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Thanks from Buxton – to Buxton!
A RESIDENT of Buxton's namesake town in Australia – which was ravaged by devastating bush fires – has offered her heartfelt thanks to High Peak residents who backed an appeal for victims of the disaster.
During a visit to see friends in Derbyshire last week, Lesley Rundle, who lives in Buxton, Victoria, called into the Buxton Advertiser's office to pay tribute to all the people who had contributed to the fire effort.
Four months have passed since the Black Saturday bush fires engulfed the state of Victoria, claiming around 180 lives and leaving many more thousands homeless.
At the time, the Advertiser reported how the small town of Buxton, Victoria, which is located 65 miles north-east of Melbourne, was among the areas affected. The then High Peak Mayor, Cllr Robin Baldry, launched a fund-raising appeal to help those affected by the fires, and sent a video message of support. People also posted comments in a book of condolence on the Advertiser's website.
Lesley, who emigrated to Australia in 1976, said: "At 5pm every night we had a briefing about the state of the fire, and at one of these briefings the captain of the fire brigade said we had received messages of support from the people of Buxton in Derbyshire.
"With all the people who were deeply traumatised by the fire, it was quite comforting to know that the appeal had gone worldwide and there was a link between the two areas."
Although Buxton had a relatively lucky escape compared to other areas of the state, such as neighbouring Marysville which was completely destroyed in the inferno, Lesley still counts herself fortunate to be alive, after taking the decision to leave her home just three hours before the fire swept through.
"I didn't lose my home, but the fire came right up to the back door," she explained.
"I lost friends. I'm a member of the golf club and we lost five members in the fire."
A sense of normality is beginning to return to the area. Land is being cleared by the Government, trees are revegetating and there is an overwhelming community spirit.
But many Marysville survivors are still living in temporary accommodation in Buxton, while relief centres – Lesley volunteers her time one day a week – continue to provide for those in need.
Cllr Baldry's bush fire appeal has raised an excellent 1,400 for the Australian Red Cross, who are co-ordinating the distribution of financial aid.
He commented: "I am really pleased that she (Lesley) has taken the trouble to come here to say thank-you, and make it known how everyone is benefiting from the appeal.
"I am sure that, if there was a disaster over here, we would receive the same help and support from them."
Added Lesley: "The Red Cross has a really good committee for dealing with the money. There is no doubt that it is being put to good use."
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Weather for Buxton
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
