Bristol Harbour Festival 2012
We were at the Bristol Harbour Festival courtesy of the SS Great Britain over the weekend. Huge thanks to those who came and said hello, and made a donation, to us on the waterfront. We had a very successful raffle to win a family pass to Longleat for the day. Lord Bath, owner of Longleat is the patron of Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue.
Explaining the Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue role.
Posted on 23 / 07 / 2012
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal Ceremony for A&SSAR
In recognition of their valuable role in the community across the country the Queen, as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, awarded medals to mountain rescue members with 5 years continuous service. A&SSAR received their medals on 15th July from Lord Lieutenant of Bristol, Mrs Mary Prior MBE JP. The medal ceremony was officiated by John and Pauline Alvis, past – Lord High Sherriff of Somerset. Over 30 medals were given out, including one to Les Davies MBE, a long standing member and champion of A&SSAR.
L to R Steve Rumney, Training Officer, Duncan Massey CRO, Malcolm Roberston CRO, Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol Mary Prior MBE, Alan George CRO
Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue
Posted on 16 / 07 / 2012
UPDATE: Covering the Cheddar Gorge 10k and 1/2 Marathon
The inaugural Cheddar Gorge 10km was a huge success, with over 150 runners enjoying the stunning views and challenging course on Sunday 17th June. The mountain-like terrain involved huge climbs across National Trust ground, the incredible scenery of Cheddar Gorge, with panoramics stretching to the Severn Bridges and beyond. With twisted wooded trails, speedy flat sections to enjoy the view and a glorious final kilometre descent, there was something to suit everyone.
A&S SAR provided rescue cover for the event, using our radio equipment to overcome the problems of coverage in the gorge, along with staffing the drinks point and marshalling at various points. A&SSAR would like to thank all the runners and Tom Room from Relish Running Races for their generous contribution to our volunteer services.
The 1/2 Marathon was blessed with great weather as well. The runners and organisers donated nearly £300 at this event. Again, a huge thank you to all who took part.
Relish Running Races are organising on the 9th September the first ever Cheddar Gorge Marathon. A&S SAR will be helping at this event and look forward to seeing you there.
Cheddar Gorge 1/2 Marathon on the 8th July 2012
Posted on 20 / 06 / 2012
National Mountain Rescue Training Day
A&S SAR members went to Snowdonia to attend the Mountain Rescue England & Wales national training day on the 5th at the National Mountaineering Centre Capel Curig.
Trying to make the most of the six subjects covered, the team split up to analyse new ideas and approaches to Mountain Rescue. The Equipment Workshop centered around mechanical advantage and pulley systems, Water Rescue presented a new risk assessment and search plan, the Technical Rope session was hands-on at the crags around the outdoors centre, the Vehicles and Driving session covered accident avoidance and procedures should we come across or be involved in one, the IT and Technology lecture was on innovations in the IT side of search and the Medical Workshop was led by the author of the MREW Casualty Care book, John Ellerton. It focussed on giving an update of findings of the Analgesic Survey and on managing lower leg injuries. It was a very interesting day with lots of input and fun as well.
Thanks go to MREW for organizing the successful event. 
Posted on 09 / 05 / 2012
Intake Weekend 2012
This year’s intake weekend for Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue took place at Goblin Combe Environment Centre over the first weekend of March. Potential new trainees were assessed over the weekend for their teamwork skills and their ability to cope under pressure.
The individuals looking to join are taken through a series of tasks, training, a night navigation course and a simulated search and rescue exercise. A&SSAR team members shadow them through out all of these. At this early stage they aren’t being assessed on individual technical skills.
If accepted the trainees will spend 6 months learning their core competencies before they can become an ‘aspirant’. When they gain Aspirant status they are allowed on certain call-outs where they are closely monitored by experienced team members. It can be another 6-12 months before the team feels they can be accepted as full members.
Next years intake weekend will be held in March again. If anyone would like to consider attending the weekend please get in contact via the Join page for more details.
Posted on 15 / 03 / 2012