Pembrokeshire volunteers of the Wales Air Ambulance attended a social event at the Begelly Arms last Thursday and met paramedics Phil Thomas and Dorian James, crew on the South Wales helicpoter of the Wales Air Ambulance.
They presented a very interesting film of a mission in 2004 where a life had been saved by the prompt treatment of the crew. The volunteers were able to see how the funds they work hard to raise are applied to the service.
Phil explained how the service had started and how it had received generous support from Pembrokeshire. For the volunteers who had not yet attended the Induction at Swansea, this was a valuable evening, seeing the helicopter and crew at work and hearing first hand of the development of a life-saving service.
New volunteers Ann Sillito, Barbara Scale, Helen Smith and Sara Brigden were welcomed, as were the Wade family. Tom Wade had just collected a silver award for bravery from the Scout Movement to recognise the heroic actions he took when he saved his father, trapped under an overturned tractor.
Charlotte Wade, although too young to be a registered volunteer, is an avid supporter and has already raised money for the air ambulance.
The evening was rounded off by the versatile musician Keith Sandall, of Saundersfoot, who demonstrated a wide range of instruments, including carob shells, classical guitar, accordian, mandolin and even a home-made fiddle! The volunteers needed no encouragement to join in as a backing group with the instruments provided as Keith gave a world tour of music.
Hilary Harvey, coordinator, said: "This was a very productive meeting, we had fun and learnt a lot. We have numerous fund-raising events in the pipeline and its good to see new volunteers joining in. "The Auction and Dance on November 10 at Haverfordwest Rugby Club is the main autumn event and tickets can be purchased there (tel. 01437 762832). If anyone would like more information on joining our committee of volunteers, please contact me on (01834) 814567 or email Hilary @hh2912.freeserve.co.uk."