Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Magazine SPRING 2012
HIOWAA HIOWAA is is Sainsbury’s Sainsbury’s Charity Charity of of the the Year Year
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Come Come to to our our 5th 5th BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY Summer Summer Fair Fair
BikeSafe BikeSafe Police can can Police educate riders riders educate informally informally
Our Corporate Sponsors H ampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance would like to thank our Corporate Sponsors for their generosity, help and support in so many ways. Our sponsors include:
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Brijan Coach Tours British Automobile Racing Club Festival Place John Lewis National Motor Museum Beaulieu HendyGroup Hogg Robinson Group
Kall Kwik M&S Popham Airfield Premier Underwriting Red Funnel Sainsbury’s Thruxton Circuit Wightlink Zurich
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance 4 Kings Park Road, Southampton Hampshire SO15 2AS t. 023 8033 3377 e. enquiries@hiow-airambulance.org.uk www.hiow-airambulance.org.uk Charity No. 1106234
22 22 Field Field Hospital Hospital paddle paddle 50km 50km in in two two days days LATEST LATEST News News and and Events... Events...
FOLLOW ME
Our 5th Birthday. A Year of Celebrations Welcome to the spring edition of Helimed56 for 2012. This is a very special year for HIOWAA as it marks our 5th Birthday since the first flight of the Air Ambulance on 1st July 2007. We have a great many events planned to mark this important occasion in the life of the charity, and we hope that the number and range of these activities will mean there is something happening in your area so that you can be involved in the celebrations. We are most fortunate that many of our wonderful volunteers and supporters hold fundraising events for HIOWAA each year, and this year, to mark the 5th Birthday, we have had a special logo produced, so each of the events held in support of HIOWAA will bear this logo. To mark our actual birthday, we are holding a 5th Birthday Summer Fair, at Popham Airfield, on Saturday 30 th June. This event is for you all, entry is free and there is plenty of free parking. We will have attractions and entertainment for all the family, including vintage cars and buses, emergency service vehicles, motorcycles, arena events, and of course, the Air Ambulance will be there so you can meet the crew and learn about the work they do.
We meet some of the BikeSafe Team (See pages 6 - 8)
Contents The 5th Birthday Summer Fair will open at 10.00 am and close at 4.00 pm, so I hope you will come along to help us celebrate, and enjoy a fun-filled family event with the Air Ambulance family. A full list of all this year’s events is on our website www.hiow-airambulance. org.uk and those which are happening before July are listed in this edition. All the 5th Birthday events have the 5th logo so you will be able to spot them easily. I look forward to seeing you at some of our 5th Birthday events throughout the year.
John Perry Chief Executive
Want to Subscribe? This publication will not be on sale in any shops, but will be given out free to the community. However if you would like to receive a copy of the 3 Issues we will be producing every year, then please send a Cheque or Postal Order for £8.00 (P & P is included) to: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Magazine Subscription 4 Kings Park Road, Southampton Hampshire SO15 2AS Make sure you include your delivery name and address.
Getting to know us 2 HIOWAA Sainsbury’s Charity 3 of the Year Gardens open 4 Events 5 & 21 BikeSafe 6-8 Flight for Life Lottery 9 Nick Howes, a Trustee on 10 two wheels Nick Endersby - Just popping 11 out for some milk... 12 Walk on Water A Patient’s Story Bag It Up Bag - a - Bra Day 22 Field Hospital paddle 50 km Future interests
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Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance 4 Kings Park Road, Southampton Hampshire SO15 2AS t. 023 8033 3377 e. enquiries@hiow-airambulance.org.uk www.hiow-airambulance.org.uk Charity No. 1106234
Design and Production: CB Graphics, Cliff Bryant, Southampton Photography: Front Cover: Phil Green Inside Front and Back Cover: Dan Grant Other images: Staff and Volunteers
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Getting to know us Vicki Cladingboel, Paramedic, tells us about herself
HIOWAA is Sainsbury’s Charity of the Year
Name: Vicki Cladingboel Occupation within HIOWAA:
Nickname:
I joined HIOWAA as a very nervous HEMS Paramedic in August 2010, after completing the selection process earlier in the year.
I’m sure I have some, but I’m not aware of any, other than my sister referring to me as Tyke! (from my younger days, but it just seems to have stuck).
Favorite thing about working for HIOWAA: I find the team great, more like a family… It’s great to meet crews from all over south central and beyond.
Favorite Food: Mmmmm Food!! Easily pleased. Absolutely anything, but if I had to choose one, it would have to be Chicken Katsu Curry from Wagamama.
Favorite Movie: Totally chick flicks… Top Gun, Officer and a Gentleman and not forgetting The Twilight Saga.
Last song listened to on your ipod/mp3 player/radio: Bullet Proof by La Roux and album Adele, 19.
