New Base Update
As you read this the Air test to allow energy calculations required for submission of final warrant application should have happened, and fire doors arrived. The plastering of ceilings has been completed and joiners are to finish door framing. All electrical fittings, including fire alarms, should have been installed. Painting of ceilings, walls, and varnishing of doors should be completed by the end of November.
Donations
As a voluntary organisation donations and fund raising are all part of keeping the BSARU in operation. With an annual cost to run the team of over £26000 larger Donations, as recent ones from the Borders Crematorium, Berwickshire Charity Truck Run, Winter Cross Country, and the local Cooperative, are very important and much appreciated.
Smaller donations which mount up over time are also essential for team finances. Team collecting cans around our operational area all help. An example of this is our local Stuart Douglas Hardware Store where monies from the collection can have over time amounted to £1100.
Donations from team activities supporting other groups also provide valuable funding. The team had a stall at the Yetholm Border Shepherds’ Show and provided first aid cover for the show’s hill race which is run by the Norham Running club who, as they always do, provided a donation from their entry fee.
Why does the team need so much funding?
Vehicles, a team building, and team equipment all need to be insured along with the team’s need to have liability insurance. The vehicles must be serviced, have an MOT and there are the running costs. A rolling programme of gear replacement, including personal protective equipment, all add to cost. In addition, the team must build up a reserve of money for the future replacement of vehicles.
Throughout the UK all the Mountain Rescue teams rely on donations and fund raising to enable them to provide their top level service.
It is often suggested that people who go into the hills should have insurance to pay for possible rescue. A former head of RAF rescue teams once asked why we would charge people pursuing a healthy activity, while providing a free of charge service for Friday and Saturday night revellers requiring ambulance or hospital care.
Viking Optical responded to a request by providing 3 Cygnus Monoculars to the team. Light but powerful these will be used by team members on searches.
Callouts
The team has assisted Police Scotland in two recent incidents. Both sadly required body recoveries.
History Book
The book ‘Sixty Years Strong – A History of The Border Search and Rescue Unit 1963 – 2023’ is now available, price £15. Orders can be placed through the team website - send us a message through our contact form!
