass grave and a further 26,000 buried. Near Langemark we saw ‘The Brooding Soldier’ statue commemorating the 2,000 Canadian soldiers who died in the first gas attack in the War was also visited. It was ironic that returning home along the M4 at the end out our trip, we passed a road sign for RAF Lyneham and the village of Wooton Bassett. 91 years after the end of the first World War, we are still seeing reminders of War with the British casualties from Afghanistan returning home to the RAF base and cortege travelling through the village.

• • •

Red by the Royal British Legion, to commemorate the Annual Poppy Appeal for ex-servicemen and women. White as a peace symbol. Purple to commemorate animals killed in war.

2. Commonwealth headstones could include a personal inscription from relatives, but as they had to pay threepence and a half penny for each letter, many families couldn’t afford it. 3. The inscription of unknown graves ‘A Soldier of the Great War, known unto God’ was chosen by Rudyard Kipling. 4. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission receives near £40 m a year in grants from the six member countries, proportionate to the number of graves maintained, with the UK providing 78.4%. 5. Youngest Allied Soldier to die in the First World War was David Ross, South Africa who was wounded aged 13 years and 9 months, dying of his injuries 6 months later. 6. 60% of all casualties in the First World War were caused by artillery.

Cllr D. Davies

Gary Williams and Gethin Davies

Gary Williams, Philip Coleman and Gethin Davies

09 A0135-01-E.indd 9

10/12/2009 09:16:26

n fto

fro

dCla s a n i i h art . ok r M ives e to e t w l h he -fig our hem, n t e o r t d m fi ave of ing und fro ey s ion ork m so ned w e t l e c r i fier ala e op givval pos dvi W idi oke r t a mman the m e . a u and c e h m A t eh e s ffi ok ing nd d O e m y a h s a h t h a f t elt ire of o s in rms fire wit nd o ell re, m f F u t ion ala he e o d t i m y u e e fi h t s o k k to o b e s on put too r C sta smo he ng sed n t t y th nd t was nd not Dea y i o n a l t e o a b ri rop ce it. el ain ad e w en fier ot p m w dvi tow we h cert 9 w awok as h umidi 0 t I a new us a ed on 0 e w n f r 2 ere deh a w d i or bee ul ct the gave obe We w e do the th appe ave tef g in d a t i a n e c w h h r a h H O t n t . e it y g doi uve ould of tha el ing vic er d ha w ver is mm nd land o fe see ke. h in o 2 t t e l c I mo cou s. ar y he he on mo he our s u p t y to . i s t u n e t t t a k l On and what afto woken t w afe of to w st got ight blac Cl ot tha re s set e l off ink n top , we f s n e o s t n fi a r i th d rti war in d a ng ing doo lots ch to r Ma m ha u a ork goo havi o wit ike r e y a the off s a w t . al be to figh ake ood fer ton t l ing ed d no fire- smoke o m he g will ot sa laf g t C a l t man wou from the ity nd a l tin ion We . I f e tun on a stat feel Mar i c r i o r t s t ou adv riou opp Claf hte new ill -fig he dy w the e se his tin e t t r o w en o fi mor Mar d ho ry b tak ter e n t n v o a e e h av e y, fig ude I h fire unit m sur tit a m r a r m o g f co s I ur the y, a age. s o s l t a p ni vil can the u o y , ope ely ins I h cer atk n W i S sa rs oui L You y & hon Ant

