This year the Plymouth section of Dartmoor Search and Rescue were lucky enough to have secured a spot on the Hoe for the exciting Armed Forces day event. Each year Plymouth holds a family fun line up of military parades, air displays and interactive activities.
Our aim was to showcase the wide range of equipment that we use and to increase the public’s perception of the team. Our fleet of vehicles had been polished to perfection and a plethora of branded merchandise was procured for the event.
Team members were up bright and early on the morning of the event to start setting up. With the weather predicted to be a scorcher and the lure of an amazing Red Arrows display we knew it was going to be a very busy day.
Even before the official open time the stand was inundated with people. Our CPR area proved very popular, giving people a chance to practice their CPR on the resuscitation Annie’s. Another area, housed a throw bag game where participants had to aim for the bullseye using the Water Team’s throw bags.
The vehicles had been opened up, so people were able to sit inside and see what equipment we use and ask how everything works. For some reason the sirens seemed very popular with the kids. Apologies to the band stand next door. Our water team boats were blown up laid out which again was very popular with the children.
The public were also able to meet our two Search and Rescue dogs Saoirse and Honey, who were looking for strokes (or treats) and were lapping up the attention.
It was an amazing day and we all felt that we had achieved our goal of making Plymouth aware of the team. Every member worked really hard in making sure that the public enjoyed their time at our stand, especially in the blazing sun!
The day was an abundant success and thrillingly we have been invited back to participate in next year’s event. Roll on July 2020.
