(continued from Bob Bertram's personal Blog - see link below)
http://lbfbffwplattling.blogspot.com/
Podriga Adult Psychiatric Hospital Ionaseni Children's Home
Judetul Botosani Romania
1994
Ionaseni Children's Home
1994
Children in ward at Ionaseni Children's Home Romania
1994
After a long and arduous trip to Croatia, Bob and Robin returned to Scotland and commenced preparations for their forthcoming overland aid trip to Romania - this time to deliver much needed aid to an adult psychiatric hospital (Podriga) and a children's home (Ionaseni) in the north eastern part of Romania, in addition fire fighting uniforms were also to be delivered to the local fire brigade in this region.
During this planning stage, Bob remembered an article which had been published in the local newspaper in Plattling which had detailed the unfortunate car accident that had resulted in Bob spending some 6 weeks in the local hospital, injuries to other RAF personnel and the premature closure of the small radio station in Plattling. On writing to the editor of the newspaper, Bob received a reply from local reporter Doris Kliefoth of the PLATTLINGER ANZEIGER who agreed to Bob's request to contact the local fire brigade (Bob now serving with Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade based in the Scottish Borders), with a view to obtaining support whilst travelling on-route to Romania. As history will subsequently evidence, the efforts of Doris (seen below with Robin during a social event in the Plattling fire station) and the local Plattlinger fire-fighters resulted in not only Bob and Robin being hosted both in Frankfurt and in Plattling, but also on the return journey from Romania after succesffully delivering much needed aid to the Podriga hospital and Ionaseni children's home - but was also the start of what was to become a lasting and fruitful contact between Bavaria and Scotland.
Gifts are exchanged; pictured are Robin, Bob and "Zweiter Burgermeister Eduard Berger.
(right - Bob & Andrew gift a number of portable fire extinguishers to the local Mayor for use in the council offices)
(right - Robin and Bob present a fire brigade plaque to a local fire unit, along with some surplus fire fighting uniforms)
1995
Another aid trip to Romania was planned for 1995, this time with another colleague and friend, Bruce Lindsay - now with the aim of delivering and installing a donated fire warning and emergency lighting system to the Ionaseni children's home. After many months of fund-raising and collecting donations including the full fire warning and emergency lighting system required by the Ionaseni children's home (to ward off the attentions of the local fire brigade who were threatening to fine an already bankrupt establishment), other items for the Podriga adult hospital and items of equipment for the Botosani city fire department - the trio were just about ready to make the long trip eastwards.
It was decided that the offer of a caravan from a friend would not only serve to carry the aid to Romania, but provide accommodation whilst in Romania and thus avoiding becoming a drain on the hospitality of Romanian friends. The plan was to spend about 5 days travelling and a week installing the fire system, then returning in about 3 days. And so it was that the trio set off from Galashiels in the Scottish Borders with the aim of catching the evening Hull - Rotterdam ferry that night. However, lady luck was not smiling on this trip and by the time the group arrived in Jedburgh, the towing car was overheating to an alarming degree. Thinking that they had overloaded the caravan, it was decided to use Jedburgh Fire Station to off-load some of the heavier and non essential items to lighten the load. This done, they set off again, but before reaching the border at Carter Bar, the car was overheating again. Returning to Jedburgh, it was decided that perhaps a smaller trailer, loaned by a Jedburgh firefighter, would at least allow the trip to continue, with the fire system being the priority delivery. This done, the boarding time for the ferry in Hull was met and a pleasant overnight journey to Holland was experienced.
The journey proceeded from Holland via northern Germany to Frankfurt, where contacts had been made with the city fire department and overnight accommodation awaited. The next day, they journey'd south and arrived in the afternoon in Plattling, where they were met by new friend and supporter Doris Kliefoth and accommodated in the local fire station (and treated to the usual Bavarian hospitality).
