Behind the scenes of an emergency

HEATHCOTE Fire Brigade secretary Laraine Leask has praised Bowling Club members for their tireless efforts in providing meals whenever the brigade is called to a fire.

Bowling Club members have been providing meals for more than five years.

“They don’t ask for credit or accolades, but they deserve it,” said Ms Leask. “The CFA couldn’t do what they do without them.

“When the pager goes off to say there is a fire I call Lorraine Speirs from the Bowling Club.

“By the time I get to the bowling club with supplies from IGA, she has assembled a group of volunteers ready to get to work.”

Ms Leask said the CFA volunteers often leave home before meal times and after several hours in trying conditions are all starving.

“The guys appreciate everything and never complain,” she said.

“They are so grateful and know the food they receive will be good and well prepared.

“There are usually 60 to 100 firefighters who need to be fed and nothing is too much trouble for the Bowling Club volunteers.

“It’s all down pat in a seamless operation. They just do it without any song and dance, and we all appreciate it.

“We don’t have a commercial kitchen at the CFA, and I don’t know what we would do if they didn’t pitch in.”

Ms Speirs said the Bowling Club is always happy to help where they can especially when the CFA does so much for the community.

“When I get the call, I simply ring down the list of volunteers I have,” she said

“Sometimes they are available, sometimes they have other commitments, but we always get enough together to make the meals.

“And it’s not just the women who help, there are a number of men who pitch in, too.

“It’s just what we do in a community; we help each other.”