Issue 21 - April 2016
Transcription
Issue 21 - April 2016
Issue 21 Beyond Cover News from Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service A service of Cornwall Council April 2016 Introducing Archie a new pup on the block New Service Plan 2016 - 2019 Mud rescue interagency training Mount Everest Climb Contents Exercise Mor 21 Spirit of Padstow exercise 22 Mount Everest climb 23 6 Commemorative presentation at Saltash Community Fire Station 24 MIND Blue Light Campaign 7 The Fire Fighters Charity 25 Introducing Archie 8 Penryn College students “pass out” in front of parents at Falmouth Fire Station 26 Hayle Emergency Services Community Station Over 65’s event 27 The 8 in 8 Challenge 27 CFRCS Service Half Marathon results 27 FireSport UK is the new name of Fire Service Sport 28 John O’Groats to Land End Fire Fighters Charity Bike Ride 2016 29 Charity Penzance fire rugby vs the RNLI 2016 29 999 Inter agency fishing competition 30 Cornwall FireSport AGM 11 Feb 2016 31 Golf Round Up 32 Running the Marathon 32 Introduction by Paul Walker, Chief Fire Officer 3 New Service Plan 2016 - 2019 4 Operational Asssessment 2016 6 Holocaost Memorial Day (HMD) Donation of a Mercedes fire appliance to Rotary International 9 Princes Trust Team Programmes 10 Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service proud supporters of quiltbagTM 12 Polruan firefighters to provide a co-response in medical emergency calls 13 Governance arrangements for Local Goverment Pension Scheme and Cornwall Firefighters’ Pension Scheme 14 Twilight Trail: Pupils at St Neot Community Primary School say “Be Safe and Be Seen” 16 Learn 2 Live: Powerful, thought provoking initiative delivered to target young driver casualties in Cornwall 17 Fireworks charity fundraising report 17 Mud Rescue Interagency Training 18 Are you interested in a skiing/snowboarding trip next year (2017)? 33 Prevention of anti social behaviour 20 Letters of appreciation Five reasons why you might want to go on training 21 Key priorities key to explain what we are achieving within each article Our key objectives ensure that we deliver the best and most effective service possible for the people of Cornwall. After each article look for the icons that show what priorities we are reaching. 3. Respond We will plan and prepare for emergencies to ensure we deliver an effective and efficient response. 1. Prevent We will deliver targeted activity to the people and communities most at risk. 4. Innovate We will ensure that we have effective and efficient ways of working to enable us to prepare for the future. 2. Protect We will engage with and influence responsible people to reduce the economic impact of emergencies. 5. Perform We will continue to improve and be recognised as a high performing organisation. 2 Beyond Cover April 2016 33 Introduction W elcome to our spring edition of Beyond Cover which certainly reflects a busy start to 2016. I am grateful to each member of staff who has contributed as well as the editorial team for putting this publication together. It remains important that we celebrate our success and publicise not only the wide reaching community safety services we deliver on a daily basis, but also the amazing charity fundraising events and activities that take place throughout the year. I am also keen that we celebrate and share our workplace culture with our continued focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all our staff. Change remains the constant focus with our Flexible Duty Officers undertaking a new four week duty system from the start of 2016 and ongoing refurbishment works at Truro Community Fire Station, to create a shared facility with our colleagues from South West Ambulance Service Foundation Trust. I am working on a strategic alliance with the Isles of Scilly which will see the Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service functions delivered, supported and managed through our service. I also look forward to the launch of our Fire Rescue Maritime Response (FRMR) team which will provide a professional response to incidents at sea covering Cornwall, Devon and Somerset coastal areas. Dr Steve Maraboli an eminent Behavioural Science academic said “Do more than just talk; act. Do more than just promise; deliver”. I believe our Service “can do” attitude, exemplifies this quote as we continue to act and deliver not only business as usual but also new innovative projects and ways of working, as we embrace and demonstrate the “One Public Sector” approach, explicit within the Cornwall Devolution Deal. We have a fantastic record of partnership working which is based on good local working relationships, with our shared objectives delivering positive outcomes to residents businesses and visitors to Cornwall. Within this edition we celebrate the launch of our 2016-2019 Service plan incorporating our Integrated Risk Management Plan. I would like to thank everyone involved as I am confident the plan reflects our “You Said, We Listened, We Did” approach and is the product of a comprehensive programme of engagement and consultation with staff, Members, partners and communities across Cornwall’. This summer will see a Local Government Association and CFOA led peer review team visit us to undertake an Operational Assessment with further details included within this publication. Please give our visitors a warm Cornwall welcome but above all be honest, be proud and willing to share our strengths as well as areas where we can improve. I know we are a self-aware organisation with, community engagement, equality and diversity (CEED) and the health, safety and welfare of staff two key service priorities that are at the heart of everything we do. Enjoy this edition of Beyond Cover and please reflect on what has been an excellent start to 2016. Thank you all for your professionalism and dedication. Paul Walker Chief Fire Officer & Head of the Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service Beyond Cover April 2016 3 New Service Plan 2016 -2019 W e are pleased to announce that the new Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service Plan 2016-2019, incorporating our Integrated Risk Management Plan, is now live and available at www.cornwall.gov. uk/CRFCS Serviceerviceplan Our Service Plan sets out what we are aiming to do over the next three years across your Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service. It explains the things we do, how we are structured and the resources we have available to us to make Cornwall safer. It provides an overview of what shapes our services and a view of Cornwall from a risk perspective. It explains what we want to do, why and the things we plan to Cornwall Council’s Strategic Theme Our Priorities do to get there. The plan has had wide consultation to ensure we met the needs of our community and staff. Our priorities; Prevent, Protect, Respond, Innovate and Perform, are clearly outlined including what our objectives and outcomes are and how these link to the Council’s Strategy. We have also defined our equality objectives. We will be holding an open day at Tolvaddon in May to celebrate the work we have done and to look at where we want to be, inviting the local community, Members, all our staff and partners to join us. We hope to see as many of you there as possible, details of this event will be provided in the next coming weeks. If you have any questions please contact Vicky Wallens-Hancock at vicky.wallens-hancock@cornwall.gov.uk 01872 322967 Vicky Wallens-Hancock Business Support Manager Our Objectives Our Outcomes What we want to do at a high level What we aim to achieve How we align to the Council’s Strategy Prevent Engaging with our Communities Healthier and Safe Communities Driving the economy Engaging with our Communities Healthier and Safe Communities Being efficient, effective and innovative Engaging with our Communities Health, Safety and Wellbeing Community Engagement , Equality and Diversity (CEED) Healthier and Safe Communities 4 Beyond Cover August 2015 To improve the health, safety and wellbeing of people and places most at risk To deliver targeted services based on risk and vulnerability, working in collaboration with others Protect To engage with, educate and support businesses, partners and communities to promote good practice To protect businesses, people, the local economy and environment To regulate and enforce legislation for commercial and public premises to protect people Improved health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities Places are better protected reducing the cost to the local economy and environment Improved public safety Maintained capability to provide an effective response to emergencies and people in crisis Respond To deliver an effective and efficient emergency response and support recovery Improved safety of individuals, families and communities To ensure we have the right resources in the right place at the right time Reduced impact during and after emergency incidents on individuals, families, communities and environment Maintained our capability to respond to large scale, and specialist local, regional or national incidents Cornwall Council’s Strategic Theme Our Priorities Our Objectives Our Outcomes What we want to do at a high level What we aim to achieve Continue to develop opportunities for greater collaboration of blue light services Increased collaboration with other blue light services How we align to the Council’s Strategy Ambitious Cornwall Engaging with our Communities Innovate Driving the economy Being efficient, effective and innovative Partners working together Being efficient, effective and innovative Health, Safety and Wellbeing Community Engagement , Equality and Diversity (CEED) Partners working together Thinking and working differently to make the best use of all resources Maximise opportunities for greater collaboration with public, private and community organisations Develop alternative funding and cost recovery opportunities Develop technical solutions to meet the future needs of the service To improve the understanding of the needs of individuals, families, businesses and communities to target risk Increased collaboration with public, private and community organisations Recognised as a valued contributor to strategic partnerships Increased cost recovery Improved user satisfaction in the use of IT Improved effectiveness through the use of IT Evidence based practice is embedded across the service Improved health of our workforce Perform Ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our people Improved safety of our workforce Improved wellbeing of our workforce Be a high performing organisation Use our resources effectively to target risk Be known as a high performing organisation Budget delivered on target Improved professional