Sa fe I am Tr Ch ai w i ni ru ldr riti ng n e n I by n & g a Co ur to have Mel Fam s th se i e W th l b ee ard ie al e s n l y Al o a ou T t ng with nd G eam cate ch hou ) a p al r g t er , d ba le h so he y St wh work l o n. tr e th anc nge, I k ai phe ha er f n e e ni ns s j or th ow th i o n m f . e e u g a cr ir port hu y r tha it I j st c yo m t e se u s om un wo ati res anc our espo t l h p e f, t w ple g p r wo kin ve r ect of and nded e y an ant ted ers n ou o d e at ’t g wi esp for the se t n o ho d t the n (w r g o b w is iou his ma o th th tim e g th h nse 10 it l s e ey s s Ga es iv i ry et y wee hin yo ues nes nee n’s di . W ing m; p to s u th k ou d d h h ne & ng to Fr s h no ils up rior is Me kn Fir e W o pe hi as w wit eds on t t n bu m m l o e e i ee m. r t pa th h o t ha w ho Saf lsh y tr ey him’ isin ds. son be fle have as As rke e po ve pe w o d x ni ac ib al g h Th and a de imp cour ol in rec in rsp w p k s i e e r t l w e i n e li l e iv res se pe the omme all cti or owl houg m - y ap his orke l, ty sen er rs v te ed sed be edg h t as pea si r, sti a on fut ndin tea e I d n e l t l h r d c i it I d u g i u l e h wh n t t tt Yo o re. thi ing hin le the you dica to h atio hav man pati hem ur at k s e I s n n a a e t hi ris g te t h co act th si p ed ve ; t fe gin nce wit m. nd i Ca k u nc th erso by gon oge lt r g t . T h a ed as b rse vit e co t er Co her o at t . i Me e h n el mm Th een to es nten i th her eass im eir y hi app l’ un ne an m e i ur par s s w e it k a ve y c t i t of Co e i a e be t d y ol yo l s ha red comm xtra th t Su lin l u. ry th by vi to en po eag all he pp s m e o t i i c si ur or b u l r ti es, depe our t co e st that e in ve Of ul ru an nde se fic ‘ is d g ex d er pr gli we h nt pe es n ri ope on wel en g l en t, pu ce to the w fo or tut t t k o r me wit ors. get , h I her, an wi d you l th a ga l e yo in un g

Letters of Thanks

10 A0135-01-E.indd 10

10/12/2009 09:16:28

po ol rs e ed t

My Story:

Breast Cancer Awareness By Val John Tonna Friends of Tenovus

10 years ago I had found out I had breast cancer. Within a few weeks of finding out I had chemotherapy, an operation and then for 6 months radiotherapy. For the last ten years I have been having regular check ups and this year I had the all clear. Throughout this time I became a member of ‘Tonna Friends of Tenovus’ who gave me excellent support. I wanted to help others fight this disease so I decided to fundraise by selling Welsh Cakes to friends, family and work colleagues. On the 12th October 2009 my husband Geraint, our best friends Ann and David and myself, went on a fundraising day selling Welsh Cakes. We visited the following Fire Stations – Port Talbot, Neath, Morriston, Swansea Central, Swansea West, Llanelli and Carmarthen. We also visited Swansea Command / Community Safety HQ and Service HQ. We had a successful and enjoyable day visiting these Stations and raised a large amount of money totalling £245.69. All in all, I collected a total amount of £367.68. This money will go towards research, treatment and support to people in the greatest need. Tenovus aims are simple: to prevent, treat and help find a cure for cancer. In doing that they offer support, advice and treatment for cancer patients and their families, and they do this where it is needed most right at the heart of the community. They also carry out vital cancer research - in fact Tenovus funded scientists were the first to develop the use of Tamoxifen, now the world’s most successful breast cancer drug. I would like to thank everyone for their support on that day. Also a big thank you to Jan Liney in the kitchen in Morriston for all her help. 11 A0135-01-E.indd 11

10/12/2009 09:16:31

Taking the

Plunge By Jason Woodman

12 A0135-01-E.indd 12

10/12/2009 09:16:34

Crew Manager Jason Woodman of Green Watch, Swansea Central showed an interest in diving whilst on holiday in the Great Barrier Reef approx 6 years ago. Since then he has visited Thailand, Egypt along with many diving locations in Pembrokeshire - his passion extended to assisting a local dive centre in their courses, then progressing to becoming an instructor as well as skippering the dive boat in Skomer Marine Reserve. Jason has now decided to share his passion with Mid & West Wales employees and their families - offering try dives, open water courses, refresher and further qualifications - as well as getting qualified divers together to enjoy their hobby with others.