(see photo below forRobin Black, Bruce Lindsey and Doris Kliefoth before the problems started)
After setting off the next day, the group crossed the Bavarian/Austrian border and commenced climbing a steep mountain autobahn heading for Vienna. However, as they climbed, the car overheated and the trio decided that a return to Plattling would be the best option - to have the car checked before proceeding.Having phoned ahead, arrangements were made to have a local garage look at the car and the 3 Scots spent another night being hosted in Plattling. The next day saw them collect the car, with a new water hose and thermostat having been fitted. Off they went again - only to overheat severely at exactly the same spot in Austria - it was a dejected group that returned to Plattling once again, with their Bavarian friends having to work overtime (with copious amounts of weisbier) to raise their spirits.
Another 2 days were spent in Plattling whilst a new radiator was fitted to the car and this time when they once again set-off for Romania they were confident that their transport problems were behind them. Alas, this was not to be and at the very same spot (seen on right) the car overheated and they were forced to ask for water from a passing council water bowser. After a long, slow, careful return journey, the trio were received back at the Plattling Fire Station, where arrangements were made for the car to be checked by a specialist garage in the nearby county town of Deggendorf. The car delivered, the trio were then hosted by a young couple (Oliver and Sylvia Mahal) who had offered to put them up for a couple of nights - they were not to know that this stay was to last for another 8 days! Over the next week, the Scottish trio were hosted by their Plattling Fire Brigade friends and there always seemed to be an invitation for a meal, drinks or some other entertainment to keep them happy.
Meantime, desperate efforts were made to try and arrange some alternative transport so that the mission to Romania could be completed. This was particularly important for the group, as another colleague from Galashiels, George Millar, had flown out to Romania and was travelling by train up to the Moldavian region, where the plan was that he would meet up with the rest of the group and help install the fire systems. Unfortunately, this was not to be and despite every effort being made, it was not possible to get the use of transport suitable for the overland journey into Romania. It was very disappointing for the group stranded in Plattling to have to inform George that the mission was being cancelled. However, George was committed to making his first journey to Romania and bravely decided to continue with his trip and so gather information that might be useful for the future (always with the hope that something might be arranged so that the Plattling trio could meet with him as planned).
After just over a week, the car was fixed and it was with heavy hearts and a feeling of dejection, that the trio made their preparations to leave their friends and hosts in Plattling. Arrangements were made to store the fire systems etc in the fire station, with the aim of completing the task sometime in the future (see later episode of this tale).The trio then took their leave of Plattling and made their way to Rotterdam and an overnight ferry crossing to Hull and finally a return home.
1996
It will not suprise readers to find that the trio were very deflated and sad that they had not achieved their objective, but such is life and one can only do what one can do! In early 1996 (the following year) Scottish Borders Romanian Podriga Appeal members Susan and Silviu Martin-Ciabotaru advised that they were planning to travel overland to Romania to visit Silviu's family and were offering to carry out some work for the group whilst there.
Arrangements were made by the group for Silviu and Susan to be hosted by the Plattling Fire Brigade while they were on route to Romania via Bavaria, Austria and Hungary. After a convivial welcome and an overnight rest, the pair uplifted the stored fire alarm systems and wound their merry way toward Romania. As well as visiting family and friends in Romania, Silviu and Susan took time to visit both the Ionaseni Children's Home and the Podriga Adult Psychiatric Hospital near Botosani. As well as delivering the fire equipment, they handed out sweets and other goodies which were well received by the recipients.
As a result of Silviu and Susan's trip, the Scottish Borders based group then made arrangements with contacts in Romania to transfer money which would allow the Director at the Ionaseni Children's Home to employ local tradesmen to install the much needed fire safety equipment, consisting of a full fire warning/smoke detection and emergency lighting system. This work was done as promised & during the next trip, the group were able to see this for themselves.
1997
During 1997 the Scottish Borders Romanian Podriga Appeal group chaired by Bob decided that they wished to make another overland aid trip to Romania; and made contact with a local Romanian charity "ACTIV", a non-governmental organisation operating out of Botosani and with current involvement with the Border group's target establishments i.e. Podriga and Ionaseni. A "wish list" was received from Romania consisting of requests for play equipment, sweets, paper, drawing materials, basic sanitary items and much much more.
During the following months the group did much advertising and fund-raising and with the generous support of many individuals, gathered together a creditable supply of much needed aid.
