Rushden Research Group:

Paul Harley


In February 1987 Paul qualified for the award of the Grand Prior's Badge signed by Richard, Duke of Gloucester	John and son Paul c1980 right: Paul's certificate for 1000 hours Voluntary Service in 1989

Paul (left) with two friends on duty

Undated newsclip 1985

Paul's cup of honour

TOP young ambulance volunteer Paul Harley has been awarded Rushden St John combined cadet division's major honour.

Mr Colby presents the trophy to Paul

Paul, 13, was chosen as cadet of the year for his work in the combined cadet unit and was presented with the trophy at a ceremony at Rushden St John headquarters. He received the trophy from deputy county commissioner, Denis Colby.

Other top awards went to Jennifer Norwood, 8, as best junior girl, Andrew Garratt, 10, best junior boy, Suzanne Wright, 14, nursing cadet making most progress, and John King, 14, ambulance cadet making most progress.

The uniform cup was won jointly by Stephen Garratt, 11, and Sharon Cox, 15, and a special prize of a £5 gift token went to Stephen Clark, 12, for raising the most money on a sponsored walk for the division.

In addition 16 cadets were enrolled and certificates for proficiency and other achievement awards were presented.

Undated newsclip 1985

Eleven-year-old Steven Barham is shown breathing equipment by St John members Pat Seebonn and Paul Harley.

Group pin hopes on display

A SHOPPING centre display is expected to help the ailing Irchester St John Ambulance group.

Its members are in so much demand, extra recruits are needed and the divisional superintendent, Mr Dennis Fenn, is hopeful Saturday's display in the Arndale Centre, Wellingborough, did the trick.

Shoppers had a chance to see the wide range of activities the division gets up to, including home nursing, first aid and emergency treatments.

Mr Fenn said: "We are hoping people who have shown an interest in the display will come and join us.

"It is a very time-consuming but satisfying activity." He said the Irchester combined division has just 16 names on its register and its resources are stretched.

The area commissioner, Mrs Joyce Green, said: "Irchester is a small but very active division. It works marvellously well but it would be nice to share the load." Anyone who is interested can attend the Ambulance room in High Street, Irchester, on Thursday evenings — 6.30pm for cadets and 8pm for adults.

John Harley

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