Thursday, June 3, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Hot wheels: Earley fire crew welcomes new Volvo engine By MARIE WILLIAMS
news@wokingham.today THREE fire stations in the county have welcomed new additions to their teams.
Bracknell, Ascot and Wokingham Road stations have each been given a new Volvo fire engine, as part of a project between Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS), Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service. It means that all wholetime fire stations in Berkshire now have a Volvo fire engine to serve their communities. The Earley fire station received its red machine on Friday, May 14. James Sunderland, MP for Bracknell was at the presentation for his town’s fire station on Friday, May 21. Cllr Angus Ross, Conservative councillor for Wokingham Without and
strategic asset lead member for Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said he was delighted to officially unveil the latest additions to the RBFRS fleet. “It gives me immense pride that following a successful joint procurement process with our Thames Valley partners, the entire wholetime fleet in Royal Berkshire has now been upgraded to the new vehicle,” he said. “These new fire engines offer a wide range of improvements and better equip our firefighters to serve the people of Royal Berkshire." Cllr Colin Dudley, chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said one of the Fire Authority’s strategic commitments is to ensure a swift and effective response when called out. “As part of our Strategic Asset Investment Framework, we continue to invest in vital assets that benefit the community,” he
NEW WHEELS: From left: Andy McLenahan, head of facilities, fleet and equipment; Cllr Colin Dudley, chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority; Charlie Bell, watch manager; Cllr Angus Ross, lead member strategic assets at Royal Berkshire Fire Authority and Doug Buchanan, assistant chief fire officer
said. “The Fire Authority has prioritised investing in frontline fire appliances, recognising the importance of providing fit for purpose equipment to support the services provided by a modern fire
and rescue service.” The new fire engines have been built by Emergency One on Volvo FL 42R chassis. The machines have larger hose reels to spray more water and battery-powered
rescue equipment that are used at car crashes. This is easier to carry and removes generator noise from rescue situations. The equipment is also quicker to deploy, reducing the time to rescue people.
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Sofa shopping supports community charity A READING sofa store is giving children a fighting chance, with help from Berkshire Community Fund. Sofology is supporting the charity’s Give A Child A Chance (GACAC) fund until October, by asking customers to make a donation with their purchase. The fund supports disadvantaged children in Berkshire up to the age of 18, as well as young people with Special Education Needs until they are 25. Launched in 2003, GACAC has awarded more than £500,000 over the last 18 years. Jon Yates, CEO of Berkshire Community Foundation, said: “The value of a trusted, twoway relationship between communities and caring businesses is priceless. “As one of the leading retail companies in this county, we’re proud to have Sofology as our fundraising partner for the GACAC fund. “By enabling vital support for disadvantaged children, Sofology’s customers will be giving them a chance of a better future – being safe, happy and healthy, enjoying economic security, and ultimately making positive contributions to our society.” Money raised for the GACAC fund will go towards helping children in need, particularly people with physical or learning disabilities, psychological or behavioural disorders, and those suffering financial hardship. Previously, money has been invested in special equipment for children with disabilities and learning and activity sessions to help people develop their social, mental and physical abilities.
