Page 170 - Archived Back Issues

FIRE CADETS
Frank David and the Master Bryan Spearman put together a few words about the Cadet programme and the presentations made of the WCoFF Certificate of Achievement to the outstanding cadets of the year
From the Master
I am pleased to report that, since the beginning of the year, the Company have made 5 presentations of Certificates of Achievement to all this years LFB cadet schemes at Havering, Haringey, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge and Walthamstow.
A certificate is awarded together with a gift voucher to the cadet chosen by his peers as the most deserving for their participation and input.
The scheme takes 14 to 18 year olds of all backgrounds and teaches life skills to help them improve self-esteem, community cohesion and reduce undesirable behaviour. The cadets gain confidence to interact with their communities and become ambassadors teaching people the serious consequences of anti-social behaviour such as arson and making hoax 999 calls. The objective of the LFB cadet schemes is aimed at modifying such behaviour.
The courses usually cover 2 or 3 school terms and are held one night a week during term time with some daytime and weekend sessions during the holidays.
The scheme benefits young people who would benefit from a structured, regulated activity, are interested in the Fire Brigade as a career, have difficulty at school or in personal lives, have been excluded socially or educationally or have confidence or self-esteem issues.
Funding is by external organisations and charities and the programmes are delivered by Fire and Rescue Service personnel and community volunteers.
From September this year courses are planned to run in Tower Hamlets, Newham, Hackney, Redbridge Haringey, Ealing, Brent, Bexley, Croydon, Lewisham and Greenwich all of which we applaud and will support.
The Under Warden John Mansfield accompanied Frank David went to Barking and Dagenham Fire Cadets on Wednesday 23rd July to present awards to the top cadets.
The picture opposite top shows top cadet Amber Wallace receiving her certificate.
Below is the winning Cadet from the Haringey Fire Service passing out held on Saturday 19th July.
MASSEY SHAW
EDUCATIONAL
TRUST
Between 28th and 30th July, The Massey Shaw Education Trust took part in the Westminster Boating Base Family Activity Festival. This was the second year the event had been organised by the WBB and we were invited to take part along with the LFB River service, RNLI, Peabody Trust and Westminster Council and QPR Football Foundation. It was a well-attended event.
The WBB provide a wide range of activities for all ages and support local families who would not have the opportunity to take to the water without their support.
A large number of water based activities were undertaken each day as well as an interactive display based on the theme "Keep calm get pumping" - each day families were invited to take the "stirrup pump challenge", which consisted of a WWII Stirrup Pump, lots of water, three tennis balls and cricket stumps. This proved to be one of the most popular events each day. Following a session with the pumps children could dress up in WWII uniforms and learn about sending messages by making their own "flag pole" with their name made from individual flags.
We were able to attend the event thanks to the support of the WCoFF Charitable Trust and we look forward to collaborations in the future.
David Rogers
Massey Shaw Education Trust
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