competence of our workforce Trusted and inclusive organisation that people want to work with and for Compliant and effective in the way we manage information Beyond Cover April 2016 5 Operational Assessment 2016 As you are aware our Operational Assessment (OpA) preparation has been moving forward. We have now undertaken all of our workshops in preparation for the peer assessment, which will be taking place from the 14 - 17 June. The assessment and peer challenge process is the ‘industry standard’ improvement tool for Fire and Rescue Authorities to provide elected Members and Chief Officers with information that operational service delivery is efficient, effective and robust. It also provides a view on organisational effectiveness. It is a voluntary process that is managed by and delivered for the sector. We have now completed the workshops where we identified areas for improvement and strengths. Each key assessment area has a strategic lead which is responsible for assessing their area against the framework, these are; • • • • • • AM Steve Brown- Health, Safety and Welfare AM Kevin Thomas- Training and Development Vicky Wallens-Hancock- Community Risk Management Richard Fedorowicz- Preparedness Tamsin Lees and Julian Commons- Prevention and Protection AM Mark Hewitt- Response We are required to produce a narrative and self-assessment document which drives our own improvement. The selfassessment is open and honest and has involved staff across the service in its drafting. It will guide the peer challenge team on areas to focus on in the on-site activity. We have agreed three specific areas that we would like the peer team to focus on, these are; external validation and promotion of our Critical Control Centre, expectations on our On-Call personnel and Health and Social Care Integration. During the visit in June the peer team will be seeking to help the Service recognise and celebrate its strengths as much as identify areas to explore. Members of the challenge team will meet and talk with a cross-section of staff, elected members and representatives of partner organisations. The team will feed back their conclusions and recommendations on the fourth day. This is followed by a written report that we will have the opportunity to consider and respond to. We are looking forward to the assessment and being able to take the opportunity for peers to look at the work we do and where learning could be made, to drive improvement further within the Service. Vicky Wallens-Hancock Business Support Manager 6 Beyond Cover August 2015 Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 27th January is Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) the day for everyone to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in the subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur. Three events were held in Cornwall in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police and Safer Cornwall through the Hate Crime Sub-group, and voluntary agencies, with one held for the first time at Tolvaddon Community Fire Station on 28th January 2016 as a community asset. The event covered the 8 stages of genocide and was led by David Hampshire followed by a candle lighting ceremony and prayers. Staff from Tolvaddon Community Fire Station and our Headquarters attended the event as well as voluntary groups and was open to members of the public – approximately 50 people attended in total during the session at Tolvaddon. Attendees learned of personal experiences of survivors and those who did not just stand by (the theme for 2016); guests explored the path to genocide, learned how genocide is unfortunately still happening in the world today and what they can do about it; could leave a personal message on the Hope Tree if they wished, and Chaplains were available should anyone wish to talk anything through in private and confidence. Information was provided to each attendee along with a HMD badge to be worn each year. Sarah Necke Community Safety Officer MIND Blue Light Campaign B lue Light Programme - supporting our emergency services Our service has signed up to the MIND Blue Light Mind Pledge Programme. What is this? MIND is a mental health charity in England and Wales, founded in 1946 as the National Association for Mental Health (NAMH). MIND launched the Blue Light Programme in March 2015. The Blue Light Programme is designed to support the people who serve in our police, fire, ambulance and search and rescue services in England, recognising that we operate in some of the toughest workplace environments, often exposed to traumatic situations. Their research showed we are more likely to experience mental health problems than the wider workforce, but also less likely to seek out or receive good mental health support. One year on MIND set up a pledge campaign to nationally improve mental health and wellbeing awareness across the UK’s emergency services. There is a big plan of things that we need to do but the biggest is to change the way we think about mental health. We need to change the way we act and show support and an openness to support anyone who bravely utters a word around their mental health and wellbeing. I love a good saying so here it is: “Actions do speak louder than words, so if someone wants to speak then you should act and show them support.” Acting to support a colleague’s mental health and wellbeing, could be the most important life you save in your whole career. Our health and wellbeing is crucial so we can do our roles, this includes our mental and emotional fitness as well as our physical. We know that 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any given year. But MIND’s independent research shows that the estimated quarter of a million people who work and volunteer in the emergency services are even more at risk of experiencing a mental health problem than the general population, but are less likely to get support. Next key actions for the Service: • More Time to Talk days/events • Recruiting mental health advocates and buddies • World Mental Health Day – 10th October a day to raise the profile of the importance of mental health and wellbeing. To keep you update to date with what’s going on as well as provide links to support and services available to us, we are working on a dedicated webpage. Until then if you would like more information please contact, Tamsin Lees, Alice Gent, Dawn Bailey or Kathryn Billing Kathryn Billing On 2 February 2016 Our Chief Fire Officer Paul Walker, Community Safety Manager Tamsin Lees and Councillor Geoff Brown signed our pledge, which publically endorsed our commitment to eradicating the stigma which exists amongst emergency responders around mental health. “It is now the time to take action and the time to talk!” Beyond Cover April 2016 7 Introducing Archie, the newest member of Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service T here’s a new pup on the block - Archie, the Service’s Fire Investigation (FI) Dog. Having recently completed his training, the 20-month old Cocker Spaniel will now be brought in to identify the cause of fires, which are thought to have been the work of arsonists. Archie has some pretty big paws to fill, taking on the role previously carried out by Nelson, the service’s Springer Spaniel who sadly passed away late last year. In addition to the day job, Nelson had a cult following on Twitter, with almost 4,000 followers. Archie will also be getting to grips with social media, taking to Twitter (@Archie_ FireDog) to help promote fire safety messages and give an insight into life as a FI Dog. Follow Archie on Twitter @Archie_FireDog Mark Smith Watch Manager 8 Beyond Cover August 2015 Donation of a Mercedes fire appliance to Rotary International I write on behalf of Rotary International and the community of Lipjan, Kosova to thank you for the recent donation of a Mercedes fire appliance. The Rotary team consisting of Peter Robinson, Chris Ellis, Paul Graham and Rob Collins left Cornwall on Wednesday 28th October 2015 for their 1900 mile journey and the appliance was in service at its new station on Tuesday 3rd November, providing fire and emergency cover to a community of 45,000-50,000 people. The vehicle completed the long journey around the mountains of northern Montenegro without a hiccup; with the exception of throwing a wheel balancing weight! Kosova in general is a very poor country but the Municipality of Lipjan really does have problems. Team members first visited Lipjan a year ago and the decision to help them out, if at all possible, was an easy one to make. Your generosity and that of CFRCS Service has resulted in a major improvement in the safety of the community and the local mayor, fire chief, fire fighters etc are absolutely delighted with the Mercedes, which will be treated with great respect and pride. I have attached a few “before and after” photographs which I hope will give some idea of what this project has achieved. Barry Kressinger Coordinator - D.1175’s Overseas Project Team Secretary - Rotary Club of Launceston Once again, a sincere “thank you” for your generosity and support. Rotary International will continue to do its best to improve the lives of communities abroad in great need of help. Beyond Cover April 2015 9 Prince’s Trust Team Programmes P rinces Trust currently have two teams running across the County. We are mid way through the teams so wanted to share an update of what the two teams have been up to. We also wanted to thank the station, station managers and firefighters of Tolvaddon and Liskeard for accommodating our teams over these 13 weeks. The Prince’s Trust Team Programme provides a unique opportunity for unemployed 16-25 year olds to undertake a 13 week course with CFRCS Service. Tolvaddon Team: As part of the course the team has to plan and complete a community project. Which would see them speak to local organisations to see who they could help and have to look at the pro’s and cons of each project, to see which would be more beneficial for them to take on. They also have to fundraise for materials to be able to complete the project and look for donations and assistance from local businesses. This course saw Team 7 take on a community project at Crowan Primary School, where they converted a couple of overgrown areas leading around the school to the schools classrooms and playground. These areas are the main way in and out of the school for students, parents and the adjoined playschool. The school has wanted to renovate these areas for a while but have struggled due to time and funding having to be spent elsewhere. 