When you were little – what job did you want to do when you grew up? I don’t think I actually knew what I wanted to do when I was little. I did think about becoming a chef, but didn’t like the idea of shifts…. Oops, got that one wrong!
You might often see stores asking you to nominate charities to be considered for their Charity of the Year. Well, thank you to the person who did exactly that, and nominated us to be Charity of the Year for Sainsbury’s in Lordshill. HIOWAA was chosen above two other charities, and the reason for their choice was that the Air Ambulance can help anyone in the community. Also, the Sainsbury’s store is very close to the secondary landing site where the Air Ambulance used to land before the new helipad was built at Southampton General hospital, meaning that they were very conscious of the Air Ambulance. Since choosing HIOWAA as Charity of the Year, Sainsbury’s have been raising awareness of the charity and how funds
can be raised, both in the staff room and on the shop floor. Both areas have been collecting money, and also collecting donated textiles. Kim, from the store’s charity committee, showed us two containers full of textiles, and said there were 57 full bags from the store at that moment. With this increased awareness and so much collecting, we have been able to have two of our textile banks sited at the store. They also have in the store a collection box for bras, which is emptied regularly, so please keep bringing in those unwanted bras.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. We hope that the whole store, staff and customers, feel very proud of their efforts, and will continue to support HIOWAA.
The staff at Sainsbury’s have been collecting for HIOWAA in lots of other ways as well, including check out collections, tombola, selling books and lots more. They will also be collecting footwear later in the year for our Save Old Soles campaign We would like to thank Sainsbury’s at Lordshill for achieving a fantastic year for us and especially for giving us the opportunity to raise the profile of
Tell us something that not many people know about you: Oh dear, do I have to? I have medals for ballroom dancing and BMX racing (not recently might I add)
In addition to HIOWAA, which other charities do you support? Cancer Research and Help for Heroes.
What is your dearest wish? I would love to be able to spend more time with my wonderful children… To be able to eat what I wanted… (without gaining weight!)
What makes you smile? My children always put a smile on my face… My family, as without them I couldn’t do the job I love so much… My very understanding partner…. Oh, and not forgetting chocolate… 2
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Gardens open for... Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance During the coming months of May and June we are very fortunate to have two Open Garden events. Lymington – 5th May We are extremely grateful to Moore and Blatch Solicitors in Lymington for offering the use of their beautiful garden at the rear of their premises in the High Street at Lymington. From the High Street, the facade of the 17th century building is imposing, but walk through the splendid building and you will find a beautiful oasis of colour and topiary. The whole site measures just over an acre and is
normally hidden away, only open on occasional days throughout the year.
The Moore and Blatch Open Garden event, on Saturday 5th May, not only gives you the chance to walk through the beautiful garden, but also the opportunity to take refreshments, listen to the strolling Jazz band and purchase plants from the Moore and Blatch plant sale with all proceeds coming to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Brockenhurst – 10th June In June, we have the Brockenhurst Open Gardens. This very successful event was previously held on behalf of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance in June 2010.
This year, the biennial event will see 15 or more gardens, in and around the tranquil village of Brockenhurst, open to the public in aid of the charity. The gardens range from beautiful courtyard gardens, to the traditional and modern. All are beautifully presented and the whole day allows a gentle meander around the village, popping in to see these gardens. We are deeply indebted to the Brockenhurst Village Committee and all of the proud householders who open their gardens on our behalf.
Brockenhurst Open Gardens is on Sunday 10th June, from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm.
E V E N T S
HIOWAA’s
5th Birthday Summer Fair T hroughout 2012, there will be a wide range of events taking place to help us celebrate our 5th Birthday Year. The biggest of these will be our birthday party, which will take the form of a Summer Fair, and will be held at Popham Airfield (just off the A303) near Winchester, on Saturday 30th June. There will be something for everyone at the 5th Birthday Summer Fair, and we hope that families will come along to enjoy the day, and meet the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance family. This event is about the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and for the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Without your generous and ongoing support we could not keep the Air Ambulance flying and saving lives. Come and join us so we can say a huge Thank You.
