Cheque presentation to Dartmoor Search & Rescue

On Wednesday evening at Newton Abbot Leisure Centre, a presentation was made by the Teignbridge Trotters to the Ashburton Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team. This vital service has its origins in the Tavistock area when in 1968; a small band of local moorland enthusiasts began assisting the police in search and rescue on Dartmoor.

This eventually became an officially recognised rescue organisation affiliated to the Mountain Rescue Council. At present there are four Search and Rescue Teams (SART`s) based in Ashburton, Okehampton, Tavistock and Plymouth, each of which is a separate charity. Although capable of operating independently, the teams often combine forces.

Volunteers from the group: Jim Webster, Dave Close (Secretary) and Tim Heming (Press Officer) accepted the cheque for £204 from club member Gary Watson, who was the instigator five years ago of a novel fundraising idea. Trotters were asked to sign a large communal Christmas card, and then contribute what they might have spent on individual cards to other members. This amount is then doubled from club funds. Past beneficiaries have included Devon Air Ambulance and St. John Ambulance, with this year`s charity nominated by Tina Caunter.

Photo`s (Graham Penn)

Lower (L to R): Tina Caunter, Gary Watson, Dave Close, John Caunter, Jan Caunter & Tim Heming.