10 Beyond Cover April 2015 Liskeard Team: Our other team in Liskeard have just completed their residential week. During this team CFRCS Service and the Princes Trust Team have partnered with Help the Heroes for the first time. Joining the team to work alongside the team leader and assistant as an additional assistant team leader Craig Daniell will be working with our Liskeard team over their 13 weeks. Craig served five and half years in the RAF and got injured in May 2013, he was medically discharged in March 2016 and the Help for Heroes charity have set him up with a 6 months work placement with CFRCS Service. Craig was keen to work alongside CRFCS Service as he admired the way that they helped people aged 16-25 with a 12 weeks programme. as abseiling, rock climbing and navigational tasks. As well, problem solving tasks are included, all of which encourage a supportive team spirit and encourage members to recognise their abilities. The responsibilities given in cooking and cleaning, also encourage skills required outside of work and offers some independence through this responsibility. Planning for the residential takes place in the previous week. The team are required to devise a cooking and cleaning rota, as both are their responsibility throughout. The team are given £11 per person to then buy the food needed for the meals they had planned. Team Leader Samantha Spooner said “ I am really proud of how the Liskeard Team approached the challenge of their residential week, they all challenged and pushed themselves outside their comfort zone throughout. They managed to stick to their food budget and keep themselves well nourished and the centre clean. Many have never had the opportunity to experience anything like this before and they did themselves and CRFCS Service proud.” Katie Rollason Phoenix Services Business Support Manager Craig says “Since I have been involved I feel like I have shown myself to be a good role model to the people that come on the course and it’s good to see the progress they make from day one. People already have more confidence and are coming out of their shells. I can’t wait to see how much more they have developed by the end of the programme.” The Liskeard Team have just completed their residential week. The residential weeks take place at Buckfastleigh on Dartmoor with Devon Adventure Training, who work alongside the young people and instructors to facilitate the activities that they undertake. The purpose of the residential week is to develop the confidence of the young people, to encourage and develop team working skills, as well as encouraging leadership skills from each member of the team. In order to achieve this, the team take part in varying activities throughout the week, to push people beyond their comfort zone, such Beyond Cover April 2015 11 Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service proud supporters of quiltbag TM q uiltbag™ is the UK Fire & Rescue Service support network for sexual and/or gender self –identity, or as people might usually know this, LGBT. Why has this changed to a term like “quiltbag”? quiltbag™ is a globally recognised term and it allows for people to self-identify as whatever sexual orientation or gender identity they would like to and feel included. There are so many emerging ways and new terms people are using to express their sexual and/ or gender identity and if we are to be truly inclusive; as an equality excellent service is, we need to understand and support diversity in every way. Inclusion is not just about sexual orientation and gender identity, and this network looks at everyone’s inclusion and that’s why I am a supporter and proud to be quiltbag’s™ secretary. What’s it got to do with us? Fire and Rescue Services (FRS’s) have a responsibility far beyond that which is required by legislation. We have an excellent opportunity to show everyone that we truly live and believe in what we say we are “an excellent inclusive service” and it is this which will help us to achieve a healthier and safer workplace and communities for everyone and anyone. We will be looking to start becoming more visual in our support for sexual orientation and gender identity and if you feel like you want to be more involved and help promote our support to colleagues and people in the community who need it, then we would welcome your support. The amazing thing is sexual orientation and/or gender identity is one of the most unified characteristics of human beings. Yet often this united characteristic, which we all share, couldn’t be more divisive or difficult to discuss, which seems sad, when it’s something the entire human race has in common. I am as proud of my sexual orientation and gender identity, as I am to be a part of our service and always happy to talk about either! It’s simply just being a human being and promoting an inclusive workplace and community, where everyone can come to work or live their life and feel able to be themselves. So what are quiltbag™ here to do? Kathryn Billing We are here to support staff within the service that identify as anything other than hetrosexual (straight) or cis-gender/binary (male or female). We are also here to support all to understand these terms, understand not to be afraid to ask questions about sexual orientation and gender identity. This can then break down barriers with communities and help us understand the fears they have, the prejudices they have faced and through our acceptance and understanding, help them to know we are a service; which is inclusive and accessible, irrespective of how they choose to selfidentify and live their lives. We just want people to be healthy, safe and well. 12 Beyond Cover August 2015 If you would like more information on becoming a Service Inclusion Ally then please contact Kathryn Billing. The coresponders have all been trained in basic life support procedures and the use on an automatic external defibrillator and oxygen therapy Polruan firefighters to provide a co-response in medical emergency calls Eight qualified on-call firefighters from Polruan Community Fire Station now provide a co-response in life threatening medical emergency calls - as part of a partnership with South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT). After months of training and preparation Steve Stroud, Colin Payne, Peter Hadley, Des Libby BEM, Dean Hawken, Cameron Edmonds, Malcolm Dodd and Julian Jenkin have taken up new duties as co-responders, attending medical emergency calls in addition to their fire fighting duties. SWASFT will identify the emergencies that are appropriate for the co-responders to attend and co-responders will be despatched to provide care until an ambulance arrives. The co-responders have all been trained in basic life support procedures and the use of an automatic external defibrillator and oxygen therapy. They are expected to deal with around 160 medical emergency calls a year. Team 1 with Cllr Edwina Hannaford, CFO Paul Walker,Cllr Geoff Brown, Area Manager Mark Blatchford and John Adams Parish Council Similar schemes have been running since 1999, serving the communities of St Keverne, Mullion, St Mawes, Helston, the Roseland peninsula and the Lizard peninsula. The schemes help SWASFT to ensure that prompt medical treatment is given to people living in isolated areas, when there is a life threatening medical emergency. Mark Blatchford Group Manager Beyond Cover April 2016 13 Governance arrangements for Local Government Pension Scheme and Cornwall Firefighters’ Pension Schemes T he Public Service Pensions Act 2013 introduced key provisions on scheme governance in relation to the Firefighters’ Pension Schemes and other public service pension schemes. Function Responsible Authority, As a result the Fire Authority as a scheme manager for the Fire Pension Scheme is required to have in place a local pension board. The role of the board is to assist the scheme manager in complying with all the legislative requirements making sure the scheme is being effectively and efficiently governed and managed. Responsibility for Local Government Pension Scheme National Level Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) Provision of advice to the responsible authority, scheme manager and Local National Scheme Advisory Board Pension Board. Regulation of all work-based The Pension Regulator (under the pensions. Department of Works & Pensions) Local Level Scheme Manager Cornwall Council Operation of the Scheme and the Pensions Committee exercise of discretions. Day to day management of the Senior Officers of Cornwall Council scheme. Administration of the scheme. Cornwall Pension Fund Provision of advice and support to the Scheme Manager to secure compliance with scheme regulations Local Pension Board and other relevant legislation, and with any matters imposed by the Pension Regulator. 14 Beyond Cover April 2016 Responsibility for Firefighters Pension Scheme Minister of State at the Home Office National Scheme Advisory Board The Pension Regulator (under the Department of Works & Pensions) Cornwall Fire Authority Chief Fire Officer Senior Officers of Cornwall Council Cornwall Pension Fund Local Pension Board Responsibility for Local Government Pension Scheme National Level Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) Function Responsible Authority, Provision of advice to the responsible authority, scheme manager and Local National Scheme Advisory Board Pension Board. Regulation of all work-based The Pension Regulator (under the pensions. Department of Works & Pensions) The Pension Regulator (under the Department of Works & Pensions) Local Level Scheme Manager Cornwall Council Operation of the Scheme and the Pensions Committee exercise of discretions. Day to day management of the Senior Officers of Cornwall Council scheme. Administration of the scheme. Cornwall Pension Fund Provision of advice and support to the Scheme Manager to secure compliance with scheme regulations Local Pension Board and other relevant legislation, and with any matters imposed by the Pension Regulator. Responsibility for Firefighters Pension Scheme Minister of State at the Home Office National Scheme Advisory Board Cornwall Fire Authority Chief Fire Officer Senior Officers of Cornwall Council Cornwall Pension Fund Local Pension Board Local Government Pension Scheme Firefighters Pension Scheme Board Members Rohan Worrall Role Independent Chair Ian Smart Employer Representative Tracey Woodhams Employer Representative Malcolm Ball Carol Thorogood Employee Representative Employee Representative Board Members Assistant Chief Fire Officer Phil Martin Assistant Chief Officer Simon Mould Station Manager Stewart Whitworth Mike Roach Role Employer Representative Employer Representative Employee Representative Employee Representative The Pension Boards do not carry out a delegated decision making function on behalf of the Scheme Manager or participating employers. . Instead the Pension Boards will carry out an oversight function to ensure that such decisions are properly compliant with regulations, guidance and internal policies. Only employee and employer representatives are entitled to vote. Justin Mitchell People Management, Development and Wellbeing Beyond Cover April 2016 15 Twilight Trail: Pupils at St Neot Community Primary School say “Be Safe and Be Seen” C hildren from St Neot Community Primary School helped our Prevention, Protection and Road Safety Team to celebrate this year’s Twilight Trail, which involves a twilight walk with a twist! Twilight Trails aim to educate children about the importance of wearing fluorescent and reflective clothing in poor light and at night, to ensure that they are more visible to other road users. The event, took place on in the extensive school grounds, starting with an evening meeting at the school, during which Fire and Road Safety Advisors gave a brief presentation about the importance of wearing fluorescent and reflective clothing, when out on the roads at night or in poor light. With a torch and a reflective tabard each, the children were taken along a dark route where they were able to discover all kinds of reflective items concealed in hedges, trees and undergrowth. 