Some of the many attractions and entertainment for visitors will include:
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Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Come and view the aircraft and meet the crew. Vintage Fire Engines – they will squirt you with water! Ambulances and emergency vehicles Vintage cars Rally Cars Motorcycles Hot Air Balloons Arena Events Craft stands Farmers’ Market Children’s Entertainers Food Court
And much, much more
MAYOR OF HAVANT COFFEE MORNING Mon 2nd April. 10am – 12.30pm. Hayling Island Community Centre. Refreshments and stalls all to raise funds for the Mayor’s charities. VEHICLE MEET AND AUTO JUMBLE Mon 9th April. Wyke Down Touring Caravan & Camping Park, Country Pub & Restaurant at Picket Piece near Andover SP11 6LX. 10am 4.30pm. Entrance fees are adults £4, seniors £3 and children £2. Parking is free. Dogs are welcome provided they are kept under control. For more information please see: www. springvehiclemeetandautojumble.co.uk MAYOR OF HAVANT CLASSIC CAR RUN Sun 15th April. Public Service Plaza, Havant. 9.30am. Vehicles will be assembling in the car park at the Public Service Plaza, Havant, from 9.30 am with the run starting from 10.00 am. The finish point will be combined with a ‘Fun Day’ at The Peter Ashley Activity Centre/Fort Purbrook. The run is open to vehicles (cars, motorcycles and lorries) up to and including 1986. For entry form to take part or further details please contact the Mayor’s Secretary 023 9244 6152 or e: anne.thurlow@havant.gov.uk MILFORD FOOD FESTIVAL 2012 Sun 15th April.10.00am to 3.00pm. Milford on Sea. The village will be alive with dining offers and themed events, cookery experiences and demonstrations, educational events and talks, children's fun cooking competitions and the chance to buy local produce at the food market. ST GEORGE’S CLASSIC CAR TOUR 2012 Sun 22nd April. This is a classic car tour for pre1988 cars, organised by the Salisbury CSMA, and Sarum Marshalling Team Club. The 60 mile route will soon be confirmed, as will entry fees. Contact chris.derbyshire2@virgin.net for an entry form and information. Start from Salisbury Racecourse. Entry fee will be a minimum £45. Maximum 70 cars to take the start. Entries will close once we reach 70 cars. Entry forms will be emailed out to all previous entries in early January 2012. No provisional entries will be accepted and all entries have to be on an entry form accompanied by the entry fee cheque.
No, please don’t throw that away… We are fortunate in being offered the use of the charity shop in Whitchurch again this year, from 4 th to 11th May, to help raise further funds for HIOWAA, so if you are having a spring clean, moving house or just have some unwanted items, then please would you kindly consider donating them to ‘our shop’. Thank you. We can take, in good condition please, clothing, crockery, vinyl records, toys, books, china, DVDs, CDs, craft work, plants, curtains, sports and camping 4
equipment, glassware,unwanted gifts, bed linen, pictures, frames. You can also drop off any unwanted bras for our Bag -A- Bra Appeal too! Unfortunately, we cannot accept large furniture, videos, electrical equipment, cushions/pillows or towels. We are looking for volunteers to help in the shop, so please let us know if you would be interested in helping. We also need people to help set up on Friday 3rd and dismantle on 11th.
BRIJAN COACHES OPEN DAY 2012 Sun 22nd April. The Coach Station, Units 4 & 5 Bottings Industrial Estate, Curdridge, Southampton, SO30 2DY. Brijan Tours annual Open Day on behalf of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, featuring preserved buses and coaches from years gone by. Coach trips on preserved vehicles around the picturesque Hampshire countryside available. COLLECTION WITH THE POD Sat 28th April. 9.30 am – 5pm. Asda, Brighton Hill, Basingstoke. Why not come along and say hello to some of our fantastic volunteers, sit in our helicopter Pod and see the space that our Paramedics used to work in to save lives. We would also appreciate if you would add your spare change to our collection buckets.
Continued P21
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BikeSafe
is a great way for the police to speak to and educate riders informally... BikeSafe is a national motorbike scheme which aims to encourage full licence holders to do some advanced posttest rider training to improve their skills and hopefully reduce the number of motorbike crashes and injuries.
M ost police areas still suffer with high numbers of riders being seriously injured or killed in crashes. Many of these may not be considered to be the rider’s fault, for example if a car has pulled out into a rider’s path, yet in nearly every instance, the rider could have done more to help themselves by anticipating and reacting to what is happening up ahead. Importantly, we realise that trying to catch riders committing offences and giving out tickets is not always the answer to reducing crashes, although it does have its place. BikeSafe is a great way for the police to speak to and educate riders informally so bikers not only enjoy their riding but increase the chances of getting home in one piece. Although there are some small differences in terms of how the scheme is delivered across the country, BikeSafe consists of both a classroom-based input and an observed ride from a trained motorcyclist. In the classroom we talk about areas of riding which statistically cause the main problems for riders and result in the highest number of crashes. These are: junctions, cornering, overtaking, filtering and group riding and it all kicks off with a look at hazard awareness to show all the clues that are out there on the roads. In the police we’re trained to ride to a system, which in simple terms consists of taking on board all the information around us when we’re riding and then deciding if we are in the right position, speed and gear for whichever hazard is up ahead, before being able to accelerate once the hazard is dealt with. Riding in this way takes practice but the benefit when done correctly is that it gives the rider time to react to each hazard. We talk about this system throughout the morning session of the workshop but this just isn’t enough time to fully get to grips with it. Fortunately you can learn more about this and have
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the chance to practice techniques with advanced training providers such as ROSPA, IAM and ERS, as they train the same system.
