Events

Diwali_Mela_2010

GMFRS — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Saturday 2 October 2010, 3.30pm - 9.00pm

The festival of Dashehra and Diwali has religious significance for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, and is celebrated by many communities in India and throughout the world. Diwali symbolises the triumph of good over evil and marks the start of the Hindu New Year.

Dashehra

This hugely popular festival falls on the 10th day of the waxing moon during the Hindu month of Ashvin (around September or October).

On this day, Lord Ram, the hero of the great Hindu epic, Ramayana, killed the 10-headed demon king Ravan, who had abducted Lord Ram's wife, Sita. It is believed that Lord Ram's brother Lakshman, along with an army of monkeys, fought a colossal battle that lasted 10 days. Lord Ram killed the evil Ravana on the 10th day.

Diwali

'The Festival of Lights' - signifies the end of darkness which stands for ignorance and the beginning of knowledge symbolized by lights. Lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for mankind. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, and fireworks.

Both festivals commemorate the victory of Good over Evil.

Find out more: http://www.dashehradiwali.co.uk - external link

What's happening on the day?

A spectacular programme of stage and street entertainment including bhangra and bollywood dance and music, fire shows and more! other highlights include:

procession of lanterns, garlands, paper chains and instruments;
Live Bollywood-style entertainment from: Indian dance group
IndepenDance; Indian wedding brass band Bombay Baja and Bhangra music and dance from Gabrhu Panjab De
30+ stalls offering Asian foods and speciality gifts
Children's fun fair, arts and crafts workshops

National_Car_Wash_2010

GMFRS — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Now firmly established on the Charity's annual event calendar, the National Car Wash is the Charity's largest national fundraising event of the year, and involves fire stations throughout the UK washing the nation's cars, in exchange for a donation.

The event also gives fire fighters the unique opportunity to interact with a large cross-section of their community, and promote important Community Fire Safety initiatives.

Two National Car Washes are held each year, in March and September. The next National Car Wash, kindly sponsored by Autoglym, is being held on Saturday 2nd October 2010.

Stations taking part in the Charity Car wash

Fire Station	Venue	Date	Time
Saturday 2 October
Stretford	Costco	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Altrincham	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Sale	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Wythenshawe	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Manchester Central	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Philips Park / Gorton	Asda Walmart M11 4BD	Saturday 2 October	10-4
White hill / Stockport	Wickes/MFI car park SK4 1TN	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Cheadle	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	9.30-5.30
Offerton	Sainsbury's Hazel Grove SK7 4AW	Saturday 2 October	10-5
Marple	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	11-3
Rochdale	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Littleborough	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Heywood	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Oldham	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Chadderton	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Bury	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Whitefield	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Ramsbottom	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Ashton under Lyne	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Stalybridge	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Mossley	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Hyde	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Farnworth	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Bolton Central	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Bolton North	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Horwich	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Leigh	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Salford	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Broughton	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Agecroft	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Irlam	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Eccles	Fire Station	Saturday 2 October	10-4
Sunday 3 October
Moss Side / Withington	Fire Station	Sunday 3 October	10-4
Sunday 10 October
Blackley	Fire Station	Sunday 10 October	10-4
Wigan	Fire Station	Sunday 10 October	10-4

About the Charity

Every year, thousands of fire fighters are injured whilst protecting the public. Every 30 seconds in the UK, fire fighters are called to an incident, putting their lives on the line, and often sustaining physical injuries whilst carrying out their duties. The Fire Fighters Charity is here for all fire service personnel during their times of need, and assists thousands of individuals every year, by providing pioneering treatment and support services.

Our modern, dynamic and award-winning charity has three UK centres, located in Cumbria, Devon and West Sussex, which offer varying combinations of therapy and recuperation services. Our pioneering Beneficiary Support Services also offer local and remote assistance to people in need nationwide - providing solutions to real life problems.

It costs over £9 million every year to keep the Charity running, and with no government funding, we are completely reliant upon donations from the general public and fire community.