Although the club did not start until late in the season, a successful day’s diving was achieved with try dives completed by employees who expressed a keen interest in completing their open water course. FF Leanne Macbeth of Red Watch Llanelli who was one of the try divers commented “it was an awesome experience and cannot wait to do my open water course SOON”. Jason is currently working on a time-table of events for 2010, to include open water course starting in February/March, advanced courses as required, club meetings as well as an organised dive holiday to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt in November! For further information on courses, locations and costs, please contact Jason at j.woodman@mawwfire.gov.uk or phone him at Green Watch, Swansea Central. 13 A0135-01-E.indd 13

10/12/2009 09:16:37

Flood EX By Richard Webborn

“Boat with 3 crew being deployed along with other UK and international assets to area known as Alkmaardermeer, North Holland for rescue and mass evacuation purposes. Crews in Oscar Offensive Mode”. Group Manager Richard Webborn takes up the story. Earlier this year the Service received an invitation to represent the Welsh FRS along with other UK FRS to participate in the European Union major exercise (EU FloodEx 2009). EU FloodEx was designed to test international assistance during the worst credible flood scenario projected for the Netherlands following a North Sea tidal surge. The exercise is the outcome of over 2 years planning from conception to delivery. The history behind the exercise scenario goes back well over 50 years. Following the 1953 major coastal inundation in the Netherlands, the UK and Belgium, the human (over 2,100 drowned), economic and environmental costs were so serious that the Dutch government’s response was to ‘ensure’ that the event could not possibly be repeated, by building a series of huge dikes that would render the country ‘flood proof’. Best made plans and all that has led Dutch scientists to determine that in the worst-credible scenario for the Netherlands such as a dike breach under major coastal surge, would result in the majority of the country being underwater. Complex computer modelling has shown that the highways infrastructure could not possibly evacuate all the people in the flood path to safety quickly enough, even with several days notice. In such an event the Dutch government determined that the most cost effective way to deal with major water inundation is to utilise international cooperation via the European Commission support mechanisms for inter state assistance, which have been set up for just such events.

The UK was requested to send specialist assets and supporting personnel. From the FRS perspective this included 7 Swift Water Rescue Teams and boats, along with High Volume Pumps, Incident Response Units and USAR Modules. In total over 30 vehicles, with over 120 personnel. Other participating agencies included members of the RNLI Flood Rescue Team that has been set up to assist with flooding incidents in the UK as well as abroad. The Environmental Agency and the Met Office also sent observers. This was in addition to RAF air assets. The convoy also included a New Dimensions Enhanced Command Support vehicle that provided the overarching Command & Control communications with the UK National Command & Control facilities and South Yorkshire FRS Fire Control. Set against this background saw myself, SMs Ian Jenkins, Arwel James and Wayne Price, along with WM Aled Griffiths, CM Mark Butler and Ff Dean John joining a convoy at the Fire Service College en route to the Base of Operations (BoO) which was a Dutch Army base (originally an old 2nd World War Luftwaffe Airbase) near Bergen in the Netherlands. The convoy travelled via the Channel Tunnel to the Netherlands, a journey which lasted some 16 hours after leaving the Fire Service College at 4am. Once at the BoO the team joined colleagues from other European rescue organisations. Here we had to pitch tents supplied by the German organisation “Technisches Hilfswerk (THW or The German Federal Agency for Technical Relief)”on an old parade ground. Then once the tents were pitched, the area inside the tents had to be weeded to allow the camp beds to be erected. After that we were given 24 hour ration packs and left to fend for our selves. Luckily having 2 seasoned colleagues, in the form of Mark Butler and Dean John who were able to guide us all through pitching the tent and re heating the meals (they made Ray Mears & Bears Grylls look like little boys with their skills). The night without further mishap apart from Wayne Price’s snoring!!

