Bowling buddies fired up for action

Brett Heatley (left) and Aaron Leach

TEN pin bowling buddies from Shaw are using their spare time as fire safety volunteers.
Brett Heatley and Aaron Leach, both 18, have become Community Action Team members with the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

The lads have been out on the streets helping to keep residents safe and providing vital support to firefighters.

Among their tasks include Home Fire Risk Assessments (HFRAs), carrying out arson patrols, and fitting smoke alarms.

Both have joined a band of approximately 200 volunteers throughout the Greater Manchester area — with 73 new ones in GMFRS’s latest drive — eight of which are from the Oldham area.

Brett, who attended Royton and Crompton School with Aaron, said: “We had just both finished college and to be fair I was quite bored and I wanted something to do, instead of moping around the house.

“I did pre-uniform services at college and I thought this would be a great way to help people become more safe.”

The pals, who work at a Rochdale bowling alley, now also volunteer for around 16 hours a month — after a training programme with the fire service. Area manager Dave Keelan, head of prevention for GMFRS said: “Since the civil unrest in August it is really pleasing to see the number of requests we have received from people wanting to join our team of volunteers.

“Our volunteers play an important role in delivering key safety messages across the diverse communities.”

The next planned volunteer intake is in January and those interested from the Oldham area are asked to contact local co-ordinator Nic Wharmby on 0161-608 9252 or by email at wharmbyn<\@manchesterfire.gov.uk.

You can also find out more online at www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/become-a-volunteer