V news
19th May 2016
For Devon Air Ambulance Volunteers
Community Helipads From Toby Russell
Since my last update there has continued to be huge interest in our move to night flying
and we are currently working with around 70 communities across Devon who want to
develop their own helipad. Those communities are at various stages; some are just
starting to look at potential sites and others we have helped identify a night landing site,
quotes are in place for their helipad lighting and they are busy fundraising. In the case of
four communities; Bideford, Newton St Cyres, North Tawton and Kingsbridge, they have
funding in place and are ready to go which is great news!
As quotes for helipad lighting are going out, communities are really starting to focus on
how they can raise funds. Just a quick reminder that funds are being collected and held
Locally, not through DAA shops or events. Until we can publicise info on each ‘helipad
champion’ (i.e. who is leading on developing a local helipad) please pass any queries to
me - t.russell@daat.org
I’m also busy negotiating the best deal we can for the mobile
phone SIM cards that will be used to operate the lights
remotely. Although this means we are holding off launching
the first helipads it’s important we understand how to
maximise this technology both for now and the future
management of the network of helipads.
Thumbs up for all the help we had for our Away Day
last week. From Honiton Shop: “Please could you give
a massive Thumbs Up in the next V News to Margaret
for opening the shop last Thursday and to Pat and
Catherine for supporting her”.
From Steve Campbell, Area Manager, "Thumbs up to
the following volunteers for opening and closing their
Area 2 shops on the management Away Day last Thursday: Margaret, Pat & Catherine at
Honiton; Kathy & Margaret at South Molton; Janet Burden at Barnstaple. These dedicated
volunteers managed their shops and took almost £800 of sales between them – well done
and thanks to you all!" And From Sue Whitham, Area Manager, “Huge thanks to Shirley
and Jackie at Heavitree and Pauline and Margaret at Newton Abbot who were fantastic
volunteer managers for the day and took sales between them of £590!”.
From us all - Thank you to Jill Sweet, Aude, and Helen Mathias for their help meeting,
greeting and organising food and drink - you were fab!
We are looking forward to the volunteer meeting at the F&E
shop on Thursday 26th May – we’re hoping that volunteers
from all across Exeter will attend! The invitation is open to all
volunteers - from shops, box collectors or event volunteers and potential volunteers who would like to join our team. If
you or anyone you know would like to hear our presentation
and listen to the latest news about Night Flying from Nigel Hare. It starts at 4:30pm –
30 mins later than advertised. We’d love to see you there so please come along!
Help Required:
Could we ask all volunteers to look out for anywhere that would take our helipad
magazine? Also if there is an outlet in your area with one of our helipad stands, would you
be able to keep it topped up with current magazines please?
Sea Swim, Motorbike Ride Out and Commando Challenge Flyers
If you can think of a box holder, village hall or anywhere suitable for putting up a poster
please will you pop into your local shop and collect some, or contact the fundraising team
for a stash!
Grand Summer Draw Tickets
This year’s tickets (and car) have arrived! If you would like to have extra tickets to sell
locally please let me know!
Thank you!
‘Former Glory Furniture’ in Totnes are holding an invite-only
auction to celebrate their first year of business and raise
money for DAA on the 1st July. They have asked if we would
like any invites for the evening – are there any
volunteers in the area that would be interested?
www.formergloryfurniture.co.uk/
Dartmoor Classic Bike Ride
We still need some volunteer marshals for the Dartmoor Classic bike
ride on Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th June at Newton Abbot
Racecourse. Historically we send 10 volunteers and receive a £1000
donation and a mention in the programme.
Charity Cricket match on June 26th at Chagford in aid of DAA
The match is between Helpful Holidays (our Charity of the Year)
and Gidleigh Park. Gidleigh are struggling for players so if you
know anyone who would like to play for their team, please let
me know! All kit is provided but you do need to provide your
own “whites”. DAA will be there all day with our stand (and Ambrose of
course), there will also be a Jazz Band, afternoon cream tea, and Pimms,
Pipers Farm BBQ and face painting – sounds like a great family day out !