Hello all,
I'd just like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year. 2007 has been a challenging year for Coventry St John and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who's effort and commitment have ensured that despite difficult times, duties have been covered and our obligations forfilled. There have however been many positives that we can take from the year.
Once again Allesley & Radford and Jaguar Daimler divisions put on an annual presentation that went down well with county staff. The annual presentation is one of the key dates in the year of any division, so put those thinking caps on and come up with some ideas of what we can do for '08. For those of you who are new to St John, the annual presentation is where the division gets 'inspected' to ensure that every thing is running ok. It's also an opportunity for everyone to get involved and shout about the best divisions in Coventry.
One of the personal highlights of the year for me has been the number of new members that have joined in 2007. Encouraging new members and getting them out of the training room and in to the field is one of the priorities of the divisions. I'm sure most of us would agree that duties are the fun bit of St John and in the West Midlands we are extremely lucky to have so many different duties on our doorstep. So whether your interests are Football, Cricket, Speedway, American football, concerts, theater or whatever, there's bound to be something you'll like.
On the subject of duties, there have been many that we can look back on in '07. Who can forget playing Frisbee in the rain at canine capers! The rain had a part to play in 2007, with many duties being canceled. Fingers crossed that 2008 will be drier.
So on to 2008. Those of you who were there on Friday will of heard me mention plans to do a 'Year in the Life'. This is going to be no small undertaking if it's going to work. The aim is to record the activities of the division throughout the entire year, January-December. We can do this with Photos, videos, reports, articles, anything really. At the end of the year we can bring all the bits together into a record that we can be proud of, something that shows what we do, and why we do it.Something that shows what it's like to be part of the divisions and what it means.
This is going to take a lot input from everyone, so get typing and snapping. Once I've worked out details of how to collate all the info, I'll pass it on. Remember it can be about anything vaguely St John related, but try and keep the photos in focus!
Before I head off for a mince pie, don't forget the football matches over the Christmas period, Crystal Palace on boxing day, KO 15:00. Also Ipswich on Saturday 29th KO 17:20, think this must be a televised game. Transport from Holyhead road will leave at 13:30 on 26th and 15:45 on the 29th. Don't forget to wrap up warm!
Merry Christmas everyone, and Thank You for your help this year. Lets make 2008 a great one!
Jeremy Hodierne
Divisional Officer (Transport)
Allesley & Radford Combined Adult Division.
Monday, 24 December 2007
Merry Christmas
My Christmas email 2007
Thursday, 18 October 2007
Autum troubles
I can't believe it's been so long since my last blog post. It's been a difficult month or so with lots going on and I've neither had the time or inclination to write about much. Which is a shame as there has been some good stuff too.
Autumn is definitely here now which means i get to use one of my favorite words. "It's very autumnal at the moment" Anyway Autumn brings much needed respite from many of the St John duties that deluge us during the summer. Our big regular duty, Coventry City matches are the only ones we need to cover in numbers. Talking of the sky blues, they're really going through a sticky patch, horribly in debt with the prospect of administration looming. I've always believed that a good football club is good for the city, and most certainly good for St. John!
Many football fans think that St. John Ambulance members get a 'freebie' when on duty and that as volunteers we don't need an income. It's true that some of our members are fans, but we're all there because we believe that everyone should have access to first aid. We all want to put something back into our community, and if we can have fun whilst doing that then so be it! But our cover is not without cost. It costs money to buy European compliant ambulances. It costs money to equip members with the kit and clothing they need to stay safe. It costs money for training, stationary, gas, water, electricity, petrol and lots of other supplies that we need.
When Leeds united went into administration, it's creditors, including St. John Ambulance received just 11p for every pound they were owed. SJA received £18*. So what does this mean i real terms? Well undoubtedly the money that St John 'lost' in providing cover to Leeds will have to be made up, either from donations or using money that would of been earmarked for other uses. In effect St John paid Leeds United for the privilege of providing first aid cover at Elland Rd. Which is disgraceful.
The Leeds scenario is an extreme one which I hope will never happen again, but still these are troubling times. From a St. John point of view, we can't do anything about the mega buck refinancing-investment-administration malarkey, but we can do every thing possible to ensure that those who need our help at the Ricoh arena continue to receive it.