14 A0135-01-E.indd 14

10/12/2009 09:16:37

Up at 05.45 for a cold water spruce, and then to have what was left in the 24 hour ration pack that had shrunk to an 8 hour ration pack after certain colleagues from Carmarthen had been on the prowl. Ready for the deployment briefing at 06.30 left the UK contingent being deployed to Alkmaardermeer Meer a vast expanse of open water with surrounding villages and towns. At the forward operating base the different specialist assets were set up to come together into a joint site for mobilising the water rescue assets, a Mass Decontamination sector and triage area for accepting the returning casualties. It was here that you saw the ‘international’ rescue effort really come together. West Midlands Fire Service crews setting up the Mass Decontamination sector, with the local Brandweer Graft-De Rijp supplying the water for the sector (all set up and working within 45 minutes). Command & Control was via the Dutch working with a feed from each participating country. The UK assets were controlled [successfully] via a USAR module and crew from Merseyside FRS who provided Command Support in a very effective way. As the calls for assistance were coming in so the assets were being deployed. Some 20 minutes later saw “Welsh Boat” being sent to assist in the recovery of some casualties near Uitgeestermeer, a 15 minute transit to the area and navigating a route from basic directions, a tourist map and land marks. As the boat reached the area they were immediately re routed to a vehicle in the water with persons trapped. Working with Polish Firefighters, Aled Griffiths, Dean John and Arwel James extricated 3 casualties from a car (including 1 heavily pregnant woman who really played the part). So the day went on. Crews were being deployed to various scenarios that not only focused minds on the navigation to the right area, but also on overcoming any language barriers to deal with the scenarios that were presented. Some very realistic props were used, so much so that Wayne nearly fell overboard when he spotted 3 roofs of submerged houses with people requiring rescue and the only access was via the holes cut into the roof voids. A long day but all enjoyed. That night the Dutch Army had erected a field shower with hot water…. bliss!! Then after chicken sarty we found the escape tunnel and managed to escape to the local town for some site seeing with other colleagues from the camp.

The second day saw another early start and a 2 hour transit to a different scenario near the coast at Grote en Kleine Viliet. Here the rescue scenarios were slightly different but still required the boats to be deployed for rescue and evacuation purposes, but this time with a local guide which helped matters. The RNLI were brought into the Command Team with VHF radio communications, this really helped to maintain an accurate picture with what was happening on the ground and is a lesson for UK ops. That night saw the whole camp (lead by Ian Jenkins) on a mass break out to a beach barbeque, hosted by the Dutch government as a thank you to the exercise participants. Good food, chilled Heineken and a fantastic backdrop of the moon lit Dutch coast saw the activities of the previous 2 days debriefed and reflected on. For my colleagues and I it was a real privilege to have participated in EU FloodEx, it not only focused us on the different requirements that we have to factor in when operating out of the Service area, but it also highlighted that you can operate effectively if the communications and support requirements are in place and operating. 15

A0135-01-E.indd 15

10/12/2009 09:16:37

Facts •

Distance: 3000 miles.

•

Distance covered per day: Approximately 46 miles.

•

Breaks: The pair will be rowing in shifts of 2 hours each. There is a small cabin for one at the rear of the boat.

•

Drinking water: Fresh water will be filtered from sea water, though the pair will be carrying emergency fresh water supplies.

•

Food: The food will all be dehydrated so Simon and Mike can look forward to two months or more of Pot Noodles. Calories: The pair can expect to burn 7000-8000 calories every day.

wo Mid and West Wales firefighters are getting set to take on the might of the Atlantic Ocean in a fundraising challenge which will see them face huge seas, wild weather and months away from their families on dry land. Mike Arnold Watch Manager at Pontadawe Fire Station, Neath Port Talbot Command and long term friend and colleague Simon Evans, Crew Manager at Morriston Fire Station, Swansea Command will be taking up oars and rowing the Atlantic in December, with just each other for company. With Britannia ruling the waves following Sam Davies and Dee Cafari’s success in the Vendee Globe round-the-world yacht race, the pair are hoping to bring Wales a taste of open ocean glory. They currently look set to be the only