16 Beyond Cover April 2016 During the walk team members explained how the torches cause the reflective material to shine, just as a reflector would react when caught in a vehicle’s headlights. Without reflective clothing or items a pedestrian or cyclist is only visible, in dipped headlights, from 30 metres away. By wearing or using reflective items they become visible at 150 metres, giving drivers five times the distance to notice them and, more importantly, avoid them. In recent years there have been a number of tragic adult pedestrian deaths on dark roads. So the message is vital for everybody: consider wearing or carrying something bright if you have to walk along the road at night. Tamsin Ferris Fire & Road Safety Officer Fireworks Charity Fundraiser Report (L-R): Learn 2 Live team Simon Taylor, Martyn Addinall, PC Nick Etchells, Sgt Phillip Grigg, Nick jones, Izabela Harvey, Pete Atkinson, Tom Rehaag Learn 2 Live: Powerful, thought provoking intitiative delivered to target young driver casualties in Cornwall O n Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 February, the Keay Theatre at Cornwall College St Austell hosted four Learn2Live events, organised by our Prevention, Protection and Road Safety team in partnership with Devon County Council. Learn2Live is a powerful, thought provoking initiative, designed to target young driver and passenger casualties in Cornwall. Learn2Live was presented to in excess of 500 young people who fall into the young driver age group. The Learn2Live programme is based on a short DVD showing a group of friends being involved in a collision and the emergency services arriving. As each agency arrives at the scene, the DVD is paused and a member of that particular emergency service enters the stage, to give their chilling account of attending the scene of a road traffic collision. This is followed by a family member who has lost a loved one in a road traffic collision giving their account of the circumstances of their loss and the devastating affect that this has had on their life. The programme concludes with a young man called Pete telling his story about how he was involved in a collision, the impact of which will stay with him for the rest of his life. For further information regarding the Learn 2 Live programme please contact Tamsin Ferris, Fire and Road Safety Officer (Awareness & Performance) tferris@cornwall.gov.uk. Tamsin Ferris Fire and Road Safety Officer T his year over £6000 was given away to charities and good causes, following the Falmouth fireworks display. Falmouth Community Fire Station Social Club invited local charities and good causes to apply for a donation, which is also a great way to pull the community together. The fireworks display brings the community together and helps local groups and charities including; The Fire Fighters Charity , Mylor Sailability Trust, Blood bikes, St Johns Ambulance, Falmouth rotary club, Swamp Circus, Falmouth Dementia, Falmouth Utd, Falmouth town U14, Mawnan brownies, Smiling Faces, Pebbles, Playing Place Cubs, Last Chance Hotel, FF Luke Hodge, just to name a few. Money was also put towards a visit to Cornwall by children affected from the Chernobyl disaster, in which personnel from the Service are extremely proud to be able to play a role in supporting. This money will be used to make their visit with us as enjoyable as possible. It’s great that we are able to do this and that the public continue to support the fireworks, we have been doing the display for many years now and whether it is a dry clear night or pouring with rain the public are always there, without whom we would not be in a position to help out local charities and good causes. As a fire service we are really keen for members of the public to attend organised events, as fireworks can be very dangerous, and no matter how careful you are, accidents can still happen. By coming along to an organised display you get to see great fireworks and everyone has a great time in a safe, controlled environment. This year’s display will once again be held on 5 November at Falmouth Cricket Club where over £7,500 worth of fireworks will once again be set off to music. With plenty of activities for all on the evening with local food stalls and other displays, such as Falmouth fire eaters and swamp circus. We look forward to seeing you again this year on 5 November. Stuart Williams Watch Manager, Falmouth Community Fire Station Beyond Cover April 2016 17 Mud Rescue Interagency Training M ud rescues are unique in Cornwall as the HM Coastguard Service (HMCG) was the primary emergency service that would respond to coastal incidents. However, the role of the fire service has recently widened, including rescue which has increased its scope, including a response to mud rescues. This means that both services can be called at the public’s discretion. Over recent years the demand for mud rescues has increased, which is largely due to the accessibility of coastal water based activities. In Cornwall, HMCG is limited to one mud response team located at Falmouth, whereas the CFRCS Service has three full-time and one on-call team that are strategically located throughout the county. Whilst both services work together at the scene of many incidents, this is not always the case and their rescue approach varies considerably. With this in mind, it is essential that both services gain a greater understanding of the resources available and command structure, to provide a cohesive service to the public. Aims • To review mud rescue procedures for both the Fire and Rescue service and HM Coastguard at a local level. • To align the Incident Command response and communications for mud rescues. • To improve safety and efficiency at mud rescue incidents. Objectives • Provision of multi-agency scenarios at a safe tidal venue. • Review current incident command systems. • Review different techniques and equipment used by each service. 18 Beyond Cover April 2016 Multi-Agency Scenarios To date three practical training scenarios have been undertaken to encourage partnership working between the coastguard and fire service teams. Mud rescue exercises were planned with the coastguard where identical rescue situations were created. Each service demonstrated their team’s response so that equipment and techniques could be reviewed and compared. Following each team’s demonstration, team members identified the strengths and weaknesses of the equipment and procedures. Subsequently, a combined approach was attempted using equipment, along with the most effective rescue methods. Through working with HMCG I have gathered information, discussed and explored working practices, tested equipment and reviewed previous incidents. This project has highlighted areas for improvement, better working relationships and knowledge of techniques and equipment when responding to mud rescues. In the coming year the differences will be shared and passed to further crews, which will in turn will enhance our skills in a casualty centred rescue. Martyn Addinall Group Training Instructor West Beyond Cover April 2016 19 Prevention of anti social behaviour A nti-social behaviour is a broad term used to describe the day to day incidents of crime, nuisance and disorder that make many people’s lives a misery – from vandalism and misuse of communication, to public drunkenness or intimidation, to noisy or abusive neighbours. Victims can feel helpless, bounced from one agency to another and then back again. In many cases, the behaviour is targeted against the most vulnerable in our society and even what is perceived as ‘low level’ anti social behaviour, when targeted and persistent, can have devastating effects on a victim’s life. Cornwall has a dedicated Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) Team who manage a caseload of serious anti social behaviour. The team, who are part of the Community Safety Team within the Fire and Rescue Service, consists of four ASB Caseworkers, a Senior ASB Caseworker, Tri-Service Safety Officer and a Police Community Support Officer, attachment to assist with those on the Together for Families programme. Working out of police and fire stations throughout the county the team provides a frontline service to members of the public. Due to ASB Caseworkers being police vetted the team is able to work closer with partners and target individuals or premises that are having a detrimental effect on the local community. This can include frontline targeted operations in response to anti social behaviour concerns, such as street drinking, arson and vehicle related ASB. New legislation is being used by the team to tackle nuisance and disorder. The ASB, Crime & Policing Act 2014 streamlined the current 19 powers with 6 new tools enabling authorities to tackle anti social behaviour faster and more effectively. They include • Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) - The order is aimed at tackling the most serious and persistent offenders where their behaviour has brought them before a criminal court. • Civil Injunction - To stop or prevent individuals engaging in anti social behaviour quickly, nipping problems in the bud before they escalate. • Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) - are intended to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a particular area that is detrimental to the local community’s qualify of life, by imposing conditions on the use of that area which apply to everyone (to replace Designated Public Places Orders). 