*Taken from Irish Independent, www.independent.ie/sport/other-sports/leeds-parking-the-selfpity-1092549.html
Autumn is definitely here now which means i get to use one of my favorite words. "It's very autumnal at the moment" Anyway Autumn brings much needed respite from many of the St John duties that deluge us during the summer. Our big regular duty, Coventry City matches are the only ones we need to cover in numbers. Talking of the sky blues, they're really going through a sticky patch, horribly in debt with the prospect of administration looming. I've always believed that a good football club is good for the city, and most certainly good for St. John!
Many football fans think that St. John Ambulance members get a 'freebie' when on duty and that as volunteers we don't need an income. It's true that some of our members are fans, but we're all there because we believe that everyone should have access to first aid. We all want to put something back into our community, and if we can have fun whilst doing that then so be it! But our cover is not without cost. It costs money to buy European compliant ambulances. It costs money to equip members with the kit and clothing they need to stay safe. It costs money for training, stationary, gas, water, electricity, petrol and lots of other supplies that we need.
When Leeds united went into administration, it's creditors, including St. John Ambulance received just 11p for every pound they were owed. SJA received £18*. So what does this mean i real terms? Well undoubtedly the money that St John 'lost' in providing cover to Leeds will have to be made up, either from donations or using money that would of been earmarked for other uses. In effect St John paid Leeds United for the privilege of providing first aid cover at Elland Rd. Which is disgraceful.
The Leeds scenario is an extreme one which I hope will never happen again, but still these are troubling times. From a St. John point of view, we can't do anything about the mega buck refinancing-investment-administration malarkey, but we can do every thing possible to ensure that those who need our help at the Ricoh arena continue to receive it.
*Taken from Irish Independent, www.independent.ie/sport/other-sports/leeds-parking-the-selfpity-1092549.html
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
Old Trafford awaits
I've been looking forwards to tomorrow for a few weeks now. Coventry City are playing Manchester united in the 3rd round of the league cup, and I'm going! It'll be my first visit to Old Trafford and i'm really looking forward to seeing how they run such a large duty. It'll be nice to do something different, and nice to get away from the ongoing hassles that i can't put on here (yet).
This weekend has been an absolutly manic one. Two weddings in two days. On Saturday it was my mate Paul getting hitched, then Sunday saw my partner in crime, from GCSE geography doing the same.
To say it was interesting would be an understatement. Saturday was a quaint country church ceremony, with reception in a rather nice country hotel on the Warwickshire - Northamptonshire boarder. Then sundays wedding was a traditional Sikh wedding in Houndslow. All in all it was great to see the two guys getting married, and I wish them all the best for the future.
This weekend has been an absolutly manic one. Two weddings in two days. On Saturday it was my mate Paul getting hitched, then Sunday saw my partner in crime, from GCSE geography doing the same.
To say it was interesting would be an understatement. Saturday was a quaint country church ceremony, with reception in a rather nice country hotel on the Warwickshire - Northamptonshire boarder. Then sundays wedding was a traditional Sikh wedding in Houndslow. All in all it was great to see the two guys getting married, and I wish them all the best for the future.
Tuesday, 18 September 2007
Comming soon.....
Something very special on this blog. No details at the moment, you'll have to wait and see.
Sunday, 19 August 2007
How to.....Volunteer
Every weekend, the Guardian on Saturday has its glossy supplement. There's no better way of waking up on Saturday morning than idly flicking through the pages. One of the regular features is a column by Guy Browning. These are always good and well written, and this weeks is particularly apt.
Mr Browning, you've got it so right.
Guy Browning
Saturday August 18, 2007
The Guardian
There are two types of volunteers: those with a heart swelling with passion and courage who step forward knowing that the cause is just, and those who don't say "No" fast enough. The number of people actively involved in voluntary activity on any particular weekend is equivalent to the entire Red Army at the height of the second world war, albeit slightly less destructive.If you're afraid of volunteering, the golden rule is never to attend an AGM. These are annual meetings and are theoretically open to the public. The only way you can tell is that the six members of the group all sit on one side of the desk, as if about to face the world's press. Any member of the public who comes through the door is automatically identified as a volunteer and possible future leader of the group.
Voluntary bodies are interested in three things: fundraising, recruitment and sexual abandon. The third isn't a stated interest, but it's what most people think about in meetings. If it were to be an agenda item, the group might find recruitment and fundraising much easier.Before going to any kind of voluntary meeting, it's important to train yourself not to say, "Well, if no one else will do it..." Uttering this phrase, or anything remotely similar, is seen as evidence of unbridled enthusiasm for the job on offer.
You generally volunteer for something because you think you can run it better than the people currently running it. This can make for interesting committee meetings. Managing groups of volunteers can be difficult because of the "You're lucky to have me" syndrome, where people think they've done their bit just by turning up.
Leaving a voluntary organisation is difficult. What you have to do is to give five years' notice that you're intending to stand down and then, once the five years have passed, agree to another five-year handover period so that a successor can be found.
Very, very occasionally, some fresh-faced, unspoilt individual arrives unannounced and is very keen to get involved. For most, this is viewed in the same spirit as the arrival of a new messiah. For a few, such keenness has to be immediately put to the test by totally ignoring the new arrival and not asking their name for the next three meetings.
Mr Browning, you've got it so right.
Friday, 17 August 2007
Start of the season
After yesterdays inspired post, todays will probably seem incredibly dull. Tomorrow sees the first home game of the football season. Despite my concerns at the end of last season we're still in there. I'm really looking forwards to tomorrow which I hope will be the start of great things for the sky blues this season. The summer break has seen many changes within Coventry St John so the football should be different to last year. In fact one of the more noticeable differences is that most of the members who now go are not city fans, and some don't even like football! How strange.
Anyway for the last two seasons I've had the privilege of being controller for St John at the Ricoh arena. It's a role I've enjoyed immensely and one that I've grown into during that time. In an ideal world I'd carry it on, but unfortunately I'm one of the few people who can drive the ambulances. I hope that circumstances will allow me to carry on, but if needs must then i'm not going to be one of these people who throws the teddies out of the pram. I think i've mentioned before that Coventry City Football Club is vital to Coventry St John Ambulance and i'll be there in what ever role I can.
Anyway something smells really nice from the kitchen so i'm off to investigate.
Anyway for the last two seasons I've had the privilege of being controller for St John at the Ricoh arena. It's a role I've enjoyed immensely and one that I've grown into during that time. In an ideal world I'd carry it on, but unfortunately I'm one of the few people who can drive the ambulances. I hope that circumstances will allow me to carry on, but if needs must then i'm not going to be one of these people who throws the teddies out of the pram. I think i've mentioned before that Coventry City Football Club is vital to Coventry St John Ambulance and i'll be there in what ever role I can.
Anyway something smells really nice from the kitchen so i'm off to investigate.
Thursday, 16 August 2007
Real world or virtual?
In Britain we often lag behind other parts of the western world as far as modern technological developments go. Some times this is as a result of a very old infrastructure and extensive urbanization which would make modernization very expensive. Take the railways for example, the likes of Brunel built some incredible feats of civil engineering. But now, hundreds of years later the network is crumbling. The Forth rail bridge is another example of an incredible engineering example. It is an iconic structure that deserves to be preserved for generations to come. But i'm sure the bean counters at network rail wished they had something a little less expensive.
Zooming forwards to the present day, most homes in the UK now have broadband. 1Mb packages seem to be the norm these days using ADSL technology. ADSL is innovative as it allows existing copper cables to be used, some of which are probably older than I am! Being a bit of a internet junkie, i've gone for the cable option, a 20Mb connection. Of course advertised speeds and actual speeds vary considerably.
I believe that the UK needs a completely fiber based network, from ISP to home. This would be expensive, but i'm sure it wouldn't be that much more than a couple of aircraft carriers or the odd trident-replacement submarine. Such a network would open up some interesting possibilities. Real IP TV for example or IP based telephony for all. HD-Youtube anyone?
I wonder how a superfast broadband network would change social networking sites such as facebook. Maybe they'll have some applications worth using then (No I don't want to be bitten by a werewolf, vampire, turned into a pirate etc etc)
My prediction for the future is that as broadband speeds increase, albeit slowly, we'll see online applications such as Googles calender become more interactive. For example if I put an event into my calender, a football match say, the application will do everything associated with the event. It'll find traffic info, maybe suggest routes, perhaps book carpark spaces. It'll find results and stats on the game and previous fixtures. It'll show me the ground, where my seat is, and even a view of the pitch from my seat. Then it'll set my status on facebook and perhaps blog it on blogger or twitter.
So in short, I predict that our virtual lives will become intertwined with the real world. What we do in the real world will be influenced and then recorded by the virtual world. The virtual world will be a permanent feature of our real world lives, and when our time is up, our virtual worlds will remain making us immortal, providing the ultimate legacy.