Welsh team in the gruelling Atlantic Row Race, which sets off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands and finishes in Antigua. The pair will be taking on the high seas to raise cash for the Firefighters’ Charity and Tenovus. Mike’s a keen surfer while fitness fanatic Simon has in the past spent 15 years volunteering with the Mumbles Lifeboat, but in spite of their combined maritime experience, they know that what faces them is in another league. Mike said, “I’ve just always wanted to do something like this for as long as I can remember.” “We’ve obviously got a pretty intense physical training regime in place, with lots of rowing as well as running to increase our stamina, but the mental preparation is just as

16 A0135-01-E.indd 16

10/12/2009 09:16:44

Atlantic Challenge

vitally important. We’re expecting real battles with solitude and bad weather. We’re very good friends now, but who knows if we still will be when we come through this!” The duo have set themselves a target of 65 days to complete the immense crossing, a feat which left even Olympic Rowing Medalist James Cracknell and former Oxbridge Boat Race contender Ben Fogle struggling. Simon explained that he and Mike were well prepared for some of the dangers involved. “The boats are all self righting should we capsize, and we will be carrying emergency beacons which send a distress call should the worst happen. If we lose essential kit overboard, we will have plenty of spare on board, including oars of course, as well as radios.”

The crossing is not the only mammoth task facing Simon and Mike as they are hoping to raise £30,000 before the launch on 6th December. As well as fitting training in around their firefighting duties, Simon and Mike have planned a host of fund-raising activities throughout the year. The duo anticipate that their endeavours will do for corporate sponsors what Sam Davies did for female surf label Roxy, who sponsored her distinctive yacht. The firefighters’ race effort is expected to generate a lot of interest from the public across Swansea and Wales and the team have their own dedicated website, www.atlanticelement.com which will feature a blog detailing their progress up to, and throughout the race. Both men are married with children and Mike says their

wives are viewing the adventure with mixed feelings. “They are very supportive, but terrified.” Both men would also like to thank Swansea Neath & Port Talbot commands, and the Service as a whole for their continuing support without which this challenge would not have been possible. Track the intrepid pair’s progression daily on our website which features a counter monitoring the time they have left before they reach the finish line and weekly updates direct by satellite phone from Mike and Simon.

17 A0135-01-E.indd 17

10/12/2009 09:16:45

USAR 2009

On Saturday 21st November 2009 the Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR) in conjunction with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue, the Welsh Ambulance Trust and South Wales Police conducted a major multi agency exercise which featured all category one responders under the Civil Contingencies Act. The aim of the exercise was to test the response and management of a major incident in which a significant number of the public had been killed or injured in a gas explosion in a fictional shopping mall. This was a full day event which took place at the USAR Training Centre at Earlswood, Swansea. Members from local and national government as well as senior managers from the participating agencies visited to see the multi agency exercise. Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Service participated by mobilising several frontline assets including their control vehicle and several tactical managers who were exercising their operational role on the day. The on call USAR team was mobilised and deployed all assets necessary to attend a Level 3 incident in region with advisors deployed to both Silver and Bronze levels of command.

The Welsh Ambulance Trust mobilised several front line ambulances, the major incident response management team and the air ambulance. South Wales Police deployed their specialist search team, their Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team as well as several officers to each command level. Neath Port Talbot local authority provided personnel to staff a Survivor Reception Centre at their county borough offices at the Quay’s, Port Talbot. Welsh USAR Team Manager, Eric Bellew said: “This was a successful multi agency exercise and it is also the first time USAR have been included in an exercise of this scale. The way in which the USAR team assimilated into both the Fire and Rescue Service Incident Command System as well as the Ambulance Service Major Incident Management System was a great success from our perspective. Hopefully this will be the first of many opportunities in which we can train with our multi agency partners. “