The Fire Fighters Charity provides a range of services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families. The Charity offers three core services:

Therapy

Residential therapy programmes, run by teams of dedicated professionals
Physical treatment for a wide range of conditions and injuries

Recuperation

Recover from illness, injury or surgery in stunning countryside or coastal locations
Peaceful environments aid emotional and physical recovery for individuals or families

Beneficiary Support Services

Confidential and impartial helpline service, offering advice, guidance and support on a wide range of issues

Nationwide network of trained volunteers and professionals, ready to help locally
Are you a member of the fire community in need of help? Call 0800 389 8820 today. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. A professional team is waiting to answer any questions, and to help you to apply for the Charity's services.

Find out more: http://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk - external link

Salford_Open_Day

GMFRS — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

Photos from the Fire Station Open Day...

The open day at Salford Fire Station took place on Saturday 25 September 2010. The event was a great success with many people turning up from the community participating in the various activities. Please see photos of the day below:

FREE Entry with Lots to Do...

Salford Fire Station's Open Day will take place on Saturday 25 September 2010 - between 11:00 - 16:00. The event will be opened by Ciaran Griffiths who plays Mickey Maguire in the TV series called Shameless.

Entry is free and with lots to do there will be something there for everyone. Attractions include;

Special appliances,
Road Traffic Collision (RTC) display,
Cadets display,
Fire Fighters Charity stall,
Tombola, bouncy castle,
Heartstart,
Police vehicles including helicopter which will hover over the station,
Face painting,
Fire investigation dog,
and food provided by the Salvation Army canteen unit.

Location of Salford Fire Station

Know_Your_Numbers

GMFRS — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:07:00 GMT

Blood Pressure Testing...

Throughout the summer we have been working together with Greater Manchester Public Health Network and Real Radio in a high profile campaign to raise awareness about both fire safety and public health advice. The 'Know Your Numbers' campaign went out into the communities of Greater Manchester offering fire safety advice, as well as health advice.

So why the Public Health Network?

Those who are most at risk of having a stroke are often those who drink and smoke; this is where we link in to this campaign - as we know accidental fires in the home are often related to drinking and smoking. With health professionals targeting changes in lifestyle we will be looking to also influence their awareness of fire safety in the home.

Getting the message out there!

The targeted campaign has been communicated over recent months by GMG Radio (the Guardian Media Group), one of Britain's leading radio businesses offering three unique brands; Real Radio, Smooth Radio and Rock Radio, each reaching a diverse range of people across Greater Manchester.

The campaign aimed at educating people that by making small changes to their lifestyle it can have a positive effect, not only on reducing the risk of stroke, but to help reduce the risk of house fires too. Members of the public were given the chance to have their blood pressure checked, as well as being able to book a Home Fire Risk Assessment.

Photos from the event at Fire Service Headquarters

Hyde_Fire_Station_Community_Open_Day

GMFRS — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 14:51:00 GMT

Photos from the Community Fun Day...

The Community Fun Day at Hyde Fire Station took place on Saturday 18 September 2010. The event was in association with the Hyde Bangladeshi Welfare Association and the Pakistani flood appeal and was a great success with many people turning up from the community participating in the activities.

FREE Entry with Lots to Do...

The Community Fun Day at Hyde Fire Station will take place on Saturday 18 September 2010 - between 11:00 - 16:00. The event is in association with the Hyde Bangladeshi Welfare Association and the Pakistani flood appeal.

Entry is free and with lots to do there will be something there for everyone. Attractions include;

Bouncy Castle,
Face Painting
Fire Fighting Displays
Climbing wall
Lots of food
and much more

To view the event poster please click here

At Hyde Fire Station, Railway Street, Hyde, SK14 1DF

Marple_10k

GMFRS — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

10k Race in aid of The Firefighters Charity...

Well done to everyone who took part in the 10k run. There were many familiar faces from Marple, and also many from the wider Fire Service community and dozens of keen runners of all ages who just enjoy this great event, that is now in its fourth year. Over two hundred runners had each contributed £12.50 to take part in the run which raises money for the Fire Fighters charity. This was one of this years main events of the Marple Festival, which is takes part over two weeks and includes a variety of sporting, cultural and culinary activities.

