August 2011 Bulletin - Biggleswade Rugby Club

TEL: 01234 843905 ADVERTISING: advertising@biggleswadebulletin.co.uk BIGGLESWADE BULLETIN AUGUST 2011 23Debbie celebrates being in control for 30 years!KEMPSTON’S Debbie Clay hasclocked up 30 years answeringemergency 999 calls as a firecontrol operator with the localfire service.This is despite the fact thatDebbie initially joined FireControl, on 20th July 1981, astemporary cover for someone whowas on maternity leave!Colleagues at Bedfordshire andLuton Fire and Rescue Service(BLFRS) threw a surprise party forDebbie at the end of her shift withWhite Watch, last week, to markthe achievement.When her shift ended Debbiewas amazed to find that friends,colleagues and family had gatheredto celebrate her 30th anniversary!“I had no idea that anything hadbeen planned,” said an astoundedDebbie. “The time has gone by soquickly - I thought I had only beenin Fire Control for 29 years!”All of the BLFRSs managementteam were there to join thecelebrations. Chief Fire OfficerPaul Fuller congratulated Debbie,saying: “30 years of loyalty andcommitment in any job iscommendable. Even more so whenthat 30 years has been spent servingthe local community and helping tosave lives. That is a tremendousachievement.”In 1981, Debbie was working inBedford’s Freeman Hardy andWillis shoe shop before she tookthe temporary job as Fire ControlOperator.Since then, the work of FireControl has changed significantly.Debbie said: “When I started,we used pencils, maps and very oldfashioned headsets that bear nocomparison to the technology wehave now. It’s all changed so muchfrom the times when we had to ringup the fire stations one at a time, inorder to send crews to emergencyincidents. Now, the technologyallows us to access so much information,so much more quickly,which helps us play our part in savinglives and protecting people.”Speaking of occasions when shehas talked to 999 callers trapped byfire, Debbie said: “Over the yearswe have developed the procedureswe use when we get distressedcallers who are trapped, so that wecan give them very practical adviceto help reassure them and keepthem safe, until the fire crews arriveto rescue them.”It’s not your name on it!BEDFORDSHIRE Police iswarning the public to check labelscarefully when taking delivery ofparcels at their homes.A new scam has come to noticewhereby parcels are being deliveredto residences with the labelsshowing a correct address, but anunknown name. The personreceiving the parcel has beenasked to sign for it and, in manycases, has done so.Soon after the delivery, usuallythe following day, a woman visitsthe address saying she believes aparcel intended for her has beendelivered there by mistake.The woman takes the parceland is not seen again.Within a few days, occupantsof the address invariably start toreceive paperwork, oftenincluding payment demands forthe parcel.The woman is described asbeing of mixed race, aged in her20s, large build and approximately5’5” tall. She has ‘significant redhair’.Sergeant Andy Rivers said,“Even if you are expecting adelivery, make sure the label iscorrectly addressed to you or amember of your household.“If you are not expecting a parcel,carefully inspect the label andif there are any discrepancies inthe details, you must seriouslyconsider declining the delivery.”If this has happened to you, oryou have any information aboutthe scam, please contact SergeantRivers on 01234 841212 or text07786 200011, or call Crime -stoppers, anonymously ifpreferred, on 0800 555111.NO CONTRACTS, NO PREPAYMENTDELIVERED TO THE LETTERBOXES OFBIGGLESWADEIf you want to advertise in this popular, well read magazine –call Pat on 01234 843905 and find out how you can benefitfrom colour advertising in the BulletinDebbie Clay with Nerys Church, White Watch Commander, Control(left); and BLFRS Fire Chief Paul Fuller.In September 1994, Debbiereceived a Chief Fire Officer’sCommendation from then ChiefFire Officer Edwards, for heractions in dealing with a particularlydifficult 999 call.Debbie has worked in threedifferent Fire Control buildings inher 30 years with BLFRS, and wasHOMEBRIGHTCARPET &UPHOLSTERYCLEANINGPrompt Reliable &Courteous ServiceWe use the very latestProfessional Equipment givingyou Cleaner Healthier FresherCarpets & UpholsteryAt home or at work● Carpet Cleaning● Upholstery Cleaning● Stain Protection● Specialist Spot & StainRemoval● Fully InsuredCall Jim for a FREE quoteOffice 01767 222141Mob 07807 452974present when the Queen opened thepresent Control in SouthfieldsRoad in November 1996.Debbie added: “I love my jobmore now than ever. I work withsome lovely colleagues at the fireservice and I am proud to be doinga job that helps people which iswhat I enjoy the most.”Your local cleaningcompanyHOMEBRIGHTFully vetted andinsured cleaners ataffordable rates■ Weekly house cleans■ One off spring cleans■ Ironing serviceCall Angela for aFREE quoteOffice 01767 222141Mob 07807 452974