18 A0135-01-E.indd 18

10/12/2009 09:16:45

19 A0135-01-E.indd 19

10/12/2009 09:16:50

Candle with Care

Christmas Fire Safety Campaign

All six Commands will be attending at least one main event within their Service area promoting Christmas Fire Safety. This year we will be handing out plastic candles at these events, encouraging members of the public to be extra cautious whilst using candles at Christmas. We will also be concentrating on all the other important safety information for this festive period, such as cooking and drinking safely, with the aim of keeping our communities safe. Some Commands will be attending Christmas light switchons, whilst others have chosen events where there will be a high public attendance. Swansea Command for example will be at Winter Wonderland in Swansea City Centre on December 3rd. Two fire appliances will be parked in the vicinity, with the crews of the appliances, staff from the Swansea Command Community Fire Safety department and young Firefighters walking around Winter Wonderland promoting Christmas Home Fire Safety. The aim is to hand out our Service branded plastic candles whilst also taking referrals for our Free Home Fire Safety Checks. There are many alternative battery operated candles available which have no naked flame and their use is actively promoted by the Fire Service. However, if you do use traditional candles, you can greatly reduce the risks for yourself and your family by adhering to the following, simple precautions: •

Always put candles on a heat resistant surface. Be especially careful with night lights and tea lights, which get hot enough to melt plastic. TVs are not fire-resistant objects.

•

Put them in a proper holder. Candles need to be held firmly upright by the holder so they won’t fall over. The holder needs to be stable too, so it won’t fall over either

•

Position them away from curtains or other fabrics and furniture, and keep them out of draughts.

•

Don’t put them under shelves. It’s easy to forget that there’s a lot of heat above a burning candle. If you put it under a shelf or other surface then it can burn the surface. Make sure there’s at least three feet (one metre) between a candle and any surface above it.

•

Keep clothes and hair away. If there’s any chance you could lean across a candle and forget it’s there, put it somewhere else. You don’t want to set fire to your clothes or your hair.

•

Keep children and pets away. Candles should be out of reach of children and pets.

•

Keep candles apart. Leave at least four inches (10cm) between two burning candles.

•

Take care with votive or scented candles. These kinds of candles turn to liquid to release their fragrance, so put them in a glass or metal holder.

•

Don’t move them when they’re burning. Extinguish candles before moving them. Also, don’t let anything fall into the hot wax like match sticks.

•

Don’t leave them burning. Extinguish candles before you leave a room. Never go to sleep with a candle still burning and never leave a burning candle or oil burner in a child’s bedroom.

•

Use a snuffer or a spoon to put them out. It’s safer than blowing them, which can send sparks and hot wax flying.

•

Double-check they’re out. Candles that have been put out can go on smouldering and start a fire. Make sure they’re completely out.

20 A0135-01-E.indd 20

10/12/2009 09:16:57

8th December Bodhi Day - It is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni or Siddhartha Gautauma, experienced enlightenment, also known as Bodhi in Sanskrit or Pali. 12th December Chanukah - It is the Jewish festival of lights and it means re-dedication and commemorates the Jews’ struggle for religious freedom. Potato pancakes and deep fried donuts are the traditional Chanukah foods. 18th December Al-Hijira - this marks the day when the Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina and set up the first Islamic State, the beginning of Islam as a community. 21st December Winter Solstice - Yule: a Pagan celebration which celebrates the sun child being reborn, and the return of all new life. 25th December - Christmas, a Christian celebration, marking the day of the birth of Jesus Christ. 26th December Zartusht-No-Diso - Zoroastrian commemoration, commemorating the death of the Prophet Zarathustra.

Multicultural Celebrations, Commemorations and Festivals Mid and West Wales Fire and

Rescue Service would like to wish all of employees and communities happy

and safe festivals, commemorations

and celebrations that occur

throughout December and January.

