Equipment
Here's where the problems lay - a lot of expensive equipment was needed to
set up the Team and as time has gone by, and the Team have got more qualified,
more equipment has been needed.
First of all we needed radios on the licensed Search and Rescue frequency.
It meant that Team Members could learn how to use them and if they got lost in the
countryside they at least had communication with the Radio Controller.
Fortunately one of our members was used to Rally Radio and so could help train
the Team in the use of radios and their care.
The Co-op Foundation were kind enough to pay for the purchase of
5 handheld radios so at first the Team practiced with them.
Then more money became available and now we have 10 handhelds and 3 car radios.
Besides having received money from:-
uk.people.silversurfers news group members
the Methodist Church Network
the Rowntree Foundation
[ Thanks to all of you :-) ]
the Team has a dedicated group of members who will turn out any time to do bag-packing
at stores in and around Warrington and a day out bag-packing is not only fun but brings in
a lot of money ready for use.
And we have a member who gives talks to all manner of groups on what theTeam does and
hopefully collects a donation to the Team at the end of the talk.
Equipment bought so far is all needed on a search. Also the medics we have in the team can
give emergency treatment to anyone they find who is injured using the medical equipment
available - bought with some bag-packing money!
The medic bags have arrived ...................
Another gift from the
Co-op is the MIBS stretcher, a wonderful sight for a wounded person!
and the MIBS rolled up - 
And Harringtons Caravans of Northwich donated a lovely little caravan for Search Control
when the Team has to be out for hours. It provides a place for the Search Controller and for the
Radio Controller. Not forgetting hot/cold drinks for the Team, a place to eat and, most important, a loo!!
This is it at an open day where some of the Team attended to publicise Cheshire Search and Rescue -
All in all the fund-raising has to be done regularly because as equipment is used it wears and we cannot
put a price on someone's life by using out-of-date or damaged equipment. So fund-raising and
safe equipment go hand in hand.
Two Team members sit in ASDA painting children's faces as they collect money -
Open days are a pleasant way of earning money! This is part of the Team's display at Delamere Forest -
Keep on bag-packing, giving talks, and raising money - it's the only way for Cheshire Lowland Search
and Rescue to survive as a safe Team!
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