The 2008 Emergency Services event was held over the weekend of August 2 & 3 at Llandudno. The spectacle was arranged by Debbie Turnbull, with the assistance of the RNLI, in memory of her son Chris, who tragically drowned on 14th August 2006 at Lligwy Falls, Capel Curig whilst playing with friends.
River & Sea Sense, The Chris Turnbull Memorial Foundation, has been set up in memory of 15 year old Christopher. His close friends "Chris Turnbull's Barmy Army" spearheaded Debbie to continue the “Water Safety” message.
"The whole ethos" says Debbie "is about saving lives in rivers and at sea". Now, by creating Events and Fun days for children of all ages around the region, Debbie hopes to educate children and adults where necessary of the dangers of water.
Christopher's close friends "Chris Turnbull's Barmy Army" spearheaded his mother Debbie to continue the “Water Safety” message. If you would like to be a Sponsor - ie offer your product or service please contact Debbie Turnbull on 01492 543615/07879 648568 or email debbie.turnbull@homecall.co.uk.
Emergency Services Days are a fine example – a tribute to Christopher – managed by Debbie with support of the RNLI – not only has she addressed the water/emergency services safety aspect – but is encouraging youngsters to 'get involved' – do a lifesaving course – join the Chris Turnbull's Barmy Army Branch of the RNLI and get involved with outdoor pursuits and other activities in a SAFE environment. This years event at Llandudno was attended by the RNLI, North Wales Police, North Wales Fire Service, Search and Rescue Dog Association Cymru, Air Ambulance, The Coastguards and the Army also had a team present.
For us, this is also an ideal opportunity to present the police family together with the other emergency services, in a positive light, to build up community and partnership links, providing an opportunity meet the public to get up close and ask questions in a friendly, family atmosphere. We were helped, in no uncertain terms, on that score by having "Bobbi" the police car patrolling his patch of the promenade. Bobbi kept the children entertained with his constant chatter and amazed the youngsters and their parents on occasions when he, somehow, knew the names of everyone he had conversations with!
My colleague, Pam Hayers, was kept very busy with the fingerprinting kit. Scores of people taking home unique souvenirs of their day in Llandudno, whilst also seeing the police in a very positive light. At one time it seemed as if we were holding a "fit as many people as we can in the vehicle" competition. Gail Starr, Lowri Jones, Gary Donnelly and Sam Roberts (our Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant) were also constantly on the go, over the two days, as the children and adults showed great interest in the two vehicles on display.
There seemed to be a strange fascination with the "cages" at the rear of the vehicles used to transport prisoners to custody!
Nearly everybody wanted to have their photograph or their childrens' photograph taken in the "cage". When I heard Ian Turner announce that James Stone, a semi-finalist in the recent Britain's Got Talent television series, was about to perform on the stage there was only one thing on my mind. I waited patiently on the promenade until I saw James and Debbie Turnbull walking towards me from the St. George's Hotel. I then quickly intercepted them both and informed James that his presence was required at our vehicle. Credit to James, he didn't show any resistance and glady posed for a photograph in the "cage".
The Emergency Services have, over the years, produced many heroes. Ordinary people performing extraordinary deeds in their efforts to protect members of the public. This event gave visitors, young and old, the chance to meet and speak to people who work for the emergency services. I don't know about the other services but the conversations I had with the young people were very encouraging. Many of them expressing an interest in one day joining the police force. Who knows, we may have met some heroes of the future over these two rewarding days on Llandudno promenade.
The event was another resounding success with thousands of people passing through over the two days. Certainly from the perspective of North Wales Police and, I'm sure, all others involved, the event, once again, received the thumbs up, especially from the general public!
If you would like to see more photographs of the event, which was attended by people from many backgrounds, lending the occasion a very cosmopolitan feel, click on the following link: