Helping in Cumbria 2007

On Friday 23 February 2007 a mainline train crashed in Cumbria, UK. A BBC website roundup of interviews didn't mention Volunteer Ministers, but a local newspaper did...

http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=473788

Scientology team helps at rail crash scene

Published on 07/03/2007

A TEAM of 20 Scientologist volunteer ministers headed to Cumbria to help in the aftermath of the train disaster.

The group, which has dozens of famous members including Hollywood actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta, and musicians such as Chaka Khan and Beck, was dispatched from Manchester and Edinburgh to the crash scene at Grayrigg, near Kendal.

The ministers arrived on the scene late on Friday night and stayed throughout the weekend.

A spokesperson said: "Due to fast and efficient work by the emergency crews, there were no walking injured or crash survivors at the site, they had all been transported to hospitals or to their destinations, so the main help that was needed was for the emergency staff at the scene, many of whom worked through the night after working a full day shift."

The ministers provided food, drinks and a change of clothing for helpers.

Ministers went to the local ASDA in Kendal for supplies.

The manager insisted on the team taking food, drinks and clothes that filled six trolleys, all courtesy of the store.

Volunteer ministers also helped out after the London underground bombings in 2005.

Team coordinator, Victoria May, said: "The police and emergency crews were fantastic — very efficient and just getting the job done.

"It was a pleasure to be able to help make their job a bit easier. We are also extremely grateful to ASDA in Kendal, who really did come to the rescue when we needed loads of supplies."

...or did it? Here's a Press Release from the Church of Scientology:

Cumbria Train Crash Emergency Crew helped by Scientology VMs.

http://www.clickpress.com/releases/Detailed/28684005cp.shtml

Scientology Volunteer Ministers applaud Emergency Services and Kendal’s ASDA Supermarket

[ClickPress, Fri Mar 02 2007] Scientology Volunteer Ministers dispatched from Manchester and Edinburgh to the Cumbrian crash scene have applauded the police and other emergency crews who worked through the night and the following two days.

The 20 Volunteer Ministers arrived on the scene late on Friday night, available to give whatever help was needed. Due to fast and efficient work by the emergency crews, there were no walking injured or crash survivors at the site - they had all been transported to hospitals or to their destinations - so the main help that was needed was for the emergency staff at the scene, many of whom worked through the night after working a full day shift.

The Volunteer Ministers therefore provided food, drinks and a change of clothing as well as their trademark Scientology "Assists" to help relieve stress and weariness to tired emergency service personnel.

One team of Volunteer Ministers went to the local ASDA branch in Kendal to purchase some supplies. The manager there insisted on the team taking food, drinks and cloths that filled six trolleys, all courtesy of ASDA. These were very well received by exhausted and hungry emergency crews!
One senior police official on duty at the crash scene had worked with the Volunteer Ministers after the London underground bombings in 2005, so an immediate working relationship was established.

Coordinator of the Volunteer Minister team, Victoria May, said, "The police and emergency crews were fantastic – very efficient and just getting the job done. It was a pleasure to be able to help make their job a bit easier. We are also extremely grateful to ASDA Kendal, who really did come to the rescue when we needed loads of supplies."

In the words of L. Ron Hubbard, whose practical methods the Scientology Volunteer Ministers are trained in:

"A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact Graeme Wilson on 01342 XXX XXX or 07950 XXX XXX or g.wilson@scientology.org.uk

The journalist rewrote the press release to make it appear as though he had done interviews, added an irrelevant reference to Hollywood stars, omitted the religious laying on of hands and a quote from L Ron Hubbard.
This is not bad behaviour by the cult - Mr Wilson has written his PR in the standard style. It is sloppy journalism, in my view.