Overboard Success
The ‘Overboard’ event organised by the SS Great Britain, as part of the 2011 Bristol Harbour Festival, was an incredible success for Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue. We would like to thank everyone who gave so generously in order that we can help others.
Team members talked to hundreds of people over the weekend about our role as an emergency service, staffed by volunteers, that helps people far from help. We were joined by the Lord Mayor of Bristol and even staff from the local Hooters restaurant at one point.
We would like to extend our thanks to the staff of the SS Great Britain for being so helpful and welcoming.
Posted on 01 / 08 / 2011
Overboard at the Bristol Harbour Festival
We are pleased to announce that A&SSAR will be ‘Overboard’ at the SS Great Britain as part of this years Bristol Harbour Festival. Overboard sums up all the events happening around the famous SS Great Britain over the 30th and 31st July.
Wallace & Gromit will be there with Mr Brunel himself, you’ll get a a chance to see inside the Bloodhound Supersonic Car workshop opposite the SS Great Britain, listen to the live bands along with food and drink stalls and a bar.
A&SSAR will be there showing the special water rescue equipment we use and
demonstrating different rescue techniques. We look forward to seeing you there too. For more information on the event click here
Posted on 04 / 07 / 2011
Somerset Local Heroes Award 2011
Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue is very proud to announce one of its volunteers has won the Somerset Local Heroes Award 2011. Duncan Massey won for his services to ‘rescue and response’ as a First Responder and for his search and rescue role. Duncan was presented with the award at a ceremony in Taunton on 2nd June.
The ‘Local Heroes Award’ is organised by BBC Somerset, local newspapers and Somerset County Council. Pictures of all the winners can be found here on the BBC Somerset site. 
Posted on 03 / 06 / 2011
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who came to see us at the North Somerset Show and donated so generously helping us raise £140 on the day and more in the coming months by recycling their mobile phones. Members of Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue demonstrated rescue techniques and explained the types of equipment and vehicles they use to show-goers. A demonstration of the rescue of a horse-rider and horse, along with Emergency Response Systems, was also carried out in the main arena.
Thank you to everyone for your support to this voluntary organisation that works alongside Avon & Somerset Police. 
Posted on 03 / 05 / 2011
Search and Rescue at the North Somerset Show
Members of Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue will be at this years North Somerset Show on 2nd May. There will be demonstrations of the kit that’s used and a chance for you to learn more about our role in the area.
The 2nd of May is also National Mountain and Cave Rescue Awareness Day. We’ll be doing our bit at the North Somerset Show but teams up and down the country will also be out and about. To find out more click here. TV celebrity Julia Bradbury is supporting this years campaign, Mountain & Cave Rescue Awareness Day on the 2nd May will give you the opportunity to see how a rescue team works, whether they’re rescuing an injured climber or walker, attending an emergency at a snow-bound house, or chest deep in a flooded high street. 
Posted on 14 / 04 / 2011
Countryfile Coverage
This month’s BBC Countryfile magazine features an article about volunteer rescue teams making up the shortfall in emergency cover due to budget cuts. A&S SARs chairman Duncan Massey is quoted in the article saying ‘there has to be a way to engage with [volunteer rescue teams] more professionally and not taking us for granted as a cheap resource.’
The article also describes the Search and Rescue Spectrum used by A&S SAR to explain their role in helping with non-traditional situations. Planned cuts across the country to emergency services will mean a change to the way we all operate. A&SSAR look forward to being part of the debate. 
Posted on 17 / 02 / 2011
2011 North Somerset Show
09/02/11 A&S SAR are looking forward to attending the North Somerset Show on May 2nd this year. This day is also National Mountain and Cave Rescue Awareness Day. We will be at the show in Wraxall demonstrating the equipment we use and answering questions about our role. We look forward to seeing you at the show in May. 
Posted on 09 / 02 / 2011
Mountain Rescue Gift for Christmas?
This year’s calendar, from Mountain Rescue England and Wales, is mountain rescue through and through. It’s bursting with stunning images taken by mountain rescue team members and published by to raise funds for mountain rescue teams across England and Wales.
At £5 it’s not just great to look at, it’s fantastic value for money! Copies of the calendar are available by emailing enquiries@ascrt.com
Posted on 29 / 11 / 2010
999: Behind the Scenes at Police HQ
What happens when you dial 999? How are these calls dealt with and police officer’s dispatched? Members of A&S SAR were treated to a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at the communications centre at Avon and Somerset Police HQ this week.
Inspector Lee Moore, Force Incident Manager, kindly took the members through the intricate and complex procedures for the call centre, how resources get allocated and peaks in demand managed. The professional approach to this process was obvious and very impressive.
Importantly for A&S SAR the mapping and location software was explained for members to understand the capabilities during search operations.
The visit was an important awareness exercise for all involved and A&S SAR would like to pass their thanks on to Inspector Moore for his time and interest.
Posted on 25 / 11 / 2010
A&S SAR Annual General Meeting
A&S SAR will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Thursday 2nd December at the Lakewood Conference Centre on the Mendip Hills. Tessa Munt MP for Wells and Superintendent for Operations Caroline Peters will be attending. The meeting will start at 7pm with presentations before the formal agenda.
Lakewood is also the headquarters of Yeo Valley Organics who support A&S SAR. We thank them for helping with the venue for the AGM.
Posted on 24 / 11 / 2010