Now the group were faced with the dillema of how to transport the material to Romania? To the rescue came Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade, who over the years had supported the group through Bob Bertram (then Assistant Divisional Officer based in the Scottish Borders) with surplus fire equipment and fire-fighting uniforms. This time the brigade were offering a surplus to requirement fire appliance i.e. Dodge Foam Salvage Tender which incorporated 2 large integral electric generators; this to be serviced and prepared for hand-over to the Borders group for onward donation to the Romanian fire brigade in the city of Botosani. The group were over the moon with this donation and "all hands were put to the pump" to raise the necessary funds for the 4,000 mile overland round trip to eastern Europe. An added bonus to this trip was being informed that long-time supporter, Scottish based Romanian Silviu Martin-Ciabatoru (married to Susan who along with Silviu had delivered a donated fire alarm system for installation in the Ionaseni children's home the previous year); wished to accompany the group, but would have to fly into Romania and hopefully meet the group at the Romanian border.
(right - the donated Foam Tender, Bob's fire brigade car/trailer; seen at Galashiels fire station being prepared for the trip - Bob Bertram, John Munro and son Scott & diesel mechanic and top bag-piper Rob Munro)
A short maintenance stop after leaving the overnight ferry in Rotterdam; before a long days autobahn journey via Cologne and an overnight stop with fire brigade in Frankfurt am Meine
Silviu in childrens ward at Ionaseni children's home.
Silviu checking the previously donated (and installation funded) fire alarm system in Ionaseni
UPDATE 2009
Although no longer involved directly with providing humanitarian aid to Romania; Bob still keeps in touch with the Ionaseni Childrens Home and Podriga Hospital (and linked projects) through the Director of Agents of Change Alison Butcher. One of Bob's long-term associations with Romania has been Cristi a middle aged man who has spent most of his life in institutions, but who has always strived to live with dignity and purpose. Alison has indicated that Cristi would like to provide a "cobbling" service to his fellow patients and to this end, Bob has enlisted the help of his fire brigade contacts in the Scottish town of Selkirk (which has a history of cobbling, with people born in the town known as "Souters" i.e. cobblers). Currently a significant quantity of shoe repair equipment, tools and materials has been collected and now awaits transport to Romania - any ideas and help welcome!
UPDATE as at December 2009
Still awaiting arrangements for transporting "cobbling" equipment from Scotland to Romania. Looks like it is going to have to wait until Spring 2010, but it is hoped to add sweets and food to the shipment; so time will not be wasted. Just hope its not too late for Cristi!
+Romania.jpg)
Cristi (in wheelchair) at Podriga "in better times!"
NOTE
Agents of Change, (motto "Enabling People Through Health Education And Training") has been working in the region of Botosani, in the north east of Romania since 1990 and their mission is "to support vulnerable people, contributing to their lives and development through health care, education and training." They work with people confined in institutions and with those struggling to manage their own lives at home. For further information, please see the link below:http://www.agentsofchange.co.uk/
UPDATE 2010
During the early part of 2010, Bob discussed the donation and transport of the collected "cobbling equipment"; as well as trying to source the donation of a necessary Fire Evacuation Chair for the "day house" - this being a requirement of the regional fire brigade.
However, disaster struck the area in early September, with severe flooding destroying not only the day house, but much of the other properties, livestock and equipment in the area. Fortunately no lives were lost locally, but the damage has left the local community and Agents of Change with much recovery work to do. To this end, the cobbling & evacuation chair projects have been postponed until the situation has improved.
With regard to our old friend "Cristi", Alison Butcher the Director of Agents of Change has advised that she was tracking him for a time after he was moved from the local facility and tried to visit him occasionally. However, more recently she has not been able to find him, after he was again moved on to another facility. Bob & Alison agreed that she would continue with her efforts to find him and make sure he is allright and deliver the cards and money that Bob and his wife Brenda have sent out specifically for Cristi's benefit (see top of page for photo of Cristi in "better times".
Bob continues to keep in touch with Alison and his family and friends have donated much needed money to Agents of Change, specifically for the rebuilding project now underway in Romania.
