Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 02/05/2004 13:30

Over 220 fire cadets from Cornwall, Tyne and Wear, Manchester, North Wales, South Wales and Bedfordshire and Luton Fire Services will be meeting this bank holiday weekend for their annual fire cadet competition.

The cadets are camping at Hendra Holiday Park who were happy to host such an excellent community event, and support a scheme that teaches young people important life skills.

The cadet scheme started in Cornwall during 1996 with the first branch opening at Newquay Fire Station. Due to the popularity of the group cadets were then recruited at Bodmin Fire Station in 2001 and St Austell Fire Station in 2003. All cadets are recruited from school year 8 (12/13 year olds) and are immediately inducted into Fire Service life. The primary objectives for Cornwall County Fire Brigade Cadet Scheme are:

• To recruit young people and afford them the opportunity of joining a uniformed organisation
• To assist in each members development, both mentally and physically. Whilst promoting self discipline, social consciousness and community awareness.
• To foster a spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership
• To ensure the health, safety and welfare of members whilst in the care of Cornwall County Fire Brigade
Cadet Leader Kate Rowlands explains “Above all membership of the cadet movement for cadets and instructors alike is fun.

She cont: “The cadets take part in many activities including fire service drills appropriate to their age and experience, first aid, fire safety, outward bounds and an annual camp. They can also work towards a BTEC Qualification in firefighting skills”

The competition at Newquay will require teams to compete in an obstacle drill and relay race. The competition will start at 1.30pm on the Sunday at Treviglas School. That evening all competitors will meet at Lusty Glaze Beach for an evening of activities and a barbecue kindly sponsored by Truro and Boscawen Rotary Club, Bodmin Rotary Club and Newquay Rotary Club. The winners and runners-up will receive certificates and trophies for their achievements during the day.

The running cost of the fire cadet scheme is borne by each branch via fund raising and sponsorship. Much of the funds are raised through the local community and businesses with all instructors, who are both uniformed and non-uniformed members of the Brigade, giving their time freely.

Saltash Fire Station is currently campaigning to set up fire cadets at their station and they are looking for funding. They are holding a bungee jumping evening on Friday 28th May between 6pm – 8pm. On Saturday 29th May there is a sponsored car wash at Focus DIY in Saltash from 10am – 4pm. They will also be attempting a sponsored ‘car-pull’ date and time to be confirmed.

If anyone would like to help with funding please contact Firefighter Darren Berrey tel: 01752 842571.