20 Beyond Cover April 2016 • Community Protection Notices (CPNs) intended to deal with particular, ongoing problems or nuisances which negatively affect the community’s quality of life. CPNs can be issued for graffiti, rubbish or noise nuisance often dealt with by Environmental Protection. • Closure power - is a fast, flexible power that can be used to protect victims and communities by quickly closing premises for up to 3 months. • Dispersal powers – these are used by the police to disperse anti social individuals and provide immediate short-term respite to the local community. Since the change in legislation, 26 Criminal Behaviour Orders have been obtained with the majority of orders being issued on the back of alcohol related offences. Only one of these was on a youth. Previous enforcement action by the team includes orders preventing an individual from ringing the emergency services unless in a genuine emergency, being in possession of accelerants or lighter and closing premises for 3 months due to serious nuisance and disorder. ASB Caseworkers also operate a preventative staged warning process on individuals who commit acts of ASB. The three stage escalation process has historically proven effective in managing anti social behaviour issues, especially for young people. So far in 2015/16, 82% of young people and 78% of adults who received a warning did not come to the attention of the team for the following three months. If you would like to speak further with the team please contact your local caseworker – Dorian Thomas – Penzance, Hayle, St Ives, Camborne and Redruth Tom Styles – Helston, Falmouth and Truro Sarah Dundon – Newquay, Bodmin, Launceston and Bude Sarah Edgcumbe – St Austell, Liskeard, Torpoint and Saltash Andy Hichens – Tri Service Safety Officer Hayle PCSO Ellie Grey – Together for Families – West Natasha Mathews Senior ASB Caseworker Five reasons why you might want to go on training You’re a busy person, with a lot of pressures on your time. You have been doing your current job a while, and have no particular wish to take on another, or to add to your responsibilities. So why on earth would you go on training? 1) Your number one reason to go on training might be to make sure you are compliant with all the rules and legislation that surround our working lives. Procedures change and laws get updated. If you don’t stay up to date, you run the risk of getting something wrong, and that can be very costly. If you get data protection wrong, for example, for the Service the fine can be as much as £500,000! 2) Another is to stay up to speed with your IT. Technology is always changing. If you’ve been using computers for long enough, you become adept at finding your way around packages when they change. However, that doesn’t mean you are getting the best from them, or even doing things the quickest way. Sometimes one training session can save you hours of taking “the long way round”. 3) You don’t know what you don’t know. You can get a real feeling of achievement by learning a new, better, faster or simply different way of doing the “same old thing”. Even just confirming what you do know will make you feel good about yourself and your ability in your role. 4) Training events are a golden opportunity to mix with people you wouldn’t normally work with. Sometimes a chance remark over coffee provides the resolution to something you’ve been struggling with for weeks. Or, you’ll spend the day sat with the very person you need to solve the problem you run into next month. 5) It keeps your brain active! Learning something new is exercise for the brain, and most of us will admit that we should be getting more exercise! Exercise keeps us fresh, improves our performance and gets us ready for whatever comes next – and that’s the same for the head as for the heart. Please contact Justin Mitchell for an information on training at justinm@cornwall.gov.uk Justin Mitchell People Managment, Development and Wellbeing Exercise Mor On Saturday 27 February Mor Workspace, Treloggan Lane, Newquay provided the perfect setting for a multi agency exercise involving Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service (CRFCS Service) and South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT). Mor Workspace a derelict building currently under construction enabled a full exercise to be instigated utilising live casualties supplied from Saltash Fire cadets, testing the operational capabilities of a number of CRFCS Service crews and appliances including; Newquay wholetime/ on-call, Perranporth, St Columb and Launceston. Exercise “MOR” attempted to provide as much realism to the scenario with casualties being located throughout the building utilising their finest acting skills, mock injuries and fake blood. CFRCS Service Control supported the exercise deploying appliances on demand logging all events until the Incident Command Unit (ICU) was established and took over command and control with an Officer in Charge (OIC). Many facets of the operational structure were implemented and tested, with a great emphasis for the responding resources and firefighters on Operational Guidance – Breathing Apparatus 14 (OGBA 14), which included deploying under Rapid Deployment escalating to Stage 1 and finally implementing Stage 2 as the incident escalated and became protracted. SWASFT dispatched resources to the incident and with casualties out numbering SWASFT resources, CRFCS Service firefighters were called upon to assist with providing immediate care to a variety of casualties, drawing upon a vast array of skills to provide the ultimate outcome for all. This demonstrated fantastic interoperability between the various blue light services. As the incident developed additional resources and officers arrived, eventually sectorising the incident, leading to the 11 casualties being located and removed by a number of breathing apparatus (BA) teams with at one stage, four teams of firefighters wearing BA simultaneously undertaking a variety of search patterns and tasks. The removal of the final patient was undertaken by the Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) from the roof of the building, drawing a successful exercise to an end. Exercise “MOR” turned out to be extremely successful and highlighted many good practises amongst the emergency services and personnel involved and provided an insight into the various resources and structures required, to facilitate and deal with such an incident. A big thank to Sarah and Matt Miller for the hospitality and allowing the utilisation of MOR Workspace, especially whilst under refurbishment. Thanks also to Christian Brown from SWASFT for providing the cadets with the realistic injuries, through dressage make up and blood. Finally a massive thank you to all involved for their efforts and input on the day. Matt Livingstone Crew Manager and Firefighter Ashley Mann Beyond Cover April 2016 21 Spirit of Padstow Exercise O n a wet and blustery Saturday morning in the middle of November, Padstow Community Fire Station took part in an exercise with the local lifeboat crew; Exercise- Spirit of Padstow. After a prompt meeting at Padstow Fire Station we proceeded to the lifeboat station at Mother Iveys Bay. Looking from the top of the cliff there was a large swell running and a fresh breeze. The access to the station was via some steep twisting steps that hugged the cliff, good job we had the lift for all the operational equipment, could have tested a few hernias. Once down on station level and in the security and warmth of the lifeboat house we received a full operational brief from the coxswain and an update on weather conditions. We discussed with the crew our objectives and then we were ready to challenge mother nature and our stomachs. At 0945 we loaded the fire service equipment and tentatively boarded the lifeboat ready for launch. With anticipation reaching a crescendo, the moment had 22 Beyond Cover April 2015 22 Beyond Cover April 2016 arrived, although it still seemed a bit high to me. The slip crew released the pin and down we went hopefully finding calmer waters to demonstrate our skills. We took shelter and started to set up in Harlyn Bay. Here we had protection from the westerly gale but not the driving rain; we now had a 20 minute window to set up and pump water. With the vessel not always behaving, we got our heads down tightening couplings and laying hose, whilst also remembering to balance. Some of our personnel started to lose the natural Cornish complexion they were blessed with, but at least nobody felt sick. At Last, objective achieved and in quick time. Now to secure all equipment and possibly ourselves as we steam back to lifeboat HQ against wind and tide, sounds like a budget speech, but it was a bit bumpy at times. After an hour and half at sea we made it to the lifeboat station for retrieval, engaged in a full debrief and discussed another exercise in the future, hopefully in better weather. This exercise did have a second part with a casualty vessel but storm Abigale and Barney put paid to this. Hopefully expanding on this early next year is a genuine option. Padstow Community Fire Station would like to thank all who assisted in this successful conclusion. Martin Murt Watch Manager, Orange Watch, Newquay Community Fire Station Mount Everest Climb O n Sunday 6 December, after weeks of planning, members of Orange watch at Newquay Community Fire Station as well as a few loan transfers of varying fitness levels, invaded Sainsbury’s supermarket. Despite the grey skies and the howling wind, not one member of the team complained about the prospect of spending four hours being battered by the elements. The aim was to climb the equivalent of Mount Everest (8848m) on the Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP), hoping to raise as much money as possible for two charities that are close to the hearts of Newquay Community Fire Station, in particular; Cancer Research UK and Macmillan. It quickly became evident though, after a quick-fire pace was set that we could accomplish more. It was decided that if we really pushed it we might be able to scale AND descend Everest. bodies sprawled across the car park suggested a local feel could be lent to the event, so Brown Willy was added to the target. This new target was duly smashed and was quickly followed by more back slapping and cups of tea. There were more than a few mentions of lunch time but as all were reminded, cancer doesn’t discriminate, or for that matter stop for lunch. As the skies began to darken and the trusty ALP was stowed for another day, the realisation set in. Everybody could be proud of their efforts. Everybody is affected by cancer at some time in their lives and those of us who are able to do such athletic feats should be thankful that we can. Over £500 was raised in less than five cold and wet hours, so a genuine thankyou is extended to everybody who played a part. From the wholetime and on-call firefighters and officers from both Newquay and Bodmin, to most importantly, Sainsbury’s for letting us block their entrance and stifle their trade and the members of the public who filled our buckets generously. James Collins Crew Manager, Newquay Orange Watch Just before the two hour mark, we managed to hit the summit. Cue high fives and back slapping all around and the customary cup of tea. We had gone past eleven am so were due some stand down. The action then continued and turns were taken to lead the pace, especially by CM Wheeldon and FF Beresford who never seemed to stop (arguing). As the money rattled in the buckets and the legs started to scream, the end was in sight. SM Whitworth, despite noticing the tired Beyond Cover April 2016 23 Commemerative Presentation at Saltash Community Fire Station Stanley Crabb had only been married for six months prior to his untimely death and his widow, Irene, originally received the award which she kept until she died in her late eighties some six years ago. A great nephew of Stanley and Irene, Darren Maynard, mentions: ‘I remember the award having pride of place in her home with fresh flowers always placed at its side.’ Although Irene had married twice since Stanley’s death the family thought it right that she should be buried with him and she was laid to rest with Stanley in St Stephen’s churchyard, Saltash. Having discovered the award recently in his mother’s loft, Darren felt that it should now be handed to the Fire Service in Saltash. ‘Even though this is the only memento left to our family I believe it belongs here where Stanley started out,’ he adds. A fallen volunteer firefighter from the second world war has been remembered during the presentation of his posthumously commemorative award to a local fire station. Discovered in a loft by a family member the award was in honour of Stanley R Crabb, one of six Saltash volunteer firefighters who lost their lives in Devonport on 22nd April 1941. The six had travelled to Devonport in their taxi and trailer pump to support the city firefighters and drove over an unexploded bomb dropped in an earlier air-raid, instantly killing the Saltash firefighters who were all in their twenties. To date, this is still believed to be the largest loss of life to the UK Fire Service from a single incident. 24 Beyond Cover April 2016 The Station Manager of Saltash Community Fire Station, Paul Blakeston, accepted the presentation saying: ‘On behalf of the station I would like to pass on all our thanks to Darren for presenting this to us. It will always be cherished.’ The Fire Service Youth Cadets organised a memorial day to the six fallen men back in 2008, when a plaque was unveiled to their memory and this presentation made by Darren Maynard to Saltash Community Fire Station is a valuable addition to the station’s memorabilia. Saltash Community Fire Station would be interested to hear from anyone who has any further information on this type of commemorative award and also whether there are any others in existence locally. Please contact Station Manager Paul Blakeston pblakeston@fire. cornwall.gov.uk Christine Edwards Freelance Writer and Photographer Station Open Days I have a few station open day dates in the diary but it would be great to get more planned in the events calendar so that we can inform Blaze Bear, who would love to come to Cornwall more this summer. Please contact infohub@fire.cornwall.gov.uk with your open day dates. January Clothes Collection Competition The charity holds a national competition in January for stations that have clothes banks to see who can collect the most amounts of clothes which then get weighed. I am pleased to say we had 9 stations included in this competition, with St Ives being the highest ranking for Cornwall. The 9 stations raised £340.12 together. We are currently looking at getting new banks at Tolvaddon, Hayle and Penzance. Cornish Comedy Evening We had a successful evening with brilliant entertainment from Johnny Cowling who made the whole room cry with laughter. The evening raised £610 which was split between two charities, The Cove Project Macmillan and The Fire Fighters Charity. I would like to say a huge thank you to Johnny Cowling, the Cape Cornwall singers and Splann for their fantastic entertainment. And of course thank you to Firefighter Sam Philp for providing the pasty supper. Events Calendar If you are holding an event for The Fire Fighters Charity or any other work related event, please let us know at Headquarters so that we can publish and promote it on social media and ensure paying in slips (if required) are sent to your station. Email us at infohub@fire. cornwall.gov.uk All events and upcoming campaigns are available to view from www.cornwall.gov.uk/fireevents. Take a look and see what’s on. National Car Wash Thank you to those stations who took part in the March car wash. If stations wish to take part in the September car wash please let Stephanie Hosken know a date, time and venue as soon as you can. This is so car wash shampoo / insurance documents etc can be organised and sent out. Cornwall Shop As you may know Maurice Roberts has retired from the Service, who was responsible for the shop. Stephanie Hosken and AM Hewitt (Cornwall Service Champion) have met with Dave Pilling and Katie Rollason from Phoenix who are now going to take over and revamp our Cornwall Shop. If you need any items for your Community Fire Station open days or any other event, please contact either Stephanie Hosken, Dave or Katie (SHosken1@ cornwall.gov.uk, dpilling@fire.cornwall.gov.uk, krollason@fire. cornwall.gov.uk) Update from Area Manager Mark Hewitt In addition to the fortunate position of accepting the role of Area Manager Service Delivery from Derek Walker, I have also picked up the service lead for The Fire Fighters Charity. I have recently visited Harcombe House with Stephanie Hosken to receive our inductions and have a tour of the rehabilitation facilities, which are outstanding, supported by an excellent team of specialists. I am aware that a number of our staff have benefitted from the facilities and services and I’m sure that they would all speak highly of the care and support. Unfortunately the finances are not fully secure for the long term therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to raise the profile of The Fire Fighter Charity and encourage as much fund raising and events as possible to secure this great facility for our staff, past and present. Many thanks to Stephanie who provides our administrative support and coordination of the FFC fund raising and a point of contact for all things FFC related. If you require any more information regarding The Fire Fighters Charity please contact Stephanie Hosken on 01872 323192 or SHosken1@cornwall.gov.uk. Beyond Cover April 2016 25 Penryn College students “pass out” in front of parents at Falmouth Fire Station T en students from Penryn College “passed out” at Falmouth Community Fire Station after completing the five day Phoenix Project course which saw them challenge themselves and each other. During the ceremony, held in front of family, friends and Penryn mayor, Mark Snowdon, the group showcased the fire fighting techniques they had learned during the previous five days, which include hose running, getting to grips with breathing apparatus and rescuing casualties from a “burning” car and “smoke-filled” building. The Phoenix Project, which is supported by European Social Fund (ESF) through the Learning Partnership, has been run by Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service since 2002 and enhances young people’s self-confidence, communication skills and community spirit. The Phoenix Project is a Cornwall wide initiative geared towards students between the ages of 13 and 17. To gain their certificates the students are given training in hose running, marching, wearing breathing apparatus (BA), life skills and problem solving with the aim of building confidence and self-esteem, raise aspirations and improve teamwork and communication skills. Jody Butterly Community Support Training Officer Helen Dale News editor at the Falmouth Packet 26 Beyond Cover April 2016 2015 Hayle Emergency Services Community Station - Over 65’s Event Come and join us on Thursday 14 April 2016 from 10am - 2pm for a chat, cuppa, bit of cake and free raffle! Attending the event: • Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service • Tremorvah Industries • Tri-Service Officer • Age UK • Police • Dementia Friends • Trading Standards • Wiltshire Farm Foods • Neighbourhood Watch All the above will be on hand to supply information and to answer any questions you might have. Leigh-Anne Parfitt Community Fire and Road Safety Advisor CFRCS The 8 in 8 Challenge Service Half Marathon Results A 10 mile circular walk from Tywardreath, through Golant, Fowey, Polkerris, Polmear and returning to Tywardreath. The aim is to visit 8 specified pubs along the route in eight hours, taking in parts of the SW coast path, estuary footpath and the Saints Way. An accompanying quiz will require a visit to each of the pubs in order to find the answers! The aim is to have an informal, enjoyable day with breathtaking views, a chance to visit the local pubs in the area and raise funds for The Fire Fighters Charity and the Merlin MS Centre in St Austell, plus help boost the local economy! The 2016 half marathon was another success this year with in excess of £6000 raised for The Fire Fighters Charity and Enable in Cornwall Ltd. There was a new route for runners this year, still with the undulating hills, mud tracks and stunning views of the National Trusts Lanhydrock House grounds. 2016 race results - male: • 1st - Michael Birchmore - 1:21:11 • 2nd - Noel Kindon - 1:22:15 • 3rd - Nick Loewendall - 1:23:00 2016 race results - female: • 1st Jane Allison - 1:37:59 • 2nd Alexandra Payton - 1:38:27 • 3rd Donna Ragitt - 1:43:43 For all up to date information visit www. cornwall.gov.uk’halfmarathon Registration will be between 10.00 and 10.30 at the New Inn, Tywardreath (5-10 minutes walk from Par railway station) which will be open to provide refreshments and food. We are asking for a donation of £10 from all participants. A quiz sheet and route map/ directions between each of the pubs will be provided. For more details please contact Mike Tremellen at St Austell Community Fire Station on 01726 72582 / 07891 729276 or email mtremellen@fire.cornwall.gov.uk Ff James Marks Bodmin Community Fire Station Beyond Cover April 2016 27 FireSport UK is the new name of Fire Service Sport (Previously FSSAA The Fire Service Sports and Athletics Association has changed its name). F ebruary 1 2016: FireSport Uk is now the name for all fire service sport formally known as the FSSAA it was felt by the committee that it was time to modernise and bring the association up to date especially as fire services and indeed the sports people play and take part in has also diversified. 