Penkridge First Responders

The initial requirement that the Penkridge First Community Responders have is to ensure they have all the equipment they need. I've been in contact with Leigh following the business meeting to find out the detail of what they need to get started. They have most equipment, but are missing a few essentials; so Penkridge Round Table will fund the purchase of the additional items.

Business Meeting: Thursday 12th August

Entertaining and interesting Business Meeting at the Hatherton Hotel. Interesting because we had a talk from Penkridge Community First Responders. I'd been contacted a few weeks ago to see if Round Table could help to support the set-up of PCFR, so I asked them to come along and explain what they do.
A Community First Responder, is a person available to be dispatched by an ambulance control centre to attend medical emergencies in their local area; they are trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service. First Responders are there to start and maintain the chain of survival until an Ambulance arrives. They do not replace the Ambulance service but augment and assist.
Leigh and Duncan gave us a good overview of the objectives of First Responders and the current status of the Penkridge group and the support they need to get fully functional. What First Responders do is of huge significance to the local community, and I'm hopeful that Penkridge Round Table can help them get up and running.
After their presentation we had a lengthy business meeting. This was productive, and entertaining in parts; initially discussing PCFR, then a whole raft of other topics. After much discussion and debate we concluded the evening at 12:30.

Return of the Cyclists: Sunday 2nd August

This afternoon sees the return of the intrepid cyclists. As always they had an entertaining and eventful weekend. Day one was a lengthy affair at around 80 miles, and ending in a punishing (and unplanned!) hill-climb. Day two was a shorter length but 'typical' cycling weather with heavy downpours. And day three a gentle meander back to Penkridge with stops en-route for puncture repairs. Accommodation was much improved over previous years, with hotels featuring jacuzzi baths.
The welcome party at the Cross Keys saw all 10 safely over the line, preceded by the support team. The cyclists had aching limbs, and a few with cuts and bruises from tumbles en-route, but smiling faces to reach the end, and a celebratory drink (or two).

Thursday 30th July: Beer & Curry

Tonight the cyclists head to Blackpool ready to push off on the 2009 Cycle venture; a three day, 160 mile, cycle ride from Blackpool back to Penkridge, with overnight stops at High Peak and Ashbourne in Derbyshire. This year we have 10 cyclists and a support driver (with a white van full of lycra).
So whilst they head north, the remainder of Penkridge Table do the sensible thing and head to the pub. We have a social night in the village, a few beers, a stroll around a few pubs and round it off with a curry. Staying in the village means less pressure on timing, so we end up with eleven of us, and a good (and entertaining night is had). Not least when we leave one of our honorary members asleep in Flames (the restaurant - setting fire to him would not be in the spirit of Table). He's rather surprised to wake and find the restaurant empty and the bill in front of him!