FIRE CREWS AMAZING GIFT TO UKRAINE

Fire crews donate engines and kit to help Ukraine’s front line teams

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

ROYAL Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) have donated two fire engines to Ukraine.

It is part of a national scheme to support firefighters amidst the war, coordinated by FIRE AID and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

A team of six drivers set off on Tuesday, April 19, and delivered the vehicles to their final destination in Poland on Monday, April 25.

The fire service vehicles and equipment will be transferred to Ukraine in the coming days to support those working on the front line.

Katie Mills, assistant chief fire officer and director of service delivery said: “We are pleased to join other fire and rescue services across the country, through the NFCC, in providing support for firefighters in Ukraine.

“As we had several vehicles and equipment no longer in operational use, we decided to donate them so they could be put to good use by Ukrainian firefighters, who are working to protect their communities in extremely challenging conditions.”

The RBFRS are among a number of services donating more than 5,000 items of kit and equipment.

Eighteen fire engines, thermal imaging cameras for finding victims, generators, lighting, hoses, rescue equipment, and sets of PPE are among the items being donated.

The NFCC estimates 100 fire stations and 250 fire engines have been destroyed in Ukraine with a number of firefighters losing their lives.

Claire Hoyland, project manager at FIRE AID said: “I speak with our Ukrainian partners and the State Emergency Services almost every day.

“Equipment is currently being destroyed, damaged, or lost on a huge scale as firefighters face unimaginable devastation on the front line.

“The way in which UK fire services and our members have mobilised to support them makes me so proud.

“Ukraine needs our help, and we will continue to offer it as long as we are able to.”

All the donated equipment is either due to be replaced or fire services have the capacity to donate it.

The NFCC has confirmed it will all be provided in good working order and all vehicles will be serviced and checked before being sent.

The deployment of these donations is being supported by funding from the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the FIA Foundation, as well as through a public appeal via JustGiving.

Home secretary Priti Patel said: “The British government and British people are standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and its citizens during this barbaric invasion.

ON THEIR

WAY: Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has donated kit, inclduing fire engines, to Ukraine

“I have been speaking regularly to my counterpart at Ukraine’s Interior Ministry and the Ukrainian ambassador in London to understand what practical help we can offer.

“We are helping to ensure that crucial fire and rescue equipment and PPE donated will get to where it can directly provide succour to those brave firefighters, emergency services and volunteers on the front line in Ukraine.” n For more information on the support visit: nationalfirechiefs. org.uk A BAFTA nominated title will be shown by the Wokingham Film Society in May.

The group will screen Ali & Ava (15) on Thursday, May 12, from 7.30pm

It is a comedic love story which stars Adeel Akhtar and Claire Rushbrook as Ali and Ava who, both lonely for different reasons, meet and sparks fly

Over a lunar month, a deep connection begins to grow.

The film was shortlisted for two BAFTA awards in 2021, including outstanding British Film.

It is screened at The Whitty Theatre, and places must be pre-booked. n For details, visit: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

MUSICIANS from The Holt School will be showcasing their talents in a lunchtime recital at St Mary’s Church, Shinfield.

The performance is part of its series of lunchtime concerts featuring local musicians.

Entry is free, with a light lunch provided after the performance. Attendees will have the opportunity to contribute to a retiring collection in aid of church funds.

The concert starts at noon on Saturday, May 7. n For more details, visit: www. loddonreach.org.uk

Holt music show

Become a Shared Lives Carer and change the life of a vulnerable adult

We are recruiting carers who can offer support and companionship to help vulnerable adults reach their potential and lead fulfilling lives. To find out more visit www.reading.gov.uk/adult-care/carers/shared-lives-carers

Could you offer:

- Full-time care –

Where the adult lives with you in your home and is treated like family. Pay varies between £178.94 per week – £299.67 P/W depending on the level of need of the individual you support. You would also receive Rent and contributions towards utilities and food provisions, approx. £144.98 per week. - Overnight/respite care –

Where the adult stays in your home for a short period of time to give their permanent carers a break. Pay varies between £51.80 - £60.00 per night (you would not be required to stay awake during the night).

- Day support –

You would provide support from your home and support an adult to take part in social and leisure activities, out in the community. Pay varies between £25.90 - £30.00 per half session (3.5 hrs) or £51.80 - £60.00 per session (4 – 6 hrs).

Although carers are self-employed, they are recruited and supported by the Shared ives Scheme. We offer ongoing training and support to all our Carers: To find out more call: 0118 937 3700 or email: sharedlives@reading.gov.uk