Rathmines Catalina Festival
As reported by D Keegan
On 25 October, Volunteer Marine Rescue Swansea Flotilla NF9 again attended the annual Catalina Festival. What a great day! The weather was perfect, our stall allocation and position first class within a very well organised event (full compliments to the Festival organisers).
The day began at 0630 hrs with A Jones loading his 4 wheel drive then proceeding to Rathmines, erecting the gazebo and displaying our pamphlets plus items for sale before being called upon to help erect a tent for some very distressed ladies: A Jones in command plus a number of VMR experts giving talented advice as to how to proceeded — third go successful! How proud were we of our training obviously displayed in coordinated confusion: still persistence and calm cooperation eventually produced success.
Our team from VMR Swansea excelled in attendance and performance. We all had great fun day in explaining our role in volunteer search and rescue to the public and, at the same time endeavouring to encourage the public to purchase product we had on offer for fund raising (over $91). R Cowdrey accepted from a vessel owner at least one amount of $15 as a donation in gratitude for VMRS continued generous assistance to him and his boating … He also promised to give a further substantial gift of money to our Radio Base and said he would deliver his cheque in person.
Interest in Coast Guard was strongly evident especially in the number of people who have asked to have membership applications sent to them: we had 11 enthusiastic persons eager to become active in VMR Swansea (Membership of $44.00 no Problem). We also had one firm Associate Membership enquiry and two MROCP commitments with a strong chance of them becoming full members.
Our Commander N Grieves plus his crew T Milton, D Alderton & N McBernie arrived on CG091 to support our land-based team and they injected extra motivation in our effort to promote VMR Swansea.
All volunteers in attendance were full of eagerness and commitment to show off to the public how VMRS serves the boating community, as well as our great need for funds to continue this service.
The day finished with A Jones again assisting some distressed ladies with their flat car battery: his jumper leads starting the engine much to their relief. Then an aircraft in difficulty with broken propeller tips caused by birds or something where A Jones produced from his wondrous kit some duct tape for the owner to repair his Sea Ray Aircraft propellers allowing him to return home to Bankstown.
In summery a fruitful day putting VMRS name out there a day enjoyed by our participation & thanks again to all involved.
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