Which raises the issue, is the only thing between mortal and immortal a server crash? Hmm, time to back up a bit I think.
Zooming forwards to the present day, most homes in the UK now have broadband. 1Mb packages seem to be the norm these days using ADSL technology. ADSL is innovative as it allows existing copper cables to be used, some of which are probably older than I am! Being a bit of a internet junkie, i've gone for the cable option, a 20Mb connection. Of course advertised speeds and actual speeds vary considerably.
I believe that the UK needs a completely fiber based network, from ISP to home. This would be expensive, but i'm sure it wouldn't be that much more than a couple of aircraft carriers or the odd trident-replacement submarine. Such a network would open up some interesting possibilities. Real IP TV for example or IP based telephony for all. HD-Youtube anyone?
I wonder how a superfast broadband network would change social networking sites such as facebook. Maybe they'll have some applications worth using then (No I don't want to be bitten by a werewolf, vampire, turned into a pirate etc etc)
My prediction for the future is that as broadband speeds increase, albeit slowly, we'll see online applications such as Googles calender become more interactive. For example if I put an event into my calender, a football match say, the application will do everything associated with the event. It'll find traffic info, maybe suggest routes, perhaps book carpark spaces. It'll find results and stats on the game and previous fixtures. It'll show me the ground, where my seat is, and even a view of the pitch from my seat. Then it'll set my status on facebook and perhaps blog it on blogger or twitter.
So in short, I predict that our virtual lives will become intertwined with the real world. What we do in the real world will be influenced and then recorded by the virtual world. The virtual world will be a permanent feature of our real world lives, and when our time is up, our virtual worlds will remain making us immortal, providing the ultimate legacy.
Which raises the issue, is the only thing between mortal and immortal a server crash? Hmm, time to back up a bit I think.
Sunday, 12 August 2007
Conscientious objector?
There is no denying that St John Ambulance is a very close knit organization with its own highly developed grapevine. Not a lot happens without someone finding out and the news spreading quickly. Most of the time it's tittle-tattle with no real substance, stuff that can be ignored as being irrelevant. Sometimes the grapevine is invaluable as it provides information about who's having a tough time and who needs a bit of extra help and support at certain times.
The grapevine has been in full swing over the last few days and I received information that I'm sure most people would consider tittle-tattle and laugh off. The problem is it's nagging at my conscience. So I have some choices, to act on the information, that I'm fairly certain is true and create one almighty stink, or to let it slide and say nothing.
I've got to say at this point, that it's nothing illegal, and certainly nothing that would ever compromise patient care.
So what do I do? Well what's done is done and neither I nor anyone else can change the past so i'm going to take the easy option, and do nothing. I don't feel happy about it, but in the circumstances it's probably best.
So where from here? I'm sure some people reading this will be thinking that if you believe strongly in something you should act on it. This time I haven't but I hope in the future I will have the courage to follow my convictions through.
The grapevine has been in full swing over the last few days and I received information that I'm sure most people would consider tittle-tattle and laugh off. The problem is it's nagging at my conscience. So I have some choices, to act on the information, that I'm fairly certain is true and create one almighty stink, or to let it slide and say nothing.
I've got to say at this point, that it's nothing illegal, and certainly nothing that would ever compromise patient care.
So what do I do? Well what's done is done and neither I nor anyone else can change the past so i'm going to take the easy option, and do nothing. I don't feel happy about it, but in the circumstances it's probably best.
So where from here? I'm sure some people reading this will be thinking that if you believe strongly in something you should act on it. This time I haven't but I hope in the future I will have the courage to follow my convictions through.
Friday, 10 August 2007
Blogging from the garden
Thanks to the wonders of wi-fi I'm writing this blog from the back garden, enjoying one of the rare summers days this year. I've been in Aberdeen this week working. It was a fairly straight forward week so not a lot to say about it really other than i managed to get facebook working on my mobile, which is good.
Talking of Facebook, it's been amazing to see how the site has taken off in a way that Myspace never really achieved. One of the features that I've recently discovered on facebook is how to import an RSS feed. This is good as this blog is now on there, and being read by lots more people! Of course a blog is a blog and represents MY views and opinions only.
