Family fun at fire station open day
A real-life call-out interrupted fire cadet mock drills during a Campbeltown Fire Station open day. As a simulator pager went off to rouse four ‘sleeping’ cadets from blow-up beds, into fire safety gear and into a nearby fire engine as quickly as possible, Campbeltown’s retained firefighters’ real pagers sounded. The cadets, from Campbeltown, Kilmarnock and Dumbarton, showing steely dedication, did not falter as two engines, blue lights and sirens on, rushed away from the fire station. Thankfully, they returned before long and prizes were presented to the best performing cadets, who had since finished their drills. Throughout the day, the fire station was open to visitors who could play various games, sit in a fire engine and try out the station’s two bouncy castles. Burgers, cooked safely by firefighters, and home baking were also on offer. ‘It was great,’ said watch manager, Ronnie Souden. ‘Although some funds were raised, the open day was more about supporting the drill competitions and having something to entertain the children.’ Crew manager Kelly McSporran revealed the results: One-man drill: Coll Houston from Campbeltown. Female drill, winner of the Mavis McSporran memorial quaich: May from Kilmarnock. Two-man drill: Mason and Aiden from Kilmarnock. Three-man drill: Ross Souden, Coll Houston and Rory Paterson from Campbeltown. Novelty drill: A four-man team from Dumbarton. After the trophies were presented, Mr Souden paid tribute to one of the station’s longest serving firefighters who has since transferred to another station. For more on this story, see page two.