In the police we’re trained to ride to a system... the benefit when done correctly is that it gives the rider time to react to each hazard.
Hampshire BikeSafe In comparison to other police areas, Hampshire is fortunate to still have a good number of police motorcyclists which helps us to run courses for as many people as possible throughout the year. There are four officers from the Hampshire Constabulary Roads Policing Unit who, in addition to their roles as operational officers, also carry out BikeSafe work across the county and the Isle of Wight. This means that not only can the scheme keep running during this period of financial cuts, as responsibilities are shared, but also that it is run by officers who attend and investigate crashes as part of their everyday work. Needless to say, this gives us some credibility when talking to riders about what we have seen and experienced and therefore some weight can be added to the tips we’re passing on from our own training. Hampshire BikeSafe has a history of working with other agencies and in previous years the scheme was delivered from the Fire Station in Eastleigh. In 2012 we have been invited to work out of the new Hampshire Fire Road Safety Centre near Winchester and it is an excellent venue. It is really easy to access from junction 9 of the M3, gives us plenty of room to park bikes and accommodate riders and has good
facilities. It also gives us lots of routes to choose from for the on-road assessment depending on whether the rider wants to work more on urban riding to get better at filtering, country roads for cornering, or a combination of the two. It is also central to the county, which I hope will encourage participants from right across Hampshire. Historically, all workshops have taken place on the mainland rather than on the Isle of Wight, with a discount given to IOW residents to subsidise the cost of the ferry. However, we can’t ignore the fact that motorcycle crashes on the IOW are still high and I am sure people are put off coming on a BikeSafe workshop when it is so far away. In 2012 we will be running workshops on the island only for IOW residents and we hope to get as many riders there as possible. If the IOW event is as successful as we hope, the plan will be to have BikeSafe courses running more regularly on the island in years to come. Once details have been finalised for the IOW event, they will be shown on the Hampshire page at www.bikesafe.co.uk
BikeSafe will next be on the IOW, Sunday 13th May at Ryde Fire Station. At the time of writing the cost of a workshop in Hampshire is £75 per person for the day, which includes lunch and a few freebies. Many other areas have the benefit of getting part-funding from council partnerships, which means that although the cost of running the course is the same, the cost to the participant is lower. We don’t have this in Hampshire but I am still looking at ways to try and reduce this cost in the future. 2012 is a busy year for the police motorcyclists in Hampshire, as some of us are likely to be working in London for the Olympics /Paralympics and we also have events like Farnborough Air Show and the Olympic Torch Relay to help out with in the summer, which has an effect on the courses. I have decided to do more at the start and the end of the year and, as there are more people taking to two wheels for commuting all year round, this is a great chance for riders to get more confidence riding in poorer conditions. These courses are available for £60 and can be booked through the national BikeSafe website. 7
BikeSafe workshops give us the opportunity to speak to people and pass on some tips that we have learned... We have signed up to the national voucher scheme too, so if you want to buy a present for a relative or friend, you can buy vouchers to be put towards a course or for the whole course. Again, details are on the national website.
Partners As already mentioned, Hampshire BikeSafe works with Hampshire Fire and Rescue by supporting each other with road safety campaigns and this will continue in the future. We also support HIOWAA by distributing crash cards to motorcyclists at all our workshops and events. Throughout 2011, we were joined by BASICS doctor Bruce Armstrong OBE, who gave excellent presentations to participants on first aid issues relevant to riding, such as techniques for safe helmet removal. Although Bruce is heading over to work in Afghanistan for part of this year, I hope one of his colleagues, Vicki Harold can carry on delivering this crucial input for our 2012 workshops. We have also forged strong relationships with our bike dealerships across the county and this has led to some good support, financially and
otherwise. We are always interested in working with other agencies and companies, so if you are interested in supporting Hampshire BikeSafe, please get in touch on the following e-mail address: gabriel.snuggs@hampshire. pnn.police.u.k We work closely with Solent Advanced Motorcyclists (SAM), a Hampshire group which is affiliated to the IAM, and representatives are ever-present at the end of our ride-outs to encourage people to sign up for advanced training.
I am sure many people are attracted to BikeSafe because it is run by the police, although I’m sure this also puts some people off ! In Hampshire, we are delighted to have the support of World Super Bike rider Leon Haslam to promote safer road riding. I believe track riding is an excellent way for riders to get to push their own limits and their machine’s, yet a rider’s attitude must completely change when it comes to riding on the
road. We certainly don’t have the benefits of safe run-off areas, Marshalls and warning flags as the professionals do. Leon very kindly took time out of his busy schedule to take some promotional BikeSafe photos with us at the Motorcycle Live event in Birmingham and we are very grateful to him for doing so. I am sure many people are attracted to BikeSafe because it is run by the police, although I’m sure this also puts some people off! The fact is that we are all very keen bikers who are fortunate enough to have been given a lot of training to do the job we do. BikeSafe workshops give us the opportunity to speak to people and pass on some tips that we have learned, because if they’re good enough for us, they’re good enough for us to pass on. It is also an opportunity for members of the public to ask us a lot of questions and find out that we are all normal people with the same keen interest in riding! Have a look at www.bikesafe.co.uk or call 08444 151206 to find out about spaces on our workshops; it would be great to see you there.
