We have now held two fire practices in the main church: one last October and one this November. We have learned some lessons.
For last year's practice there was no restriction on which exits to use. This caused some confusion as not every one went to the nearest door. So people were getting in each other's way. Even so we emptied the building in two minutes.
Lesson 1: Go to the NEAREST exit.
For this year's practice we pretended there was a fire in the vestibule. As a result only the two doors either side of the pulpit could be used. Because it was raining hard the assembly point was changed to be in the halls. Some people had evidently not heard what was happening. They were late getting out of their seats and then got in the way of the wheelchair. Once outside a number of people got in their cars and went home without assembling first. In a real fire this might lead to a fireman re-entering the burning building to search for them with the consequent danger to his life. Other people stopped to put on coats and to turn things off or lock things up. Overall the evacuation took just over three minutes - not as good as last year.
Lesson 2: Make sure everyone has heard and is moving.
Lesson 3: Always go to the assembly point first, even if you are then going to go straight home.
Lesson 4: Leave immediately. Don't stop to clear up or collect belongings.
We hope these lessons can be taken to heart and that next year's fire practice will be smooth and efficient.
Sam & Sheila Hallas, Health & Safety Officers
The 12th Annual Christmas Tree Festival will take place at Holy Saviour on the 13th 114th December. Opening ceremonies will take place each day at 12 noon. A full complement of 50 trees has been promised by individuals, families, groups and local businesses, and each tree will be decorated by the exhibitor to a particular theme of their own choice. The new ideas just keep coming!
The Festival has the twin aims of involving the local community with Holy Saviour Church and raising money for charities and church work by means of modest admission charges. In addition, profits from the refreshments served help to swell the Festival fund. The charities benefitting this year will be PHASE, St. John's Ambulance, Sightsavers, and the Oxford Mission, as well as Holy Saviour Church.
The popular Festival Preview will be held from 6.30 pm on Friday 12th December, with a seasonal concert at 7.45 pm by the Church Choir and the Radcliffe Singers, and light refreshments. Tickets price £6 are available from Tim and Debbie Stalkartt (011462 435606).
