999 show braves the weather (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

999 show braves the weather

9:57am Tuesday 9th September 2008 in Chippenham By Joe Ware

The fourth Emergency Services Show was held at Hullavington airfield on Sunday and attracted a healthy turn out despite the precarious weather sweeping the South West.

The family fun day, which ran from 10am to 5pm, showcased all of the blue light services from right across the region, and visitors were able to view everything from fire engines to helicopters and boats to specialist police vehicles.

A busy programme of demonstrations were run in the arena, including police dogs, a road traffic collision extrication, a car fire, the Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service fire cadets and the Solent Eagles children's motorcycle display team.

In addition, there were also a range of demonstrations and exhibitions across the showground including the police armed response unit, water rescue, search and rescue, CPR demonstrations, air support units, mobile speed cameras and fire engine rides.

Wayne Jones, watch managerr at Malmesbury fire station, was one of the organisers and was pleased the event was a success.

He said: "The day went very well and thankfully the weather held off. We didn't get a drop of rain all day.

"We were slightly down on numbers compared to last year when we had 8000 people attend, but that was probably because people were expecting it to rain.

"We had a steady stream of people through the gates throughout the day."

As well as the many emergency service demonstrations Mr Jones was also pleased to have the Air Support unit in attendance. He said: "We had the air support unit but they also had to respond to emergency calls so weren't there for the whole day.

"The demonstrations allowed us to show the public how the emergency services can work in partnership.

"For example the medical and police response units were able to work alongside the fire crews during the road traffic collision demonstration.

He added: "There was also plenty of other activities for people to enjoy. There was a bouncy castle, a fun fair and plenty of different stalls.

"With all the emergency services on site it is just about the safest event you can attend."

All profits from the show went to benefit local charities with a connection to the emergency services.

Mr Jones said: "Charities were encouraged to register to receive donations.

"A large proportion of the money went to smaller charities that don't receive government funding"

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