Fligh t for Life Lot tery FOR A CHANCE TO WIN AND HELP THE AIR AMBULANCE JOIN OUR WEEKLY LOTTERY Please fill in the whole form except the boxes marked ‘Office Use Only’ using a ball point pen and send it to:
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Lottery Office 5 Mallard Buildings, Station Road New Milton, Hampshire BH25 6HY Name(s) of Account Holder(s)
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The Direct Debit Guarantee This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits. If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request. If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance or your bank or building society you are entitled to a full and immediate refund from your bank or building society - if you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance asks you to. You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.
Lottery enquiries: 023 8005 7722 8
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Nick Howes, a Trustee on two wheels After spending so long dealing with the aftermath of motorcycle accidents, Nick joined the ranks of “bikers” and has felt part of a worldwide community ever since.
I retired from the Royal Navy after 36 years’ service in 2009, having spent most of my career working as a nurse and manager in the Accident & Emergency specialty.
Before I left the Service, I was asked by a consultant colleague, who was stepping down as a Trustee of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance charity if I would like to volunteer my services in her place. I was duly elected to serve as a Trustee and have been involved ever since, marvelling at the dedication, hard work and generosity of the volunteers and donors who keep this hugely important venture afloat. I have had the opportunity to visit the business end of the charity at Thruxton Aerodrome on many occasions, almost always on my bike and often in company with my fellow Trustees. Thruxton is a wonderful home for the helicopter and crews and has the added attraction for me of being a great motorsport venue, if a little biased towards four wheels!
groups that collect donations and toys for children’s charities every Christmas. The many Air Ambulance charities in the UK find consistent and reliable support from motorcycling groups, who regularly collect on their behalf at bike gatherings, sporting events and the like. In Hampshire, there are regular ride outs and motorcyclists’ meetings at West Meon, Alton, Odiham and many points along the most popular motorcycling roads. We are blessed
... the generosity of spirit amongst my two - wheeled brethren has to be experienced to be believed.
with the A32 and A272, which are alive with motorcyclists every weekend, especially during the summer months and the weekly gathering of anything up to 3000 bikes at Poole Quay. Although not in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight, Poole is close enough to be a regular venue for many on Tuesday evenings and there are always volunteers from various local charities on hand, knowing that they will receive many donations. The cross-Solent ferries also carry their fair share of motorcyclists throughout the summer months and there is continually talk of the Isle of Wight setting up an IOW TT to rival the Isle of Man – we can only hope! Perhaps there is an element of selfinterest in bikers’ support for air ambulance charities, but probably no more so than for any of our vital donors. It is very gratifying to see the support given by those who have either been beneficiaries of the service provided by HIOWAA, or have family members or friends who have been treated by the charity. If any of you reading this are motorcyclists, or have family that enjoy a two - wheeled lifestyle, do get involved, whether by volunteering to assist the charity, joining the weekly HIOWAA Lottery, or just spreading the word among your friends. Nick Howes Trustee
I learned to ride a motorcycle in 2002 and you might imagine the reception from A&E work colleagues on hearing that I was taking to the road on two wheels, after spending so long managing the results of motorcycle accidents in my day to day employment! Nevertheless, I joined the ranks of “bikers” and have felt part of a worldwide community ever since – the generosity of spirit amongst my two - wheeled brethren has to be experienced to be believed. For every idiot who rides a motorcycle there are many more who ride considerately, safely and with respect for other road users. Camaraderie is a byword for motorcyclists, as you might notice when you see riders acknowledging each other on the road with either a nod of the head or a leg-salute. The ventures and causes that the motorcycling community support are many and varied, from “Ride to the Wall”, a growing movement that supports the British Armed Forces by riding in huge numbers each October to meet at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, to the local 10
Perhaps there is an element of self-interest in bikers’ support for air ambulance charities, but probably no more so than for any of our vital donors.
Just popping out for some milk… …be back in five weeks! On 16th April, Nick Endersby, one of our volunteers, is setting off for a long walk. He will be hiking along the Camino Frances, the major pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in north western Spain...
...starting from St Jean Pied de Port in the French Pyrenees. After reaching Santiago, and claiming his prized Compostela certificate of completion for the Pilgrimage, he will then continue walking to the ‘end of the world’ at Finisterre and Muxia on the Atlantic coast, a total distance of over 550 miles, averaging 17 miles per day. Accommodation along the way will mostly be in hostels, called refugios or aubergues, that are provided by various local organisations in Spain from religious orders to state authorities. The hostels provide very basic accommodation typically in the form of dormitories for up to 200 pilgrims, where communal snoring is the major problem, and sharing only a very limited number of shower and toilet facilities.
