On November the 11th the brigade was called to a rubbish fire in Regent Street. The next day a call was received to a motor accident on Ponatahi Road. The motorist had swerved to avoid a rabbit and ended up crashing the car which was extensively damaged.
On the 19th the call was to Bidwills Cutting where a motor cyclist had lost control and crashed into the wooden fence sustaining extensive injuries. The brigade closed off the road to enable the Westpak Rescue Helicopter to land to pick up the patient for transport to Wellington Hospital. The bike had gone over the bank and the rider was out of sight in the deep drain. It was most fortunate that a passing motorist spotted his raised arm.
This call came at an inopportune time as it resulted in the Brigade missing out in running their entry in the Barrel Rolling Day’s trolley Derby.
The Brigade also attended the Guy Fawke’s Bonfire and staying late into the night to ensure that all remnants of the fire were completely burnt. Chief Fire Officer Gary Jackson said that with up to 300 people attending it was the biggest turnout to date. He made special thanks to Community Board Chair Woman Pam Colenso who had put so much work into organising the event and the Lions Club who provided a the ¾ hour display. “ Definitely a well worth while event” he commented.
CFO Jackson also thanks the Pukemanu Fishing Contest organisers for the sale of fish from their Annual Contest which benefited the brigade by $1,400 . Also Geoff and Jan Lankow for the huge contribution from the Annual Martinborough Cycle Race which raided $10,000 for the Brigade and St John Ambulance.
