35 years of service to Brigade recognised

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 6, 12 July 1983, Page 3

35 years of service to Brigade recognised

More than 140 guests attended the function to mark the retirement of Jim Chelley who has retired from the Ohakune Volunteer Fire Brigade after 35 years service. He and his wife Nancy were given a memorable farewell by past and present brigade members as well as the many friends who were able to attend the dinner and dance held at the Ohakune Primary School on Saturday 2 July. Among the specially invited guests who shared the top table at the dinner were Phil Douche, District Commander from Palmerston North, Ray Ford, Area Commander from Wanganui and Nap Buick, retired commander of the Palmerston North region, together with their wives. Skiers Inn catered for the 140 guests. After World War II Jim ^Klley came to live in ^roakune in 1948 following a brief spell in Raetihi. He had previously only visited the Waimarino from his home town of Wanganui to enjoy the outdoor pursuits available here such as hunting and fishing. When he took up residence in Ohakune he joined the local volunteer fire brigade but didn't think at that time that he would still be here 35 years later and end up as fire chief . . . . he became the brigade's District Commander in 1969. His predecessor, Tommy Austin, was at Jim's farewell function on Satur«night. Also there was I newly appointed chief, x Martin. Jim Chelley' s association

with the Ohakune Volunteer Fire Brigade has brought him into contact with many people but the friendships formed with those he has shared the dangers of ' fighting fires have been of special significance to him. As colleagues who have to work with and depend on each other in times of danger, he couldn't have wished for a more dedicated team, he said. He was glad to have been associated with such a fine calibre of colleague for such a long time . . the spirit of comradeship over the years was exemplified by last Saturday' s function as well as by the 75 th anniversary of the brigade which was commemorated earlier this year. Jim Chelley and his wife Nancy plan to remain in Ohakune . . . he is a Life Member of the brigade and will continue to be associated with the brigade socially but won't be answering any more calls. However he will be willing to advise and help out where necessary and when requested. His other interests are the R.S.A. and the Waimarino Brass Band of which he is president. Jim has only one concern about the future of the brigade . . the lack of young people coming forward to offer their services at this time. The viability of the brigade depends on a constant flow applicants — preferably young and fit — to provide continuity and ensure that it remains at full • strength to meet any emergency in the community.

The optimum complement for the brigade is 25 but 19 members — the present strength — can cope with most situations providing all are available when the siren sounds. But Jim's concern is that the average age of the present brigade is getting older and suitable young applicants are not coming forward. It was fortunate that one fireman, Tui Tawhai, who has recently transferred to Turangi has been replaced by another young man, Stuart Ennis, but the brigade is still 6 personnel short.

The present members of the brigade are: Max Martin, Chief Officer; Graham Dixon, Deputy Chief Officer; Ben Goddard, 3rd Of- . ficer; Graham Murdie, Sub Officer; Glenn Ennis and Bruce Thompson, Station Officers; Kevin Munn, Johnny Nation, Jonathan Gregg, Alan Murdie, Alan Nation, Steven Nation, James Ennis, Bill Phillips, Neil Green, Richard Henare, Garry McKenzie, John Goldfinch and the newest recruit, Stuart Ennis.