This weekend it's another American football match with the Jets playing the southern sundevils on Saturday. It's also the day of the Fillongley show on Sunday. The Fillongley show is always a nice duty to do with good food and nice people to work with. However a few years ago it was a bit interesting. Anyway with the sunshine out and expected to last the weekend I don't think there will be any repeat.
Anyway it's off down to St John tonight where hopefully we can sort out the ice maker. That way I can enjoy a nice glass of Magners :-)
Talking of Facebook, it's been amazing to see how the site has taken off in a way that Myspace never really achieved. One of the features that I've recently discovered on facebook is how to import an RSS feed. This is good as this blog is now on there, and being read by lots more people! Of course a blog is a blog and represents MY views and opinions only.
This weekend it's another American football match with the Jets playing the southern sundevils on Saturday. It's also the day of the Fillongley show on Sunday. The Fillongley show is always a nice duty to do with good food and nice people to work with. However a few years ago it was a bit interesting. Anyway with the sunshine out and expected to last the weekend I don't think there will be any repeat.
Anyway it's off down to St John tonight where hopefully we can sort out the ice maker. That way I can enjoy a nice glass of Magners :-)
Monday, 6 August 2007
Handsworth Carnival
Yesterday I was on duty in brum again for the Handsworth carnival. It's a duty that i'd not done before.
We arrived at Perry park in Birmingham shortly after 10am and were directed up towards the stadium where we were based. After a few hellos, we had our briefing. It looked as if we'd got a nice stint at the back of the procession, reliving the Solihull crew, then being relived ourselves. So off we went to our first point, which was fairly uneventful. After a while, and after seeing several drivers get in a flap about the road closures we received word that the procession had started. As the procession came past we were struck by how 'samey' it all appeared. The formula seemed to be truck pumping out reggae followed by a few dancers in costumes. Not really a patch on the Godiva procession really.
We relived the crew at the rear of the procession and proceeded to follow it along the route. It seemed to be traveling at a snails pace, but everyone looked to be having fun. In the end we ended up following the procession all the way into the park and finally some five hours after leaving, the carnival completed it's 2.9 mile journey. I've no idea why it took so long but my left leg sure was aching after 5 hrs of clutch control!
After we'd returned to the park there was chance to stretch the legs and have a drink. However no sooner that we'd arrived it seemed like we were off out again. This time it was transporting a patient to hospital. After we'd got back, it was off to the standby point for a while. We treated a few minor casualties before getting the radio message to return to base. Just as we were getting ready to return, we received word of a collapse in the crowd. So off we went to investigate. After treating the patient, ad loading them on board the ambulance, we stood down and returned to the medical center. This time there was no chance for a break ass we were required to convey the patient to hospital. So off we went again. In the end we were stood down from the hospital and returned to Coventry from there.
When we got into the garage, there was a flood! It seems like the gaffer had been playing with the new ice maker. I've got to break the news to him in a bit.
We arrived at Perry park in Birmingham shortly after 10am and were directed up towards the stadium where we were based. After a few hellos, we had our briefing. It looked as if we'd got a nice stint at the back of the procession, reliving the Solihull crew, then being relived ourselves. So off we went to our first point, which was fairly uneventful. After a while, and after seeing several drivers get in a flap about the road closures we received word that the procession had started. As the procession came past we were struck by how 'samey' it all appeared. The formula seemed to be truck pumping out reggae followed by a few dancers in costumes. Not really a patch on the Godiva procession really.
We relived the crew at the rear of the procession and proceeded to follow it along the route. It seemed to be traveling at a snails pace, but everyone looked to be having fun. In the end we ended up following the procession all the way into the park and finally some five hours after leaving, the carnival completed it's 2.9 mile journey. I've no idea why it took so long but my left leg sure was aching after 5 hrs of clutch control!
After we'd returned to the park there was chance to stretch the legs and have a drink. However no sooner that we'd arrived it seemed like we were off out again. This time it was transporting a patient to hospital. After we'd got back, it was off to the standby point for a while. We treated a few minor casualties before getting the radio message to return to base. Just as we were getting ready to return, we received word of a collapse in the crowd. So off we went to investigate. After treating the patient, ad loading them on board the ambulance, we stood down and returned to the medical center. This time there was no chance for a break ass we were required to convey the patient to hospital. So off we went again. In the end we were stood down from the hospital and returned to Coventry from there.
When we got into the garage, there was a flood! It seems like the gaffer had been playing with the new ice maker. I've got to break the news to him in a bit.
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