27th December Ashura - For Sunni Muslims a day of fasting which marks two historical events, one, the day Noah (Nuh) left the Ark, and two, the day Moses (Musa) was saved from the Egyptians by Allah. Shi’a Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet. 31st December Omisoka - A Japanese tradition, it is a very busy day of the year as Japanese families and businesses prepare for the New Year which is the most important day in the calendar. They prepare by cleaning, and after cleaning have a celebratory meal. At midnight many people visit a temple. 1st January Ganjitsu - Japanese New Year. Ganjitsu is the auspicious first day of Shogatsu, the first month of the Japanese year, a day in which many people strive to be up in time to greet the rising sun. The New Year celebrations last for three days (1-3 January), and is a period when people pray for good health and fortune. 1st January Hogmanay Scottish Celebration - The roots of Hogmanay go back to the celebration of the winter solstice among the Norse, as well as incorporating customs from the Gaelic New Year’s celebration. In Europe, winter solstice evolved into the ancient celebration of Saturnalia, a great Roman winter festival, where people celebrated completely free of restraint and inhibition. The most widespread national custom for Hogmanay is the practice of ‘first-footing’ which starts immediately after midnight. This involves being the first person to cross the threshold of a friend or neighbour and often involves the giving of symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread, whisky, and black bun (a rich fruit cake) intended to bring different kinds of luck to the householder. 5th January Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh (Nanakshahi calendar) 21 A0135-01-E.indd 21

10/12/2009 09:17:02

CHIEF IN BRIEF Croeso i rifyn Nadolig 2009 o ‘Calon Tân’. Mae’n siŵr mai cydddigwyddiad ydyw, ond, wrth i mi ysgrifennu, ni fedraf ond sylwi ar y cysylltiad rhwng y tywydd diflas a gwlyb tu allan i ffenest fy swyddfa (mae’n teimlo fel petai wedi bod yn bwrw glaw ers misoedd), a’r rhifyn hwn o’n cylchgrawn mewnol, oherwydd bod y rhan fwyaf o’r erthyglau’n ymwneud â dŵr!

Yn ystod tymor y Nadolig, yn y cylchgrawn hwn, byddwch yn medru darllen am griw achub o ddŵr cyflym Caerfyrddin, a’u presenoldeb mewn ymarfer llifogydd ledled Ewrop yn ddiweddar, ynghyd â datgeliad o hobïau mwy personol rhai aelodau o’n Gwasanaeth - erthygl Jason Woodman ar

ddeifio tanddwr er enghraifft - ac erthygl ar daith rwyfo fer, ar dudalennau 16 a 17. Mewn gwirionedd mae Her Rwyfo’r Iwerydd yn dod â mi yn ôl i’m man cychwyn, oherwydd mae ‘lansiad’ swyddogol siwrnai Mike Arnold a Simon Evans ar draws Môr yr Iwerydd wedi cael ei ohirio oherwydd y tywydd....sydd ddim yn syndod. Nid oes angen dweud, tybiaf fy mod yn siarad ar ran pob un ohonom wrth ddymuno siwrnai saff a dychweliad buan adref i Mike a Simon, unwaith y cânt gychwyn ar eu taith. Ar nodyn personol, mae’n siŵr mai dangos fy oedran ydw i, ond rwy’n meddwl weithiau ble mae amser yn mynd. Ni fedraf gredu fod yn Nadolig yn prysur agosáu, ac er ei fod yn adeg i’w ddathlu i ni gyd, mae’n digwydd bod yn gyfnod tyngedfennol i’r

Gwasanaeth wrth osod ei gyllideb ar gyfer y flwyddyn nesaf. Nid yw byth yn hawdd ceisio cydbwyso darparu gwasanaeth ar un llaw a sicrhau gofynion cyllideb deg ac ecwitïol ar y llaw arall, ond eleni mae wedi bod yn arbennig o anodd. Serch hynny, rydym ni bron â bod yno a chredaf fod hyn yn glod i’r tîm Cyllid, pob un ohonoch chi ac, yn gydradd bwysig, Awdurdod Tân tra chefnogol, ein bod yn llwyddo i gyflawni cymaint yn yr amserau yma o galedi cynyddol. Beth bynnag a ddaw, nid ydw i’n credu y bydd pethau’n dod yn haws yn ariannol. Mae pawb yn yr un sefyllfa serch hynny ac rwy’n siwr, yn nhraddodiad gorau’r Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub, y byddwn yn dod drwy’r dirwasgiad hwn, ac y byddwn yn parhau i roi’r diogeliad sydd ei angen ar y dinasyddion a wasanaethwn. Sôn am gyflawniadau, mae’n braf adrodd ein bod wedi gwneud tipyn o gynnydd o ran caffael ein cit tân newydd, buddsoddiad o £1.25m i’r Awdurdod mewn cyfarpar amddiffynnol o fan eithaf y grefft a fydd, gobeithio, yn dechrau cyrraedd yn gynnar yn y Flwyddyn Newydd. Os nad ydych wedi mynychu’r niferus sesiynau ar feintiau unigol eto, yna mae’n bwysig eich bod yn gwneud hynny’n fuan. Siaradwch â’ch OiC i gael manylion pellach. Rydw i yn poeni ychydig am fesur cyn i bob un ohonom ni ei gorwneud hi dros y Nadolig, felly efallai y byddwch chi eisiau gadael ychydig i le i dyfu! Gyda hynny, hoffwn ddymuno Nadolig llawen iawn a Blwyddyn Newydd iach a llewyrchus i bob un ohonoch. Cofion Richard Smith