Family, friends and supporters formed a large crowd, waiting eagerly for the first runners to appear at the Ring o'Bells in Marple. Looking out over narrow boats in the beautiful setting of the Macclesfield canal Jack Morris raced home first with a time of 36:42, streets ahead of the opposition.

Annette Bowden was the first in the women's race, with a time of 42:50 keeping her place as the champion for the past 4 years.

See the results of the Marple 10 k run 2010 - PDF >>

Firefighter's from Marple Fire Station have once again organised The Marple 10k "Off Road" Trail run and is now open for entries to everyone.

The 10k run is in aid of The Firefighters Charity and is sponsored by the Ring O' Bells and starts approximately 11:00am on Saturday 11th September 2010, Middlewood Way at Rose Hill.

The course is on a well established route with no hills and is comparatively flat. It includes a' fun run' down the Middlewood way footpath and returns via the Macclesfield Canal towpath. It finishes at the Ring O' Bells public house for a well deserved pint and sandwich, which are all included within the entry fee of £12.50. There is also a 'Goody Bag' and prize for all finishers.

The fun event is for all the family and we ask all participants to raise money for The Firefighters Charity who assist thousands of firefighters every injured whilst protecting the public.

Please make a donation here: http://www.justgiving.com/marple10k2010

Further Details about the Race

The Race is a flat, rural 10Km run along footpaths and towpaths, which will be boggy, muddy and uneven in places.
Runners will be set off in groups according to their predicted times on their entry sheet.
The run starts at Middlewood Way, Railway Road entrance then proceeds along to Middlewood Railway Station (water stop and marshals). The trail then links to the Macclesfield canal towpath and back to Marple finishing at the Ring 'O' Bells Pub.
Limited Car Parking will be at the start of Middlewood way on Railway Road.
Parking at the finish - the Ring 'O' Bells Pub Church Lane Marple.
The Course will be Marshalled and signposted per Kilometre so please don't get lost!
Please study the map before the day.
After the Run there will be a Drink a sandwich and a goody bag in the marquee at the pub and also the presentation of Winners trophies
Be aware that the run maybe muddy and in places boggy due to recent weather conditions.
There is a participant limit and late entries cannot be guaranteed. `

Things to bring on the Day

Correct clothing - consider the weather conditions on the day. Be aware there are no indoor changing facilities available.
Water stops are provided at 5km but you can bring your own refreshment if you wish (re-hydrating drinks, etc).
A change of clothes!

How to Register/Enter the Race

Please download and fill in the following forms for the Marple 10k Race:

Marple 2010 10k Trail Run - Entry Form >>

Marple 2010 10k Train Run - Sponsorship Form >>

If you require further information please contact the organisers: Rob Gall or Tom McCracken from Marple Fire Station, Hollins lane, Marple, Stockport, Greater Manchester SK66AW.

Irlam_OpenDay

GMFRS — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:00:00 GMT

FREE ENTRY - LOTS TO SEE AND DO...

Irlam Fire Station Open Day is being held on Monday 30th August 2010 in conjunction with Irlam and Cadishead Community Festival. From 11am to 3.30pm at Irlam Fire Station (address and directions below). Attractions include:

Fire Engines,
Specialist Appliances,
Firefighter Displays,
Stalls and Refreshments.
Plus loads more going on...

For more information please click here to view the poster

Irlam Fire Station Map

Manchester_Pride

GMFRS — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:30:00 GMT

Honour to be Part of the Parade

'What a great honour and privilege to be part of the Pride Parade in Manchester today - and what a distance we have come.

We had three fire appliances and over 70 personnel from all parts and every corner of the Service - operational staff' support staff and volunteers - and everyone had a great time (even the weather smiled kindly on us for the parade itself). Carry on reading...

THE BIG WEEKEND 27-30 AUGUST 2010

The streets will be full of thousands upon thousands of spectators, young and old, gay and straight, friends and family. Manchester Pride is the city's annual festival celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life and is attended by more than 250,000 people.

Manchester Pride is an action-packed 78 hour festival full of music, film, arts events and theatre organised in aid of charities and community groups across Greater Manchester. The Big Weekend runs from Friday 27th to Monday 30th August but the undoubted highlight is the Pride parade which runs through the heart of the city centre on Saturday 28th August.

