This Week In Wijnjewoude 2021: Week 2 Things to do in Lockdown

Things to do in Lockdown

Walking

Working

Slowly getting back to "normal" with the clients, but the Covid restrictions are having a depressing effect on everybody, although the routine is probably good for us all.

Insulating and covering some old skylights

Repairing an old door to replace one of the apartment doors

Reading Books (audio)

Converting Old Video Tapes

I did all this once before by burning them to DVD - but I think I have lost (misplaced) the DVD's. Things have become much easier these days, but we did have to buy a 2nd hand camera to replay the tapes.

The hunt is now on for the 2nd video camera and tapes - things always get put away "in a safe place"...

Mostly Ben as a baby and toddler, some of the new building works (what was I thinking of??!!), trips to Australia, friends and family.

Going through the "dark" cupboard.

Janny has been going through all her old stuff from school and all the stuff that has been put away since we have lived here. She found a few gems - old photo albums and diaries and all the stages of Ben.

From the TV News

Crematoria in Germany

They showed at least one crematorium that is "overflowing". The caskets were stacked up, waiting for their turn. Some have been waiting so long that they had to wrap them in plastic.

A spokesperson said that it is quite common in Germany at the moment due to the Covid deaths.

57% decline in insects in NL

Another worrying report said that the number of insects in the Netherlands has decreased quite markedly in the last 20 years.

Frank told me during the week that he was going to Geoff Patman's funeral. Yet another Old Firie" that I have lost contact with since coming over here. I worked with Geoff for quite a few years off and on at the Training College. I'm sure another influence in my life, like so many others.

The odd thing for me is that I remember them as they were back then...

The following was used in the remembrance ceremony - written by Bill Bayley, who was my first Superintendant when I started as a District Officer at No. 1.... another influence, all for the better, I hope.

(I'll never forget, either...although the brass helmets were on the way out when I started - only the Officers were still wearing them then in 1968)

NEVER FORGET

I HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN

THE THRILL OF THAT FIRST FIRE........A FURTHER ASSISTANCE.......

BRASS HELMETS.... BELLS RINGING AND LIGHT FLASHING.....

THE SATISFACTION OF HAVING MADE A “GOOD SAVE".......

I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN

THE RETURN TO STATION..... WET AND FREEZING ON OPEN APPLIANCES......

FIGHTING GRASS FIRES WITH KNAPSACKS AND BEATERS....LIT BY SOME KID'PLAYING WITH MATCHES' ON TOTAL FIRE BAN DAYS!

I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN

BEING LOST IN A SMOKE FILLED BASEMENT....... THE ROAR OF THOSE WALLS COLLAPSING

....... HEAT SCORCHING MY EARS...... AND AFTER THE FIRE......... MESS ROOM CHATS WITH THE SHIFT MATES...... THEY CALL IT COUNSELLING NOW

I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN

THE CUTS AND BURNS....... STICHES AND SCARS....... LIMBS IN PLASTER........ BRIGADE MEDICAL OFFICER

........LIGHT DUTIES........ 24 HOUR SHIFTS THAT TOOK 48 HOURS TO RECOVER.

I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN

THE BOURKE ST MARCH...... FOR WIDOWS AND ORPHAN'S BENEFITS.... SUPERANNUATION

AND SECURITY THAT YOU ALL NOW ENJOY..... THE 8 HOUR SHIFTS.... SUBSISTENCE WAGES...

WORKING ON DAYS OFF TO SURVIVE

I HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN

CHRISTMAS DAY AT THE CHILDRENS HOSPITAL......... MUSICIANS.... CLOWNS..... GYM TEAM...

...THE CHILDRENS FACES...... THE FRIDAY DISPLAYS...... SECOND FLOOR JUMPS..... MCKIMM'S

BRASS BAND BOOGIE'......... POMPIER LADDERS!!

I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN

THE FEELING WHEN AFTER MANY YEARS...... I WALKED INTO MY OLD STATION...... FILLED WITH

STRANGERS WHO DID NOT KNOW ME.... NOR BOTHERED TO LOOK UP AND ASK.......

‘WERE YOU EVER IN THE JOB MATE'

I HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN

I DONT WALK AS FAST........ NOR STAND AS STRAIGHT AS YOU....... MY HAIR MAY BE THIN AND GREY....

... EYES AND HEARING DIMMED

BUT I KNOW I WILL NEVER FORGET

THAT WE PAID THE PRICE...... EARNED THE RIGHT ........ TO PROCLAIM FIERCELY........ PROUDLY

TO ALL ..........................................I AM A RETIRED FIREFIGHTER

Bill Bayley retired MFB superintendent