Anything to add? Can you help make our magazine better? • • • • •

Photography Articles Stories Opinions Anything

If you want to be a part of Calon Tân contact the Corporate Communications & Member Support Department on 01267 226866, ext 4466 or via email at calontan@mawwfire.gov.uk.

Drop us a line!

Unrhyw Beth i’w Ychwanegu? A fedrwch chi helpu i wella ein Cylchgrawn? • • • • •

Ffotograffiaeth Erthyglau Storïau Barnau Unrhyw Beth

Os ydych chi eisiau bod yn rhan o ‘Calon Tân’ cysylltwch â’r Adran Cyfathrebu Corfforaethol a Chynnal Aelodau ar 01267 226866, est 4466 neu anfonwch e-bost i calontan@mawwfire.gov.uk.

22 A0135-01-E.indd 22

Cysylltwch â ni! 10/12/2009 09:17:03

Welcome to the Christmas 2009 edition of Calon Tan. It is probably just coincidence but, as I write, I cannot help but notice the connection between the grey and wet weather outside my office window (it seems like it has been raining for months) and this edition of our in-house magazine, with its preponderance of articles relating to water! During this festive season, in this magazine, you will be able to read about Carmarthen’s swift water rescue crew and our attendance at the recent European-wide flood exercise along with an exposé on the more personal hobbies of some members of our Service – Jason Woodman’s article on underwater diving for instance - and an article on a short rowing trip, covered on pages 16 & 17. This Atlantic Rowing Challenge actually brings me full circle as the official ‘launch’ of Mike Arnold and Simon Evans’ sojourn across the Atlantic has been delayed by…… you guessed it – bad weather. Needless to say, I think I speak on behalf of us all in wishing Mike and Simon a safe trip and a speedy return to these shores when they finally get under way. On a personal note, it must be age but I really do wonder where the time goes. I just cannot believe that we are fast approaching Christmas and, although this is a time of celebration for us all, it happens to be a crunch time for the Service in setting its budget for next year. Trying to balance service provision on the one hand and securing a fair and equitable budget requirement on the other is never easy and this year has been particularly difficult. Nevertheless, we are almost there and I think it’s testimony to the Finance team, all of you and, just as importantly, a very supportive Fire Authority that we manage to achieve so much during these times of progressive austerity. Whatever the future holds, I don’t think that, financially, things will become easier. We are all in this together though and I am sure that, in the best traditions of the Fire and Rescue Service, we will emerge from the other end of the recession, continuing to provide the citizens we serve with the protection they require.

Talking of achievements, it is nice to report that we are well underway in the procurement of our new fire kit, a £1.25m investment for the Authority in state of the art protection that will, hopefully start arriving in the early New Year. If you haven’t attended the many sessions for individual sizing yet, then it is important that you do so soon. Speak to your OiC for details. I do wonder about being measured before we all indulge during the festive season, so you may wish to allow a little room for growth! On that note, may I wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year. Regards Richard Smith 23

A0135-01-E.indd 23

10/12/2009 09:17:07