‘Dealing with disasters’ at Melksham Probus

After a wholesome lunch of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and vegetables followed by apple crumble, we had a very interesting talk by David Head about “Dealing with Disasters.”

David had just joined the Royal Berkshire County as a co-ordinator dealing with incidents which may occur.

On his first week the fire alarms rang at 11.37 in all fire stations in Berkshire. At 11.50 he was told that Windsor Castle was on fire!! Within ten minutes he was having to deal, not only with the emergency, but also with phone calls from all over the world asking for details.

The fire was started by contractors’ ARC lights coming into contact with tapestry which were hung against wood panelling.

It took until 18.30 hrs before the fire was under control due to approx. a third of the castle being isolated and contained by 250 firemen. It had taken 1.5million gallons from the River Thames; the damage was estimated at £37million and took three years to repair.

If anyone is interested in joining Probus, please contact Keith Gibbons (01225 705641). Probus Clubs are for retired or semi-retired business or professional people.