Sports

LFB Inter-Station 6-a-side Cricket

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:26:55 +0000

After what seemed like weeks of uncertain weather, the sun shone and the runs flowed for the cricketers taking part in the LFB Inter-Station 6-a-side tournament held at North Middlesex C. C. on the 18th July 2007.

Play got underway at 10.00 with group matches, 5 overs a side with everyone except the wicket-keeper having a bowl. The standard of the teams varied, with several players not having ”done cricket” since school, if ever, but no-one disgraced themselves or was made to look foolish.

The officials, Andrew Brownlee, Andy Thomas, Mick Randall and Alan Rooke were rushed off their feet with two pitches being in operation throughout the day. They were assisted by players from various teams who were not competing at the time and a special mention should go to the chap who was felled by a fearful blow whilst engaged in duties at square leg. We salute you Sir if you are reading this!

Eight teams took part in the first round matches organised as two round-robins of four teams each. Those taking part were from Southgate, Whitechapel Blue, Whitechapel White, Whitechapel A, Shoreditch, Plaistow, West Hampstead and the Islington Crusaders.

With the group matches completed it was time for a spot of lunch. More than just a spot of lunch actually, more of a feast. More barbecued food than you can shake a stick at with all the trimmings and the bar was open and just when things were threatening to get completely out of hand it was time for more cricket. Jean and Tony Ellis, who had been there all morning rolled up their sleeves and settled back to enjoy the serious part of the day; the Knockout stages leading to the final and the presentation of the Kevan Ellis trophy.

The semi-finals of the main event Southgate vs. Plaistow and West Hampstead vs. Whitechapel Blue. Plaistow got the better of Southgate in a low scoring but tense affair whilst Whitechapel Blue couldn’t score enough to match the large total set by West Hampstead.

The Final was a gripping affair with West Hampstead again batting first and scoring 73 for 3. Plaistow looked in the match all the time; lost wickets at crucial times just falling short by 5 runs.

The Kevan Ellis Trophy was presented to West Hampstead by Tony Ellis who was joined by our very own Carole Connolly, from the Welfare Fund. Thanks for your support Carole.

There were several contenders for the Player of the Tournament award. Amongst the batsmen were L Hawkins, Russell Ferris and Mills. Bowlers included Grant Andrea and Jay Kambi, but the award eventually went to Darren Hutchison of Shoreditch who outscored everyone by a country mile!

A great day, one which I thoroughly enjoyed being involved with.

Thanks to North Middlesex C.C. for providing the facilities and excellent catering, Carole for coming down and presenting the trophy, to Jean and Tony, for being there and to Andy Phillips, who organised the tournament.

Alan Rooke

Cricket Gallery

The World Firefighter Games Liverpool

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:18:06 +0000

The Countdown has begun for 2008

Liverpool is the place to be in 2008 when it has the double honour of being European Capital of Culture and hosts of the World Firefighter Games. The year will be rich with cultural activity, as Liverpool celebrates the best of its past and looks forward to a future as a world class city.The World Firefighter Games 2008 will feature over 65 different sporting and novelty events, from athletics to dragon-boat racing and the coveted “Toughest Firefighter Alive” competition – a supreme test of strength and stamina! Also, for the first time athletes with disabilities will be taking part. Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service will deliver the most inspirational World Firefighter Games ever, utilising world class venues such as the new Kings Dock Arena & Conference Centre, a 10,000 seat purpose-built waterfront arena.

The Games is about sport, friendship, fun and fire safety. It has something for everyone - competitors and spectators alike. Staged from 24 August – 3 September 2008 there will be 5000 competitors, their families and supporters enjoying the full social and family programme.

For further information please visit the website - www.wfg08.co.uk

Tunnel to Towers 2007

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:03:40 +0000

On 29th September, a group of 142 flew to New York to take part in the 2007 5K Tunnel to Towers Run/Walk. We were joined by over 30 more firefighters that were there on their own steam. After a short delay (the plane broke down on the runway and had to be jump-started!), we took off for a seven hour flight.

Within a few hours even the night owls began to doze off. Once we had landed and been through the rigorous and exhausting security checks at JFK Airport, we arrived at the hotel refreshed for a night out.

The hotel was located perfectly, just on Madison Square Gardens so it was close to the shops, bars and all the action in the heart of Manhattan.

After everyone had settled in their rooms, including reallocating one guy a new room after he entered his original room to find an elderly lady in the shower, we headed out on the town for a few beers. Of course, not too many as the run was the next morning, so it was all to bed early for a good night's sleep; well, I say all, more like some. Others kept going til sunrise!

The morning of the run promised a beautiful day and after meeting in reception all seemed well. We were proceeding to the station when I can admit that I made a major error. I trusted a fellow firefighter and mate (not naming names) to lead us to the venue via his short-cut. Needless to say, we got lost and arrived with thirty minutes to spare. Funnily enough, we weren't the only ones to take a small detour, some ended up confused at an old lady's house, two miles from the venue, but eventually everyone turned up in the right place, ready to go.

After rounding everyone up for our gigantic group photograph, we took our place at the front of thousands of people with the elite runners and the New York Fire Service. To say they appreciated us would be a huge understatement; the atmosphere was incredible.

The run itself begins entering the two-mile tunnel heading towards Manhattan and the site of Ground Zero. Within the tunnel were 263 New York firefighters, in full undress, with national flags and poster-sized photographs of all the firefighters that died on 9/11. This was very moving and it really brought home the reason for the run.

Once we had exited the tunnel we continued round the harbour and finished at an enormous street party where we were all treated with overwhelming hospitality. The rest of the day was spent socialising in various venues and all seemed to have a good time. This left the following day for everyone to explore New York and its tourist attractions.

I think I can safely say that everyone had a great trip and I believe that it will become more and more popular in future years.

Steve Gilbey Co-Host and Executive Member

Tunnel to Towers Gallery

Tunnel to Towers on TV

London's Fittest Firefighter 2007

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:01:09 +0000

A Record Turnout

Saturday the 1st of September was my first experience of the Fittest Firefighter competition and what a memorable day it was, with competitors’ friends, families and hundreds of members of the public each shouting words of encouragement to the 40 plus competitors. Those in the know tell me it was a record turnout!

The day started fairly early for all of us from the Welfare Fund team. With Mark, our newly crowned Event’s Co-ordinator, Pauline and Beth being the most energetic of us, each spending most of their early morning rushing around collecting and delivering the last few pieces of equipment needed to make the event run smoothly. The rest of us from the Welfare Fund went about setting up a stand where specially designed T shirts and children’s helmets were sold promoting the event.

The competition started just after 10a.m. when each finalist took to the stage, their intention being to beat not only their own target times but also the efforts of their opponents. Every 15 minutes a new pair of competitors stepped forward, some finishing their contest with times that surprised them, others feeling sure they could have done better!

Alongside the firefighters were 10 finalists from an original figure of 100 from the Brigade’s LIFE project. Each young finalist was put through a similar course to that completed by the main competitors.

At about 4.30p.m. and after an agonising wait for those with exceptionally good times, the defending champion Paul Gray stepped forward for the final contest of the day…… and you’ve guessed it, it was a Hat Trick for this unbeatable athlete.

Paul says that this was the last time he’d be taking part in the Fittest Firefighter competition but who knows the temptation just might prove to be too much!

On the accompanying pages are some of the many photos taken on the day, plus a number of testimonials from competitors, each giving their own insight into their experiences on the day. You never know after reading what they have to say you just might be tempted to try your luck next year!

Carole Connolly

Welfare Fund Director

London's Fittest Firefighter Photo Gallery