Island Life Magazine Ltd October/ November 2012 | Page 44

ISLAND LIFE

Diary of the High Sheriff
After a busy summer it’s a privilege to reflect
on the unsung heroes that quietly work away
behind the scenes to benefit all Islanders.
My wife Nicky and I had an action packed
day with the IW Fire Service, firstly acting as
‘casualties’ while being cut out of a car, and
then going into the ‘fire house’, during a real
fire, wearing heavy breathing apparatus.
It was extremely hot, difficult to manouvre
and frightening, but enabled us to see
how our Fire Fighters are both brave and
skilful. I then tried the impressive Cobra Fire
Suppression System with its high-pressure
water jet that can penetrate walls and
suppress the fire within. Finally, in spite of the
wind and my fear of heights, we went 100 ft in
the air on Ryde’s Turntable Ladder Appliance.
A few days later I was back with Fire &

order to encourage them to see the benefits

members of the emergency services gives

Rescue to see the students passing out of

of adopting a new set of values, working

a positive role model to the young people.

their five-day LIFE course [Local Intervention

cooperatively with others, improving their

I was so impressed with the course and

Fire Education]. Dedicated instructors

own learning and performance, gaining self

the students as they demonstrated their

supported by other emergency services

esteem and self confidence whilst learning to

new-found skills having been given a

deliver the course. Young people are referred

communicate better.

life-changing experience.

by schools and the Youth Offending Team in

Being delivered by fire fighters and

I was invited by UKSA to race
their Far45 during Cowes

www.visitislandlife.com

The second is a programme

Week. During the day I talked

called YES, Youth Engagement

to Simon Davies, Director of

for Schools, designed to prevent

Youth Development and learned

students dropping out of statutory

of some very forward-thinking

education by providing active

courses run by the Academy.

learning opportunities in small

One is 'The Change in Direction

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effective work ethic.

groups out of their normal school

Programme' run in conjunction

environment. The course helps

with Job Centre Plus. This

students communicate more

six to seven week programme

effectively, overcome obstacles

aims to remove barriers to

in a constructive manner and

employment through achieving

also develop the ability to value

new qualifications in watersport

their own skills and qualities. It

activities, helping to build

is heart-warming to know that so

self-esteem and confidence and

many fine initiatives are being run

in turn creating a positive and

on the Island.