Gafirs

tcwozere · 01 January 2006, 13:28

As promised, we went down to Gafirs today to hand over a cheque..

Many thanks to Chris for being the catalyst, as we wouldn't have gone otherwise, and we wouldn't have had such a fun start to the New Year..

1. Holly handing over the cheque.
2. Launching the rib.
3. Yes, it's a diesel.

4. "Checking" the rib is working.
5. Yes, we were doing 10 knots.

tcwozere · 01 January 2006, 13:32

The first three show the Rib and chopper practising. The last two show the mad peeps who were raising money..

tcwozere · 01 January 2006, 14:05

Slightly higher res piccy's..

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Hightower · 01 January 2006, 14:12

Arrr.... Missed out on that one Tony, looked as though you had a nice time though.

tcwozere · 01 January 2006, 14:43

We had an excellent time thanks Andy.. It's in the diary for next year..

May take a bbq for bacon sarnies and a flask of summat tho..

bogib · 01 January 2006, 14:48

Great piccies and event

Bogi

Richard B · 01 January 2006, 17:13

Great photos and a job well done, Tony

Really pleased to see GAFIRS benefiting again from RIBnet. We had a similar presentation and tour earlier in the year http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=9385 following the successful 2004 RIBnet Treasure Hunt.

tcwozere · 01 January 2006, 17:29

Cheers Bogi and Richard..

When I mentioned to Joyce, (the fund raising lady,) that it was on behalf of RIBnet, she told me about your previous donation Richard..

I also have a feeling its where Holly is gonna be spending the summer when she turns 14 in a years time.. Even though she cannot be part of the rib team until she is 17.. She had originally set her sights slightly higher..

"oo, oo, I fancy being that winch thingy person when I am older"

"really? You know they are also trained paramedics."

"does that mean they deal with people who have cut themselves?"

"yes dear, and with people who have fallen down cliffs and have bones sticking out."

"oh.. maybe I don't want to do that.."

Hightower · 01 January 2006, 18:09

AND...Silly RIBee persons that have forgotten to connect their kill cords and are flapping about in the water

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Don't they have a youth training scheme for teenagers, or is this what you're talking of when you mention next summer?

Should be realy good fun.

tcwozere · 01 January 2006, 18:28

Its the youth training scheme Andy.. I would guess 14 is the lower limit for insurance purposes..

GAFIRS IT&Comms · 01 January 2006, 21:38

Hi, Joyce has just sent me the link so that i could have a quick look, Many Thanks for your assistance and donation, it is gratefully received as you can appreciate as a stand alone independant rescue service fundraising is the key to keeping us running, and allowing us to provide the diverse range of rescue capabilities we have for the users of the solent, portsmouth harbour and sometimes miles inland.

The organisation started many years ago following an incident in stokes bay, and a post the closure of the gosport lifesaving club, following this GAFIRS was born, a young teacher from bayhouse school was involved with the formation of the organisation you see today, it was back in 1969 a Canoe Rescue unit manned by the youth (Some of whom are still members today),over the years it has evolved to what we are today, but has always maintained its root's in providing youngsters with lifesaving skills and sense of community spirit.

Historically 14yrs has always been the age that the youth section have started (sadly nowadays this is more down to insurnace than anything), and has also helped many youngsters on their way to thier Duke of Edingburgh's awards for community service, whilst learning skills that may oneday save a life.

Thanking you once again for your help, as you know we man most weekends (Sundays during the winter) so if your'e ever in the area and want to drop in for a look at the station and the ribs please feel free to do so

Regards

Ian Sweet (GAFIRS Paramedic)

Hightower · 01 January 2006, 22:46

Terrific, thanks for the insight Ian.

Did my VHF course in the training facilities a few years ago, a very nice bunch of people I must say. A big guy with a full set and loud voice took the course...Can't remember the the name, but at a guess "Ken" seems to ring a bell, what a character!

Even when my car Koncked out and I needed a jump start the team couldn't have been more helpful

Thanks for looking out for us Solenteers.

The Jackeens · 03 January 2006, 18:08

Well done Tony.

Us