Nick was inspired to do this pilgrimage after watching the film ‘The Way’, and is doing the walk for personal reasons and a sense of achievement...
Nick is currently in the midst of a career change. Having spent the last 30 years working in IT, he has spent the past three months volunteering full time at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance’s head office to gain experience of working for a major charity organisation with a view to moving to a new career within the charity sector. Nick was inspired to do this pilgrimage after watching the film ‘The Way’, and is doing the walk for personal reasons and a sense of achievement, so consequently all costs and expenses for the trip will be covered by Nick himself. Should anyone wish to make a charitable donation to mark his efforts, they would be most welcome, and all donations will be split evenly between Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and CLIC Sargent, the national children’s cancer care charity.
Buen Camino... Ultreya!!! Please see Nick’s webpage on the Virgin Money Giving website: www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ NickEndersby
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You Too Can...
A Patient’s Story ‘I have no real idea of how fast I hit the tree, but it was probably somewhere between 20 and 40 miles an hour’.
I n May 2010, we held our first WOW– Walking on Waterevent, walking on treadmills across the Solent, aboard a Wightlink ferry. T his year it’s back with a slight change as we are going to have POW WOWPeddling on Water and Walking on Water. This will be held on 6th May, between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm, on the St Clare ferry, running from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, by kind permission of Wightlink.
What we need from you is a team of 4 to come on the ferry, at an allotted time, to either ride the static bike or walk on the treadmill, taking it in turns to use the apparatus to complete as many miles as possible during a return crossing. We had great fun last time and
were helped along by Vectis Corp of Drums playing and some of the Island Belly Dancers giving us inspiration! So do you fancy having a POW WOW and raising money for the charity? Full details of this event are on our website www.hiow-airambulance.org.uk/page. cfm/events
M y name is Richard Hill and I live in Berkshire, I am 58 years old and I am an Engineer. In January of 2010, I unexpectedly found myself a passenger in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. It’s really quite a shock to find yourself in the middle of a large whirlwind of leaves kicked up by the rotors, when only seconds before you were gaily squirming your endurance bike up a muddy lane blissfully unaware of the impending doom about to befall you. Apparently I managed to hit a log lying lengthways in the lane, which catapulted me sideways into the very nice overhanging tree trunk that was conveniently placed to my left. I have no real idea of how fast I hit the tree but it was probably somewhere between 20 and 40 miles an hour. The nine broken ribs, many multiple breaks, punctured lung and two destroyed fingers on my left side attest to just how hard trees really are. Thankfully I had just about every piece of protective gear available, with the exception of a chest protector – which
I now always wear and so managed to live to tell the tale. My son-in-law was behind me and knowing some first aid, apparently got me breathing again, unless his cold hands on my chest were just a vain search for a copy of the will! The Ambulance and Air Ambulance guys and girls were simply fantastic and certainly saved my life, for which I will forever be in their debt. Rescuing someone from perhaps a mile up a muddy lane is simply not the easiest task to perform. I also need to thank the guys at Bahnstormer BMW (whose fault it was anyway for inviting me) and to thank them for their assistance and good wishes and for the fact that I managed to comprehensively ruin their day out.
The problem is I don’t feel 58, I feel more like 18. I still love playing with bikes... You probably think that it serves the stupid old git right for trying to play in the mud like a teenager, and you may be correct. The problem is I don’t feel 58, I feel more like 18. I still love playing with bikes, not tinkering as all old gits
seem to do, but riding and enjoying. I still do track days, both on bikes and in cars and I still occasionally ride motocros s when my smashed shoulder (motocross accident five years ago) my smashed right leg (bike accident 30 years ago) my broken neck vertebrae (Isle of man bike accident 35 years ago) and various other injuries allow me to compete!
When I hit the tarmac now, I no longer bounce, I simply snap! For the record, I don’t tootle round at the back. What I think happens as we get older is that the skill remains but the fitness and flexibility disappear. When I hit the tarmac now, I no longer bounce, I simply snap! Healing times seem to be good, as I was able to get back on a bike within ten days of my helicopter flight. Even though breathing was still difficult, especially with the very heavy cold that I had managed to acquire whilst in hospital (don’t go there if you are injured as it’s full of sick people), I knew at least that life would still be worth living. We must always remember of course that it is the great people in our emergency services and armed forces that are the real heroes and professionals. Without them most of us would have succumbed to the injuries or ailments that frequently afflict us through our lives and we should never take their great efforts and professionalism for granted. Thanks to the Air Ambulance and their terrific work, I was able to resume skiing this year, although the first few days were somewhat of a trial, as clearly nine broken ribs and a punctured lung take far more healing than I ever thought. On to the future and I look forward to spending many happy hours on bikes and in cars doing what overgrown children do! My very grateful thanks go out to our emergency services and if there is anything I can ever do to assist them, I would be more than happy to do so.