Each year Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service take part in the parade. The parade starts from the Museum of Science and Industry in Castlefield, approximately 1:00 pm and will follow the same route as last year winding its colourful way through the city centre.

The parade enables us to engage with the public in a fantastically fun way and it also helps to demonstrate our commitment to equal opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff and members of the public.

Weekend Tickets cost £17.50
Day Tickets £10.00 if purchased before 27 August 2010

Please visit the Manchester Pride website for further details...

Museum_Open_Day

GMFRS — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 09:00:00 GMT

Rochdale Fire Station and the Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum of, With many and varied exhibits the museum will give you a fascinating glimpse into the history of firefighting and the fire station will have several activities for adults and children alike, featuring some of the following:

Fire Engines
Specialist Appliances
Rescue Demonstrations
Bouncy Castle
Meet the Fire Dogs
Stalls and Games
Food/Refreshments
and lots more...

Rochdale Fire Station and Museum Open Day - Sunday 1st August 2010 click here for more details

Historical Image Gallery

Contact information

Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum
Maclure Road
Rochdale
OL11 1DN

Tel/Fax: 01706 901227 (Answerphone)
Email: museum@manchesterfire.gov.uk

View Larger Map

Note: Visitors should access the Museum via the fire station yard entrance on Richard Street

Manc_Mega_Mela

GMFRS — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 11:00:00 GMT

Thousands of people will be celebrating the South Asian culture at Manchester's Mega Mela. Entertainers from the Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan and Nepalese communities. The 2010 Manchester Mega Mela promises to be the biggest yet as it returns to its home of Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield, Manchester.

The Mega Mela is funded by the Arts Council, all styles of South Asian performance from poetry and drama to Bharat Natyam and Bollywood to Bhangra and R'n'B will be represented. There is also an arts and crafts marquee with activities for children

Artist Line ups and other Features

Notorious Jatt
H Dhami
Imran Khan
Roach Killa
Surinder Rattan feat. Joga
Metz 'n' Trix
Khiza
Bonafide
Jernade Miah
Tariq Khan & Legacy
Raghav
Other artists include Off Licence, UK Shox, Nasir Khan and Abbas Hassan
Kawa Circus - traditional Indian street performance
Shree Swami Narayan Bag Pipe Band
Dhol drumming and bhangra dance from The Bhangrablasters
Bombay Baja - Indian Wedding Brass band.

Further Information

Manchester Mega Mela - Saturday 24 July 2010 Schedule >>

Manchester Mega Mela - Sunday 25 July 2010 Schedule >>

http://www.manchestermela.co.uk

Please note: GMFRS is not responsible for the content of external websites

Horwich_Open_Day

GMFRS — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 09:00:00 GMT

FREE ENTRY - LOTS TO SEE AND DO...

Horwich Fire Station has an open day on Saturday 26 June 2010 in conjunction with the Horwich Carnival, which features a variety of events but all promote fire safety messages to the local community, as well as lots to see and do:

Fire Engines
Specialist Appliances
Rescue Demonstrations
Bouncy Castle
Meet the Fire Dogs
Stalls and Games
Food/Refreshments
and lots more...

Proceeds to go to the Fire Fighters Charity. For further information please telephone 01204 909403.

Manchester_Parade

GMFRS — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 14:12:00 GMT

OUT OF THIS WORLD...

Manchester Day is a fantastic new event added to the city's ever growing events calendar. It is a day for both residents and visitors to come together and celebrate Manchester's unique creativity and diversity.

On Sunday 20 June, see the very first Manchester Day Parade as it bursts onto the city streets, setting the city alight with a dazzling display of colour, sound and dance.

The parade, produced by Walk the Plank, will start at 2pm in Castlefield and will weave its way through the city centre.* Expect a display of vibrant costumes, fantastic street dance and amazing wheeled structures designed by the local community to celebrate Manchester's Out of this world creativity.

Organisers had a difficult decision selecting participants who are now busy making outstanding floats and costumes, and rehearsing breathtaking dance routines. If you or your group weren't selected this time around, you can still join in the fun at what promises to be a highlight of the year.

Find out more: The Manchester Day Parade