1.2 Organisational Structure 1.1 Organisational Purpose The National Executive Council (NEC) are the guardians of the funds of the association and with the consent of the National Council distributes grants to contribute to individual sports section activities and to establish new sections. It is also responsible for the promotion of association activities through the website www. firesportuk.com. The Fire Service Sports and Athletics Association (FSSAA) has been in existence since 1969. It was formed as a Trust run by serving and retired fire service staff to encourage all forms of sports and athletics in the UK Fire and Rescue Services. The existing objectives of the association are as follows: 2.1.1 To encourage all forms of sport and athletics, both indoor and outdoor, for the benefit of serving and retired members of the Fire Service of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and to promote, organise and do all things necessary to provide, establish and support competitions, championships and events of a like nature, including the provision of trophies and raising funds. 2.1.2 Such activity may be carried out in cooperation with Fire Brigades as defined in rule 4(a) Sports and Athletics Association, or with any other members or organisations. For this purpose, the Association may be a member of the European Fire Service Sports federation (or their successor); or other appropriate international body as may be approved by the Council. 28 Beyond Cover April 2016 FireSport UK currently consists of 17 sports sections which are responsible for the organising and running of the events and competitions in their sport. The sports sections are as follows: Angling, Athletics, Badminton, Bowls, Clay Target Shooting, Cricket, Cycling, Football, Golf, Rugby, Sailing, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, Walking and Mountaineering But this list is not exhaustive and as peoples interests change then new sections are added and some made dormant. 1.3 Services Sports sections arrange and promote sporting events within the United Kingdom fire and rescue services, the European Fire Brigades Sports Federation and with other national vocational and community teams. Funds received from the NEC are supplemented by obtaining contributions from competitors and members and by arranging local sponsorship deals. FireSport UK National Executive Council obtains most of its funding from the Local Authority Fire and Rescue services based on a banding structure relating to the size of the Authority. FireSport UK activities can be used to help achieve a number of the aims of the UK fire and rescue services. Sporting events offer an opportunity for engagement with people within the local community and this opportunity could be built upon to reach relevant sections of the community for fire safety and prevention messages. Activities can also be used to target specific sections of the community for recruitment of women and ethnic minorities in support of government representation targets. There are also clear advantages in promoting a healthy and active workforce by encouraging sporting activities. John O’Groats to Lands End Fire Fighters Charity Bike Ride 2016 Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service are doing a charity bike ride and would welcome people from Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service to join them as they ride through the county. Details below: 26th May (Thursday) 24th May (Tuesday) In Long: Rejoin the A390 and head SE to Truro, after town get onto A39 to Helston. Then A394 to Penzance but lunching at Marazion (St Michaels Mount). Ice cream time!! Final push is on A30 to Land’s End. Wait at pub in Sennen (The First and Last Inn – signed as The Last Inn in England for our direction of travel) for everyone to catch up. Ride the final mile into Land’s End as a team! Day 11 is 95 miles (but maybe more due to A38 avoidance). Trowbridge to Harcombe House (Chudleigh). In Short: A 361 to Bruton , then A359 to Sparkford (Haynes Museum) then Yeovil. Find signs for A30 and head south east via Crewkerne, Chard and into Exeter. Day 13 Final day ride to Land’s End is 57 miles. St Austell Fire Station to Land’s End. In Short: Cycle to Truro, Helston, Penzance and onto Land’s End. Mark Blatchford Group Manager, St Austell Community Fire Station A better route to be found to cycle up to Harcombe avoiding A38 cross over A380. In Long: 12 mile ride to Bruton on A361 (cross over A36). Onto A359 past Sparkford (Haynes Museum). and onto Yeovil (22 miles). A37 through Yeovil and onto A30 (south of town). A30 via Crewkerne & Chard and hills of Yatcombe. A303 meets A30 and dual carriageway to Exeter. Rest of route to Harcombe House to be decided to avoid A38. 25th May (Wednesday) Day 12 is 72.3 miles. Chudleigh to St Austell Fire Station A lovely day to cycle across Dartmoor! In Short: avoiding A38 and Plymouth we will go via Moretonhampstead, Two Bridges, Tavistock, Liskeard and onto St Austell. In Long: Cycle down through Chudleigh on B3344 and onto Bovey Tracey (over A38). Then onto A382 to Mortenhampstead. A left turn in town onto B3212 to Two Bridges. Then RHT onto B3357 to Tavistock. Then A386 via Tavistock and RHT onto A390 to Liskeard. Briefly on A38 before rejoining A390 to St Austell. Once in St Austell and main roundabout, move forward on Mount Charles Rd. RHT onto Clifton Road. Fourth left onto Carlyon Road. Fire Station on LHT. Charity Rugby – Penzance Fire vs the RNLI This charity rugby fixture played between Firefighters and the RNLI Lifeboat crews and Lifeguards, will be taking place this year on on 7 May 2016 - KO 2.30pm on the Cornish Pirates ground in Penzance. The last few years have been a resounding success with a great turn out of players from around the services and support from the local area, which raised over two thousand pounds for The Fire Fighters Charity and the RNLI. This year we will be raising funds for the RNLI, with their money going towards a new boathouse for the Penlee crew and The Fire Fighters Charity. This will be a really good day watching good local rugby, with a BBQ throughout, match day polo’s and a raffle and auction afterwards. We hope this attracts a decent crowd again with the aim to better last year’s attendance and fundraising total. The Fire Service will be looking for their first win in this annual fixture after the RNLI have held the bragging rights for the past three years! Please save the date and we hope to see lots of people there ether playing or supporting. There is a Facebook page set up for all upcoming events and info in the lead up to the game, visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/fireevents for a link to the page. Tom Nicholas Crew Manager, Penzance Community Fire Station Beyond Cover April 2016 29 999 Inter-Agency Fishing Competition CRFCS Service sports and social FSSAA, now known as FireSport UK fishing section had a good 2015 and are looking forward to a productive 2016. In August last year the annual 999 interagency fishing competition was held from the coast of Newquay with old and new team members from across the service. It was the usual battle between and Devon and Cornwall Police. A points scoring system was used and conservation of species was always paramount. Unfortunately the Police managed to win by a narrow margin again retaining the coveted trophy. This year I may ask On the way to fish 999 trophy Team photo Newquay for my solicitor to be present during calculations! Onwards to the FireSport UK National fishing competition, a team of 3 CFRCS Service fishing section members, WM White (4.1) FF Coles (6.1) FF Barbery (6.2) travelled to Minehead to fish the waters off Somerset coast. Experiencing bracing and very difficult fishing conditions the team represented our service and should be proud with their individual and team results. CFRCS Service have been invited back to represent the service this year. Weymouth 2016 and the lure of bigger fish await. Best fish of the day Always a big thank you to our sports and social FSSAA (FireSport UK) for their continued support. If you have a passion for sea fishing or if you even would like to try then please keep an eye on beyond cover for announcement of future events organised by the fishing committee or e-mail myself. Jason White Watch Manager, Truro Fire Station 30 Beyond Cover August 2015 Fishing Minehead (Cornwall not far away) FireSport UK Cornwall AGM 11 Feb 2016 This AGM was rescheduled from 2015 so was looking back at the 2014 / 2015 season during this period the FireSport UK supported our sporting sections, a number of stations in buying sports equipment for members use, we supported Looe to compete in the five peaks event and a number of individuals one being Alesandro Gourley who attended the National Emergency Services Championships. Sandy was awarded the Ken Thompson Trophy for his outstanding contribution to Cornish Cycling. He is the current Cornish Time Trial Champion a title that he has won for the last five years. Also for his excellent performances representing the Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service at the National Cycling Championships achieving top 3 finishes in both the 25 mile and 10 mile time trials in 2015 in the Fire Service Category and 4th & 5th overall. It was agreed at the AGM that the subscriptions for FireSport UK Cornwall would remain at 50p per person per month, a rise in membership fees was discussed but it was decided to explore alternative means of raising additional funding from sponsorship to increasing member numbers. If you would like to become a member please complete a form which can be found by clicking on People Development and then Sports & Athletics on the staff intranet. CFO Paul Walker thanked the committee for their work managing and leading the association stating he was pleased to support sport across the service as it promoted fitness, team spirit and supported staff welfare. ACFO Phil Martin has been appointed as the Firesport UK Swimming Chairman and CFO Paul Walker is the Firesport UK Golf Chairman and SW Regional Chairman. Recognising the current challenging financial climate and reduced staff numbers, the CFO applauded the work of section leads encouraging wider membership of our association across all fire, rescue and community safety staff. The CFO also thanked Andy Mortimore and the Golf Section for hosting the prestigious Firesport UK /PBI 2014 Sheriffs Cup at St Mellion, which he believed set a very high standard for this event. Any opportunity to host national events in Cornwall will be supported as