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BUSINESSES -
Can You Help? You may have seen our bright yellow collecting pots in restaurants, on the bar in your local pub, in shops and offices. These pots bring in much needed funds to help support the work of the Air Ambulance. If you would like one or more of these pots on your premises, or would like other ideas of how your company can help support us, please contact:
C A L L I N G
A L L
A d r e n a l i n e S e e k e rs Does the idea of jumping out of an aircraft at 1200 feet appeal to you? How about cycling from London to Paris, or Lands End to John O’Groats? Perhaps a Volcano and Ice Cap Trek in Iceland or a climb to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. All of these fantastic adventures, and many more besides, are available to those of you who fancy a challenge whilst raising much needed funds for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Why not put yourself to the test for a most worthy cause. Contact HIOWAA on 02380 333377 or enquiries@hiow-airambulance.org.uk
HIOWAA on 02380 333377 or enquiries@hiow-airambulance.org.uk
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Recycling to Save Lives
Bag-a-Bra Day 2012 The Bag -A- Bra Season is Upon Us (but then, whenever is it ‘out-of season’?)
An easy way to support our Air Ambulance To find your nearest Recycle Bin click on our website and register your postcode
BAB Day this year is being held on Thursday 24th May and we would like to try and encourage even more people to offer their ‘support’, especially as this is our 5th Birthday year.
P erhaps you could ask five friends to each donate five bras? If you work for a large company, then what about asking five different departments if they would be willing to take part by taking a BAB bag each to fill up? For those who work in a small company, what about asking five customers to donate five bras?
02380 333377 or email june@hiowairambulance.org.uk Whatever sort of ‘support’ you can offer, it really would be greatly appreciated, not only by HIOWAA, but also by the women in Ghana who will be able to buy these bras at affordable prices.
If you would like to have some pink BAB collecting bags sent to you then please either phone the office on
We accept: Clothes, Underwear Shoes, Blankets Sheets, Towels For more information please visit:
www.bagitup.org.uk 16
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22 Field Hospital paddle 50km and negociate 29 locks O ver two days, eight members of 22 Field Hospital undertook to paddle four 14 foot open Canadian Canoes the length of the Basingstoke Canal.
Starting at the River Wey end of the Basingstoke Canal at 0700 hrs on Monday 10th October, we were happy that the weather was warm and sunny as we set off for day one of the 50km paddle.
S elf - supported and carrying all equipment and rations required for the two day trip, we would be required to negotiate 29 locks on the canal. For speed and safety, it was decided that these would be portaged carrying all equipment and boats. Unfortunately 28 of these locks are in the first half of the canal, so day one involved a lot of lifting and carrying. This was made even more challenging by the fact that when we arrived at lock 15, there was no water on the other side! Not knowing how far and for how many locks this would continue for, we donned our packs, hefted the boats onto our heads and started walking…1.5 miles later, at lock
Where’s the water?
27, we found water again! I was not very popular for a little while! In total we portaged our kit and boats 2.5 miles on day one.
Unfortunately 28 of these locks are in the first half of the canal We arrived at the Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre at around 1800 hrs, pitched our tents for the night, and ‘eagerly’ tucked into our Army Rations! The weather stayed dry all night and we had a good night’s sleep. Our thanks to the Visitor Centre who allowed us to camp at the site for free and allowed us access to the centre’s facilities.
Tranquil Waters
Getting up at 0500 hrs, we collapsed and packed the tents, and cooked breakfast, before setting off at 0700 hrs for day two of the paddle. We had 30 km
The team
The Bunker
Smiling
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I was not very popular for a little while! In total we portaged our kit and boats 2.5 miles on day one.
Your Support Can Continue into the Future I f you are considering making a gift to
ahead of us, but thankfully only one lock to portage and water all the way ! The majority of 22 Fd Hospital met us at lock 29 at 0830 hrs to see how we were faring and to cheer us on. The next six hours consisted of a steady paddle at an average of 5 kph, stopping at Fleet for lunch and admiring the very nice houses backing onto the canal. We finished at Odiham at 1430 hrs where we were met by the vehicles that returned us to camp. All in all, a great challenge that the team completed with smiles, for the most part. The scenery on the canal is stunning and paddling quietly allows you to see the fantastic wildlife that inhabits the canal, kingfishers, heron, wild fowl, jumping fish, dragon flies to name a few! With money still coming in, we are hopeful to meet our £1000 target that we set ourselves at the start of this challenge.
The Unit showing support on the Day
The Team:
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance in your Will there are three main ways of benefitting us as a charity.