(to be continued)
http://lbfbffwplattling.blogspot.com/
Podriga Adult Psychiatric Hospital Ionaseni Children's Home
Judetul Botosani Romania
1994
Ionaseni Children's Home
1994
Children in ward at Ionaseni Children's Home Romania
1994
After a long and arduous trip to Croatia, Bob and Robin returned to Scotland and commenced preparations for their forthcoming overland aid trip to Romania - this time to deliver much needed aid to an adult psychiatric hospital (Podriga) and a children's home (Ionaseni) in the north eastern part of Romania, in addition fire fighting uniforms were also to be delivered to the local fire brigade in this region.
During this planning stage, Bob remembered an article which had been published in the local newspaper in Plattling which had detailed the unfortunate car accident that had resulted in Bob spending some 6 weeks in the local hospital, injuries to other RAF personnel and the premature closure of the small radio station in Plattling. On writing to the editor of the newspaper, Bob received a reply from local reporter Doris Kliefoth of the PLATTLINGER ANZEIGER who agreed to Bob's request to contact the local fire brigade (Bob now serving with Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade based in the Scottish Borders), with a view to obtaining support whilst travelling on-route to Romania. As history will subsequently evidence, the efforts of Doris (seen below with Robin during a social event in the Plattling fire station) and the local Plattlinger fire-fighters resulted in not only Bob and Robin being hosted both in Frankfurt and in Plattling, but also on the return journey from Romania after succesffully delivering much needed aid to the Podriga hospital and Ionaseni children's home - but was also the start of what was to become a lasting and fruitful contact between Bavaria and Scotland.
Gifts are exchanged; pictured are Robin, Bob and "Zweiter Burgermeister Eduard Berger.
(right - Bob & Andrew gift a number of portable fire extinguishers to the local Mayor for use in the council offices)
(right - Robin and Bob present a fire brigade plaque to a local fire unit, along with some surplus fire fighting uniforms)
1995
Another aid trip to Romania was planned for 1995, this time with another colleague and friend, Bruce Lindsay - now with the aim of delivering and installing a donated fire warning and emergency lighting system to the Ionaseni children's home. After many months of fund-raising and collecting donations including the full fire warning and emergency lighting system required by the Ionaseni children's home (to ward off the attentions of the local fire brigade who were threatening to fine an already bankrupt establishment), other items for the Podriga adult hospital and items of equipment for the Botosani city fire department - the trio were just about ready to make the long trip eastwards.
It was decided that the offer of a caravan from a friend would not only serve to carry the aid to Romania, but provide accommodation whilst in Romania and thus avoiding becoming a drain on the hospitality of Romanian friends. The plan was to spend about 5 days travelling and a week installing the fire system, then returning in about 3 days. And so it was that the trio set off from Galashiels in the Scottish Borders with the aim of catching the evening Hull - Rotterdam ferry that night. However, lady luck was not smiling on this trip and by the time the group arrived in Jedburgh, the towing car was overheating to an alarming degree. Thinking that they had overloaded the caravan, it was decided to use Jedburgh Fire Station to off-load some of the heavier and non essential items to lighten the load. This done, they set off again, but before reaching the border at Carter Bar, the car was overheating again. Returning to Jedburgh, it was decided that perhaps a smaller trailer, loaned by a Jedburgh firefighter, would at least allow the trip to continue, with the fire system being the priority delivery. This done, the boarding time for the ferry in Hull was met and a pleasant overnight journey to Holland was experienced.
The journey proceeded from Holland via northern Germany to Frankfurt, where contacts had been made with the city fire department and overnight accommodation awaited. The next day, they journey'd south and arrived in the afternoon in Plattling, where they were met by new friend and supporter Doris Kliefoth and accommodated in the local fire station (and treated to the usual Bavarian hospitality).