will any local or regional fixtures, where early notification of planned events is appreciated. Andy Mortimore Watch Manager, Tolvaddon Community Fire Station Beyond Cover April 2016 31 Andy Mortimore, Phil Hoare, Gary Jones, Martin Cleverley Golf Round Up Over the past year we have seen our golfers attending a number of events in the region and nationally, the South West Championships were held in Wiltshire where Martin Cleverley finished with a second place in the scratch event, a fete which re replicated at the Sheriffs Cup in Sunderland. Our team of Martin Cleverley, Gary Jones, Andy Mortimore and Phil Hoare finished 15th out of 42 teams at the Sheriffs Cup event. Martin Cleverley and Paul Walker were our representatives at the national pairs where they again improved on previous year finishing in a credible 9th place. This year the South West Championships are at Woodbury Park on the 11 and 12 May, we will hopefully be entering three teams. We have a charity golf day at Perranporth on Friday 21 October to raise funds for The Fire Fighters Charity, teams of four two scores to count, more details to follow. The National Singles will be held at the Bristol Golf Club on the 8th and 9th September. The National Pairs will be held at Machynys Golf Club in Wales on the 18th and 19th May. The Sheriffs Cup will be held at Newmacher Golf Club in Scotland 8th and 10th June. Running the Marathon I n May I thought it would be a ‘good’ idea to enter the ballot for the London Marathon. It won’t be long before I have a big birthday and wanted to have a major challenge to do before the big 40. People who know me know that I am not your stereotypical runner. Runner is a strong word, very, very slow jogger would be a more accurate picture; up until this year I held the title for slowest time on the Bodmin Half Marathon (the last time I ran any distance). But with three others also entering in the ballot I thought this would be fun and the likelihood of getting in were minimal. October arrived and to my shock the people from London Marathon said Yes. Now my emotions were a mixture of ‘great’ and ‘how am I going to run that far’ and ‘I should have already been training’. My training started but I wasn’t sure what was the best way to do it; and with the speed that I am planning to run, what about food and the toilet stops?! All very important questions! I needed some expert advice – So I contacted Dave Edlin and he gave me a very useful book of advice, Martin Cleverly gave me a training package and advice about energy gels and Kathryn Billing very useful nutritional advice particularly with my fussy eating habits. I can do this, right? At present my running is on track, I will not be fast and will undoubtedly be overtaken by the person in the rhino costume, I might be able to take the person in the deep sea diving suit; here’s hoping…. If you are interested in playing in any of these events please contact Andy Mortimore amortimore@fire.cornwall. gov.uk I am raising money for Macmillian Cancer so I would really appreciate your support; I have a webpage: http:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TamsinHeayn Andy Mortimore Watch Manager, Tolvaddon Community Fire Station Many thanks Please give generously. Tamsin Heayn Business Systems Specialist 32 Beyond Cover April 2016 Are you interested in a skiing/ snowboarding trip next year (2017)? For many years a few of us have toyed with the idea of a CFRCS Service skiing trip. The initial thoughts are about going to France some time during January 2017 but this isn’t definite. I would aim to get the best deal possible which would suit everyone’s wishes. We would avoid school holiday times as the price gets silly and the slopes get busy (sorry).Things like a large ski area with high altitude skiing and maybe an Exeter Flight are what I will be looking for. I would like to gauge the level of interest so that I could start working on the logistics, so please let me know via email (mblatchford@fire.cornwall.gov.uk) if you are interested? As a ‘ball-park’ figure I estimate it would cost about £600 for flights, transfers and half board accommodation (lift pass and if necessary hire of equipment will cost more). This would be open to family and friends as well. It is also aimed at all ability skier/boarder from beginner to expert (yes we do have one or two). This may be especially good for beginners as there should be a number of very experienced skiers and snowboarders to provide help and advice. If anyone has a good contact or connection that will get us a good deal please let me know. Mark Blatchford Group Manager, St Austell Community Fire Station Letters of appreciation Dear Jody today – 3 amazing er completing The Phoenix Project aft you h wit ch tou in get st mu I how your I felt with the SuSie Project I wasn’t sure lkit Too ry ove Rec the ed plet com days! Having t with Ian your Team meeting with us at the SuSie Projec project could help me. Your initial informative. Manager was relaxed, welcoming and put ting yourself tion and ver y anxious, as knowingly ida trep h wit it into d ere ent still I However, d place to be. out of your comfor t zone is not a goo know I needed to . The 3 days taught me things I didn’t But I don’t know why I was worried know about myself! ually realised r amazing team’s hands wasn’t act you and you in st tru my put to Jus t being able d my cer tificates. until I stood in that room and receive par t of the world I will never forget. I felt like I was one and t men mo l cia spe y ver a was It forward. what I have learned to take my life again. In some way I know I will use trust. I e gained over the 3 days, it would be hav I gs thin ny ma the of one out If I was to spell had forgotten what that felt like. rself and your personally for giving so much of you you to you nk tha e hug a say to t wan So I mos t the incredible team I have spent the to nks tha ny ma and ing, and erst intuitive und remarkable 3 days with. Thank you Jody Kind regards Pippa Beyond Cover April 2016 33 Letters of appreciation Thanks so m uc h for all you Phoenix did for us. I was overw helmed by the amazin our course g job that . The skills the firefig over the th hting team Overall th r e e d a y s were taug e days wer at Falmout e h h did for t d riven by a p clearly and whole, it w as clear th ositive moo p a t ie n t ly . at the time d which filt made us all and effor t ered throu feel includ g t h h at went int ed an d par the group a Having alre o the teac t of a team sa ady at tend h in . g us their skil ed a couple course was ls of Health a the easies t nd Safet y c to do and r use it in th ourses I ca emember. e future. n say that Which in t this urn gave m The mos t in e the confi spiring day dence to was spent u experience sing the Br . I will rem e e a m t hing Appa experience b rat and I feel in er it for the res t of m y life. We w us, a once in a lifetim awe of the the time to ere all cha e work that bet ter und nged by th the team d ers tand th is Although o e a m n d honoured and the wo I was not su rk they do. to have ha re at firs t a leaving me d bout at ten with a prid ding the co e for my lo urse it prod cal fire fig uced the b hting team es . I thoroug hly recomm t in me end it. usie ng t he S o i d n e t t I was a yone wh . n x a i n o t e o t i end ith ph ies ourse w would recomm nd oppor tunit c y a d ree e. I es a s an d the th on this cours ll of challeng e h s i m and a s so n a fi g e u t t f n i s s o i u a j g t e at id . I . I wa have ar t of a chanc ing on it as I d together as p ieved so much rs are Hello, I d a h d go an ch ing orke Project me chance of ways of work daries and I a their w about it. It d n a g a n d n s i u n t t he has the erent things a pushed my bo group is amaz me and forge f uch for o t x i i f h i m n y t d e a o a s s y o s r h o u t e t p i o to ve he ky orr al . I h a s and w ished. T n. Than individu ed when I fin ve my trouble ome me agai elm bec o lea overwh s able t e I was able to a w I . ic inc fantas t g t im e s n o l a n has bee t y to do this. ni oppor tu 34 Beyond Cover April 2016 A Big Thank You x course for the h of you. Being apart of the Phoeni bot the to you nk tha big a say l to I would like you and your colleagues made me fee end att to re asu ple te olu abs an myself in the whole week last week was ch more then expected. And to see mu and re mo was rse cou the and ver y welcome boost. paper today was just an even bigger our and I felt ver y me be acting S.O that truly was a hon ting let for you nk tha to like ch I ld I wou rcome my fears to a cer tain point whi ove can I t tha rnt lea e hav I of. rt privileged to be apa the B.A was And as much as you know that doing do, to e abl n bee e hav er nev ld r wou thought I breathing mask I still overcome a fea the r wea ’t ldn cou I ugh tho n eve not have be one of my fears and yet r suppor t and your patience I would you for n’t was it if and of ud pro y which I am ver ly am sending you a big thank you. able to get through it at all. So I tru boosted me even in myself, being on the course has just ce den fi con of lot a e hav I ugh tho Even more, Watch out Newquay lol. again as the course was just amazing, r ove all it do and e com ’t can I t I really am gut ted tha at you all are. n telling people about it and how gre bee e hav I rse cou the ed nish fi e Since I hav pre meeting in the job in Newquay and you have to have a rse cou r the ano do you n whe and y have If honour to tell the other people the and re asu ple te olu abs my be ld wou centre then it nothing to worry about. s should be ver y big thank you, you and your colleague a say to ail em a just is this in aga Once g. e got one of the bes t courses runnin proud of yourselves as you truly hav e care. see you in the near future, You all tak Well thank you again guys, I hope to Incident Dear Sir, We recent ly had a small chimney fire ( las t Tues day) and the fire brigade from Bu de arrived to deal with it. This was the first and hopefully the las t time we will need ther e assis tance. But I must say we were impressed with the spee d an d efficiency and also how polite they all were. They also put ou r minds at rest and covered all base s, they were all a credit to the service. In fact when they left we would swear that our lou nge was cleaner then prior to th eir arrival. We are given to believe that the one in charge was Daryl Wellington, and we would like you to pass on to him and his crew our hear t felt thanks to their dedicated work. A re al credit to the fire brigade. If you would like this information in another format please contact: Cornwall Council, County Hall, Treyew Road, Truro TR1 3AY or telephone: 0300 1234 100 or email: enquiries@cornwall.gov.uk www.cornwall.gov.uk Beyond Cover April 2016 35 36 Beyond Cover April 2016