New Base Update
By April of 1998 the team had built a three bay garage at Kelso Racecourse and used it to house team vehicles and equipment. On Sunday the 26th of November 2023 the team departed this accommodation when they transferred all equipment into their new premises on Pinnaclehill Industrial Estate. Completion of some internal work and a heating system is still ongoing, so more on this in 2024. The team held their AGM in the meeting room of the new base on Thursday the 8th of December.
Team AGM Photo A. Kinghorn
Water Rescue Training
The weekend of the move 3 team members attended an Advanced Swift Water Rescue Training Course at Blairgowrie run by Scottish Mountain Rescue.
Montane Cheviot Goat
In snowy conditions on the first Saturday of December the team provided first aid cover for the Scottish section of the Cheviot Goat race. Described by the organisers as a brutal 55 mile winter challenge traversing one of the remotest areas of England it is often referred to as the ‘loneliest ultra’. Team members were based at the Border Gate, Auchope Rescue Hut, and on Cairn Hill near the summit of Cheviot. Two competitors were given assistance by team members.
Fund Raising
The weekend of the Goat, saw team members selling Christmas raffle tickets at Mayfield Garden Centre with the draw held at the Cornhill Village shop on the 9th of December. Many thanks to all the businesses that donated prizes, too many to mention here.
Ex-team member Stuart Stoneham organised a pub quiz for the BSARU in the Plough Inn, Yetholm in November.
The team has also received donations of money from Kyle Brothers Kelso, Borders Competition, and Kelso Co-op who selected BSARU as their chosen charity in the local community fund.
1st Midlothian Scout Group
On a Monday evening in mid-November 3 team members showed cubs of the 1st Midlothian Scout Group, Gorebridge, some of the team kit, team Land Rover vehicle, and took them through some first aid activities.