(see photo below forRobin Black, Bruce Lindsey and Doris Kliefoth before the problems started)
After setting off the next day, the group crossed the Bavarian/Austrian border and commenced climbing a steep mountain autobahn heading for Vienna. However, as they climbed, the car overheated and the trio decided that a return to Plattling would be the best option - to have the car checked before proceeding.Having phoned ahead, arrangements were made to have a local garage look at the car and the 3 Scots spent another night being hosted in Plattling. The next day saw them collect the car, with a new water hose and thermostat having been fitted. Off they went again - only to overheat severely at exactly the same spot in Austria - it was a dejected group that returned to Plattling once again, with their Bavarian friends having to work overtime (with copious amounts of weisbier) to raise their spirits.
Another 2 days were spent in Plattling whilst a new radiator was fitted to the car and this time when they once again set-off for Romania they were confident that their transport problems were behind them. Alas, this was not to be and at the very same spot (seen on right) the car overheated and they were forced to ask for water from a passing council water bowser. After a long, slow, careful return journey, the trio were received back at the Plattling Fire Station, where arrangements were made for the car to be checked by a specialist garage in the nearby county town of Deggendorf. The car delivered, the trio were then hosted by a young couple (Oliver and Sylvia Mahal) who had offered to put them up for a couple of nights - they were not to know that this stay was to last for another 8 days! Over the next week, the Scottish trio were hosted by their Plattling Fire Brigade friends and there always seemed to be an invitation for a meal, drinks or some other entertainment to keep them happy.
Meantime, desperate efforts were made to try and arrange some alternative transport so that the mission to Romania could be completed. This was particularly important for the group, as another colleague from Galashiels, George Millar, had flown out to Romania and was travelling by train up to the Moldavian region, where the plan was that he would meet up with the rest of the group and help install the fire systems. Unfortunately, this was not to be and despite every effort being made, it was not possible to get the use of transport suitable for the overland journey into Romania. It was very disappointing for the group stranded in Plattling to have to inform George that the mission was being cancelled. However, George was committed to making his first journey to Romania and bravely decided to continue with his trip and so gather information that might be useful for the future (always with the hope that something might be arranged so that the Plattling trio could meet with him as planned).
After just over a week, the car was fixed and it was with heavy hearts and a feeling of dejection, that the trio made their preparations to leave their friends and hosts in Plattling. Arrangements were made to store the fire systems etc in the fire station, with the aim of completing the task sometime in the future (see later episode of this tale).The trio then took their leave of Plattling and made their way to Rotterdam and an overnight ferry crossing to Hull and finally a return home.
1996
It will not suprise readers to find that the trio were very deflated and sad that they had not achieved their objective, but such is life and one can only do what one can do! In early 1996 (the following year) Scottish Borders Romanian Podriga Appeal members Susan and Silviu Martin-Ciabotaru advised that they were planning to travel overland to Romania to visit Silviu's family and were offering to carry out some work for the group whilst there.
Arrangements were made by the group for Silviu and Susan to be hosted by the Plattling Fire Brigade while they were on route to Romania via Bavaria, Austria and Hungary. After a convivial welcome and an overnight rest, the pair uplifted the stored fire alarm systems and wound their merry way toward Romania. As well as visiting family and friends in Romania, Silviu and Susan took time to visit both the Ionaseni Children's Home and the Podriga Adult Psychiatric Hospital near Botosani. As well as delivering the fire equipment, they handed out sweets and other goodies which were well received by the recipients.
As a result of Silviu and Susan's trip, the Scottish Borders based group then made arrangements with contacts in Romania to transfer money which would allow the Director at the Ionaseni Children's Home to employ local tradesmen to install the much needed fire safety equipment, consisting of a full fire warning/smoke detection and emergency lighting system. This work was done as promised & during the next trip, the group were able to see this for themselves.
1997
During 1997 the Scottish Borders Romanian Podriga Appeal group chaired by Bob decided that they wished to make another overland aid trip to Romania; and made contact with a local Romanian charity "ACTIV", a non-governmental organisation operating out of Botosani and with current involvement with the Border group's target establishments i.e. Podriga and Ionaseni. A "wish list" was received from Romania consisting of requests for play equipment, sweets, paper, drawing materials, basic sanitary items and much much more.
During the following months the group did much advertising and fund-raising and with the generous support of many individuals, gathered together a creditable supply of much needed aid.
