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Last Meeting: Wainuiomata Rural Fire Service visit
The first fire brigade was formed by a rich merchant, Crassus, in ancient Rome, c.70bce. He owned a company of men equipped to fight fires in the city. When an apartment building (called an Insula, and mostly built of wood) caught fire he would rush to the scene and speak to the distraught owner. He would praise the building, "What a fine building. It must be worth $1 million" Crassus would say. He would then offer to buy it for $100,000. If the outraged owner declined the offer, or argued, Crassus would watch it burn to the ground. The owner would lose everything and have to pay to clear the site. If the owner agreed to sell for the agreed $100,000 Crassus would call up his men who would have been waiting round the corner and they would speedily put out the fire. The building now belonged to Crassus. (Who would probably have voted National in the next election).
And so it was a delight to be shown round the entirely voluntary Rural Fire Service’s Station by Gavin Wallace and Nigel Adams. The brigade has c. 40 members who meet once a month for training, once a month for maintenance, and can be called upon at any time when necessary to fight a fire which could involve hours or days. The Rural Service specialises in fires in bush or pasture, although they can be called upon to assist the largely professional Urban Fire Service .Gavin and Nigel are both "Gold Star" members, meaning they have more than 25 years service, and Gavin will become a Double Gold Star next year. They were splendid hosts and showed us the museum, Gavin's special achievement) and the very impressive range of specialist equipment they have.
Thanks Linda for organising a most interesting visit. We all learned a great deal and were enormously impressed by the expertise and amazing attitude of Gavin, Nigel, and their fellow volunteers. We have come a long way from Ancient Rome. (Click HERE for photos of the visit)
Parting Thoughts:
There are 2420 firefighters in NZ, plus around 11,000 volunteers
They are located in 585 fire stations, 11 which are in the Hutt Valley
The first fire brigade was in Auckland in 1854; in Wellington it was 1865.
This year the Rotary Clubs of Eastern Hutt and Petone have combined to run a twilight charity golf tournament in aid of the Te Omanga Hospice. We would love your support this year and also ask for your assistance to publicise this to others.
* Blind Week Appeal - 17th October: Gregory de Costa now has his team - thank you! Just remember it’s at Pak N Save.
* Stan Laird: Sadly, former member Stan passed away aged 78 in Tauranga last weekend - funeral notice is HERE.
* Ride the Trains -23rd October: It's End Polio time again and we will be once again riding the trains. Remember, it is the 2nd carriage you board whatever train you board - for further detail, click on the Link HERE.
* Te Omanga Compost Bin Project - Saturday 24th October: We are looking for extra hands to help assemble the compost bins. If you can bring your own electric drill, even better. If you can help, contact Richard Perry or John Matthews.
* RYLA Applications close 30th October: This exciting and challenging Rotary programme for 18 to 24 year olds will be held from the 18th till 24th January 2021. It is designed for those in the work force, or students. and aims to unleash each participant's leadership potential. It is held at The Silverstream Retreat, so do you know a worthy young person with leadership potential who would benefit in the life-changing event - contact Glenda ASAP.
* "Waiting for God" - Thursday 3rd December: Visit to Hutt Repertory Theatre’s next production. We hope to sell 40 tickets – members, friends and neighbours. Tickets are $20 and it will be an excellent show and will, for us, include canapes and raffles. We must have an early commitment to book those seats and it's very popular.
Please study and plan ahead, especially if you are on duty to write a Bulletin Contribution. A reminder that it's also your responsibility to find a replacement if you are unable to fulfill your duty.
Eastern Hutt Rotary e-Bulletin
We meet at Avalon Pavilion, Taita Drive entrance, Mondays, at 5:55 pm
Visitors and prospective members always welcome.
For catering purposes, contact our Secretary (027) 241 5092
