Rescue Centre Officially Opened

The Team's Rescue Centre is Officially Opened

The crowds gathered as Sir Ranulph Fiennes opened the centre.

The sun shone and the crowds gathered for the official opening of Exmoor Search & Rescue Team’s new Rescue Centre, by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, on Mountain Rescue Awareness Day.  Over 250 guests and members of the public attended the opening in South Molton, Devon, and helped to make the event a great success.

Team members and supporters had worked hard all morning to clean the centre and the team’s vehicles, to set up equipment displays and information boards and, of course, to prepare the tea and cake stall.  When the guests arrived team members were available to talk about the team’s history and capabilities, the personal and team equipment used, first aid training and equipment, communications and mapping technology and technical rescue techniques.  For younger children there were activity books to keep them occupied and for older children the fake wounds and injuries, applied by team members, proved very popular.  There were games and a raffle and Exeter Brewery brought along its beer, called ‘Fraid Not', brewed especially to raise money for the South West’s Search and Rescue teams.

As everyone gathered for the opening ceremony, with impeccable timing, a search & rescue helicopter from RMB Chivenor flew overhead to wish the team well with its celebrations.  Sir Ranulph Fiennes gave an interesting and amusing speech, praising the Team’s hard work and dedication, and officially opened the rescue centre by unveiling a plaque.

Many thanks to all the guests who attended the opening.  Also thanks must go to all those individuals and businesses who have donated time, expertise and materials to make the rescue centre the fabulous resource that Exmoor Search & Rescue Team can now enjoy.  It’s been a long journey but it has most definitely been worth it.