The District 24 VFBV Rural Championships were held in Chiltern on Sunday 1st March 2015, marking the competitions 50th Anniversary. It was great to have the Chief Officer Euan Ferguson and his wife Kristin, attend on the day to assist the President of the District 24 Rural Championships Committee Ron Leary, and VFBV Board Member Gerry Neyenhuis, with the presentation of trophies to the competitors.
Three teams from District 24 - Baranduda, Chiltern and Wodonga West - competed along with teams from Springhurst, Moyhu, Greta, Barmah, Strathmerton and Eldorado. Here are some highlights from the day from the District 24 teams...
"It was an outstanding day for the Chiltern Fire Brigade picking up multiple awards throughout the day. We really stood up to the task on home ground including a record breaking run from our Senior "A" team.
There were quite a few wins for the day with the junior teams placing in three events (taking out a 1st in one) and the seniors taking out first place in two events. Both teams won overall trophies for their brigade: 11-15 years “Alan Parkinson District 24 shield”; 11-13 years “Pam Nankervis District 24 shield”; and seniors: “Ivan Swinburne shield”.
Well done to Baranduda and West Wodonga for your assistance on the track. It was great to see West Wodonga don their red and black and hit the track again. The Chiltern Fire Brigade would like to extend a special thank you to the District 24 Rural Championships Committee, the volunteers assisting in every aspect of the day, Mark Slater for capturing the day on camera, to Gerry Neyenhuis VFBV Board Member and to our Operations Manager Paul King. We hope your day was an enjoyable one!"
Kurtis Hickling – Chiltern
"On Sunday 1st March, four teams from Baranduda (two senior and two junior) competed at the 50th District 24 VFBV Rural Championships hosted by the Chiltern Fire Brigade. We also had our first ever ladies team run in the Low Down Pump event. The day saw many new faces to these teams, all of whom thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Everyone had a fantastic day! Although we didn’t come home with any 1st, 2nd, or 3rd medals, we did come away from the day extremely proud of every individual who represented Baranduda on the day as we were awarded the “Ron Leary Trophy for Conduct and Discipline”. From the juniors to the seniors, who had never competed at one of these competitions, to the handful of seniors who are now in their 3rd+ year of competitions, we all learnt a lot about ourselves, the competitions and our team mates.
We would like to thank the District 24 Rural Championship Committee and the Chiltern Fire Brigade for holding yet again another fantastic event. We look forward to competing on home soil (District 24) for the State Championships in 2017."
Jaclyn Allwood – Baranduda
"After a few years absence Wodonga West participated in the District 24 VFBV Rural Championships with a team of four. Ben Wheeler, Pete Mobilia, Heather Kazenwadel and Kris Dykes competed. With the great help from fellow District 24 brigade Baranduda lending two athletes, our team was able to also compete in the five man events.
It was a rusty start to the day when we were pinned for bowling a hose too short but the rest of the day was great. No wins or records broken, but a great start to a brand new Wodonga West team."
Kris Dykes – Wodonga West
Photos courtesy of Mark Slater, Captain District 24 Headquarters Brigade
Author: Kimberley Taylor