Organiser and Leader: WO1(RSM) Andy Game
These are: Specific legacies:
Equipment Manager: Staff Sergeant Ricky Foy
Such as a specific gift of an item or items, like the contents of your house, or your wine collection, etc – something personal that is described in your Will.
Team Medic: Sergeant Samantha Wilding
Pecuniary legacies:
Team members: Corporal Lydia Donegani Corporal Rick Piper Private Chris Ross Private Lee Walton Private Luke Watson
These are cash gifts, usually a specified amount of money such as “the sum of £x to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance”
Residuary legacies:
The End 50 km Enjoying it!
This is where the charity takes a share of whatever is left in your residuary estate along with anyone else that you choose to benefit – such as a percentage so that each of the beneficiaries of the residuary estate can increase or decrease together; depending upon how much money you eventually leave – it is a much fairer way of sharing your money if you are uncertain whether you might need your money for care fees or some other costs during your lifetime. The problem with all of these gifts is that you need to be precise about how you make your gift to us. It isn’t enough just to say HIOWAA or even Hampshire Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, we need a bit more information to make sure that your legacy doesn’t fail in the future for any reason. For example, we need our
full name of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance we need our full current address of 4 Kings Park Road, Southampton, SO15 2AS, but most importantly of all you need our charity number: 1106234. If you want to make sure that you don’t need to keep checking that we have made any changes to our name, address or charity number then you need to include specific wording in your Will to make sure that your gift can still take effect even with minor changes like our new address, perhaps a change of name. There is also another reason, that in such a difficult financial climate some smaller charities are being forced to merge with other smaller charities to save on resources, etc. If your Will hasn’t been drafted to allow for us to amalgamate or change then again your gift could fail. The purpose of making a gift in your Will is to ensure that your legacy makes a difference. If you don’t take professional advice at the time of making your Will so that you have the correct wording then your gift may not take effect, so it is worthwhile taking professional advice at the time of making your Will or asking us for guidance and we will provide you with some standard wording produced by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) who produce guidance for solicitors specialising in Will drafting.
A Concert for HIOWAA
The Romsey Male Voice Choir O ne of the best known and most popular choirs in our region is the Romsey Male Voice Choir. Their wide repertoire and wonderful sound ensure that their concerts are a highlight in the musical calendar. This year, the Choir have kindly agreed to help Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance celebrate our 5th Birthday Year by giving a concert on Saturday 12th May. The Great Hall, Winchester, has been made available to the charity most generously by Hampshire County Council for the event. This prestigious evening will be hosted by television personality Alexis Green, 20
and the Romsey Male Voice Choir will be supported by the Romsey Youth Choir. The Right Worshipful The Mayor and Mayoress of Winchester will also be present. Tickets for this event will be £12 per head, and numbers will be limited. Tickets can be purchased online through the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance website, or from the Hampshire County Council Box Office. The concert starts at 7.30 pm and will finish at 10.00 pm. Enquiries to 02380 333377.
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E V E N T S MAYOR OF WINCHESTER'S CHARITY 9.7K Sun 29th April. The Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Barry Lipscomb and Winchester & District Athletic Club are pleased to announce the inaugural Mayor of Winchester Charity 9.7k Multi-Terrain Run, Walk and Children’s Races, as one of the final major fundraising events of the Mayoral year, which will offer something for all ages and abilities. Enrants can register for this event online. WHITCHURCH CHARITY SHOP 2012 Sat 5th May. London Road, Whitcurch.10am – 4pm each day. We have the Charity Shop in London Road for a week. Throughout this week we will have a wide range of goods and products on sale, so why not come in and meet the team and have a browse. POW WOW 2012 Sun 6th May. Isle of Wight Ferries. Back in May 2010 we held WOW – “Walking on Water”. This year it’s back with a slight change, as we are going to have a POW WOW “Peddling on Water and Walking on Water". This will be held, with kind permission from Wightlink, on the St Clare ferry, running from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, between 9.00am and 5.00 pm. What we need from you is a team of four to come on the Ferry, at an allotted time, to either ride the static bike or walk on the treadmill, taking it in turns to use the apparatus to complete as many miles as possible, during a return crossing. We had great fun last time including Vectis Corp of Drums playing and some of the Island Belly Dancers entertaining us! So do you fancy having a POW WOW and raising money for the charity? Details are available from HIOWAA Head Offfice on 02380 333377 HIOWAA 5TH BIRTHDAY YEAR CONCERT WITH ROMSEY MALE VOICE CHOIR Sat 12th May. The Great Hall, Winchester. 7.30 pm. Tickets are £12.00 each, available from the Box Office, Hampshire County Council or on HIOWAA website. Enjoy a lovely evening of unique and surprising blend of musical variety with this stunning Male Voice Choir. The supporting choir is Romsey Youth Choir and the compare will be Alexis Green.
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