Now the group were faced with the dillema of how to transport the material to Romania? To the rescue came Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade, who over the years had supported the group through Bob Bertram (then Assistant Divisional Officer based in the Scottish Borders) with surplus fire equipment and fire-fighting uniforms. This time the brigade were offering a surplus to requirement fire appliance i.e. Dodge Foam Salvage Tender which incorporated 2 large integral electric generators; this to be serviced and prepared for hand-over to the Borders group for onward donation to the Romanian fire brigade in the city of Botosani. The group were over the moon with this donation and "all hands were put to the pump" to raise the necessary funds for the 4,000 mile overland round trip to eastern Europe. An added bonus to this trip was being informed that long-time supporter, Scottish based Romanian Silviu Martin-Ciabatoru (married to Susan who along with Silviu had delivered a donated fire alarm system for installation in the Ionaseni children's home the previous year); wished to accompany the group, but would have to fly into Romania and hopefully meet the group at the Romanian border.
(right - the donated Foam Tender, Bob's fire brigade car/trailer; seen at Galashiels fire station being prepared for the trip - Bob Bertram, John Munro and son Scott & diesel mechanic and top bag-piper Rob Munro)
A short maintenance stop after leaving the overnight ferry in Rotterdam; before a long days autobahn journey via Cologne and an overnight stop with fire brigade in Frankfurt am Meine
Silviu in childrens ward at Ionaseni children's home.
Silviu checking the previously donated (and installation funded) fire alarm system in Ionaseni
UPDATE 2009
Although no longer involved directly with providing humanitarian aid to Romania; Bob still keeps in touch with the Ionaseni Childrens Home and Podriga Hospital (and linked projects) through the Director of Agents of Change Alison Butcher. One of Bob's long-term associations with Romania has been Cristi a middle aged man who has spent most of his life in institutions, but who has always strived to live with dignity and purpose. Alison has indicated that Cristi would like to provide a "cobbling" service to his fellow patients and to this end, Bob has enlisted the help of his fire brigade contacts in the Scottish town of Selkirk (which has a history of cobbling, with people born in the town known as "Souters" i.e. cobblers). Currently a significant quantity of shoe repair equipment, tools and materials has been collected and now awaits transport to Romania - any ideas and help welcome!
UPDATE as at December 2009
Still awaiting arrangements for transporting "cobbling" equipment from Scotland to Romania. Looks like it is going to have to wait until Spring 2010, but it is hoped to add sweets and food to the shipment; so time will not be wasted. Just hope its not too late for Cristi!
+Romania.jpg)
Cristi (in wheelchair) at Podriga "in better times!"
NOTE
Agents of Change, (motto "Enabling People Through Health Education And Training") has been working in the region of Botosani, in the north east of Romania since 1990 and their mission is "to support vulnerable people, contributing to their lives and development through health care, education and training." They work with people confined in institutions and with those struggling to manage their own lives at home. For further information, please see the link below:http://www.agentsofchange.co.uk/
UPDATE 2010
During the early part of 2010, Bob discussed the donation and transport of the collected "cobbling equipment"; as well as trying to source the donation of a necessary Fire Evacuation Chair for the "day house" - this being a requirement of the regional fire brigade.
However, disaster struck the area in early September, with severe flooding destroying not only the day house, but much of the other properties, livestock and equipment in the area. Fortunately no lives were lost locally, but the damage has left the local community and Agents of Change with much recovery work to do. To this end, the cobbling & evacuation chair projects have been postponed until the situation has improved.
With regard to our old friend "Cristi", Alison Butcher the Director of Agents of Change has advised that she was tracking him for a time after he was moved from the local facility and tried to visit him occasionally. However, more recently she has not been able to find him, after he was again moved on to another facility. Bob & Alison agreed that she would continue with her efforts to find him and make sure he is allright and deliver the cards and money that Bob and his wife Brenda have sent out specifically for Cristi's benefit (see top of page for photo of Cristi in "better times".
Bob continues to keep in touch with Alison and his family and friends have donated much needed money to Agents of Change, specifically for the rebuilding project now underway in Romania.
(to be continued)
