In my last Blog Post I wrote about the terrible people that are found in some organisations and how these bad people often hide their individuality behind the organisation facade. They rely upon the image of 'it' rather than taking responsibility for their own behaviours.
What has happened in Machynlleth this last week is in stark contrast to that Blog post.
In this rural part of Wales with our close communities we on the whole care for one another and do our best to do what is right. Many years ago I used to be the Supervisory Officer for Machynlleth Fire Station, and have fond memories of a great team and a great community. I remember well our fund raising 'ladder climb' outside of the Clock Tower in the centre of the town. I was always met with warmth and friendship from the crew at Machynlleth, who at that time many years ago, had two fire engines and very little financial reward for a demanding job. Little has changed as the pay does not reflect the service to the community, and that in itself is a reminder that the community pulls together at all times. It is sad to hear this week that the Fire and Rescue Service are removing one of those two fire engines from this isolated community and instead replacing it with a silly van.
If they do need a van, then they should have it as well. it should not be instead of a Major Pumping appliance. Little pay and little reward and a shed load of bureaucracy; so at least let them keep their two fire engines.
A lost fire engine pales into insignificance compared to a lost child, and on Monday night we went out and about searching as soon as the news broke on a well known Social Network website. With my mental ill health problems I could not stay out late on my own, so we returned when my wife had to have some rest for her early 0630 start for work the next day.
I suppose like many others, I have found the last week extremely traumatic. Others have mentioned about my health and emotional state, but sometimes the call of the community is greater than the personal implications or responding to that call.
I cried this morning when thinking about April and again when the Church Service was relayed on SKY News. It is quite an emotional time. and I have had to rely on the support of family and close friends as the community pulls together to bring April home. Good people working hard to do what it right. People who unlike me have to get up to go to work each day; but still spend their time searching the mountains and woodland. I doff my cap to you one and all and each night say a prayer for April and for your continued safety.
The photograph is me 'papping' the 'paps'. They were both really good sports and I must say that they were nothing like I expected true paparazzi to be. I also admire their Canon equipment especially the Canon 5D Mark III shown in the picture, along with the £5000+ EF L Series 300mm Prime Lens just dangling out of sight and fitted to yet another professional Full Frame body. This of course is stuff that I can only dream of as it is out of reach on my pension. Which is a pity as out and about with the camera is good exercise and of course aids mental ill health. Mind you I had agreed a price with someone for a secondhand Canon 135mm L Series f/2.0 prime earlier this week, but alas he disappointingly changed his mind while I was out on the mountain helping. Pretty sad really as I was doing my bit, with my usual sense of duty, but he got greedy and decided to go for more money after agreeing a price with me.
Hey ho maybe one day, but for now, let's bring April home.
If you have any information that would help the enquiry - then please contact the Police.
