New Base Update
Anyone walking past the base will have noticed scaffolding. This was not due to wind damage on the roof but for the installing of 110 solar panels. Solar panel inverters, heating thermostats, storage batteries and a heat pump should all be installed by the time you read this. Inside we now have a working toilet, and shelfing in the storeroom. With warmer weather the painters should finish work on the floors. A work surface is to go into the control room/office.
Montane Spine, MRT Challenge North
In the Montane Spine, MRT Challenge North, team member Duncan Buchanan completed the 160 miles in a time of 74.56.24, Ian Stark 77.22.59 and Damon Rodwell, 82.21.29. Rob Hume unfortunately had to retire due to severe cramp. A tremendous achievement of mental and physical effort by all 4 team members in some very harsh winter conditions.
On the day the 3 were finishing the race the team was called out around 7.30am, along with the Northumberland National Park MRT, to assist a runner with severe hypothermia near the Schil. The team got a Landrover to the casualty, who once warmed up, was carried to the vehicle and transported to the Border Hotel for further assessment. Duncan Buchanan the team leader of BSARU passed by the team while finishing the Spine Race but understandably did not offer to help.
Activities
Team member E Chelley attended the SMR two day Avalanche Rescue Course at Glen Coe, having recently been on the SMR Avalanche Companion Course.
Probationary team member Ruth Morgan was confirmed as a full team member and Mark Hogarth and his dog Jess passed their SARDA stage 1 assessment.
Fund Raising
Depute Team Leader Scott Thompson was at Lloyd Land Rover Kelso to receive a cheque for £404 as part of their Charity Partnership with the team. Lloyds donate £2 to the team for every customer who completes a Land Rover Customer satisfaction survey.
The team was also delighted to hear that £1,343 of funding, was raised for us by the Co-op Local Community Fund members. A share of £3.016.16 additional funding from their UK-wide funding pot is also to be shared by ourselves and the other local nominated charity.
