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Press Releases
From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, October 04, 2007
THE important work of the Dartmoor Rescue Group will be highlighted with the help of Devon County Councillor Alan Hosking during a training exercise next week.
The County Councillor for Yelverton Rural has volunteered to be a "casualty" during the group's operations training night on Tuesday 9 October. He will "lose" himself on the moor at nightfall before climbing into a survival bag and waiting to be "rescued", as the group puts its search techniques to the test.
Councillor Hosking said: "This year's atrocious weather on the moor, which led to the abandonment of the Ten Tors Challenge and the tragic fatality of Charlotte Shaw during training for the event in March, has shown more than ever the perils of the moor and how vital the service is provided by the rescue group.
"They're an entirely voluntary organisation and they rely on fundraising and volunteers who give up their own time in all weathers, often putting themselves at risk. I enjoy walking on the moor so I know just how much we owe the Rescue Group for being there when they're needed. The more we can support them the better."
Councillor Hosking is hoping to raise £2,000 for the charity from his efforts to help the group's training.
The Dartmoor Rescue Group, which celebrates its 40th anniversary next year, was started by a small group of local moorland enthusiasts who helped the police with search and rescue in the area. The group consists of four sections based in Ashburton, Okehampton, Tavistock and Plymouth. Each section needs around £10,000 to be raised each year to meet its running costs.
Richard Thorne, Team Leader and Chairman of the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team in Plymouth, said: "We're very thankful to Councillor Hosking and all of those people who are supportive and raise funds for the group. Our volunteers come from all walks of life but we all have a love of Dartmoor. We're happy to give something back - all our members are willing to respond 24/7 to a call from the Police, and the companies our members work for are also very supportive. The Rescue Group is a safety net and our local knowledge can make a difference in the event of a search."
Anyone who would like to make a donation can send a cheque, made payable to Dartmoor Rescue Group, c/o Alan Hosking, 14 Shelley Avenue, Tavistock, PL19 9AR.
Notes for Editors:
Councillor Alan Hosking 01822 614757.
- Leader of the Council - Cllr Brian Greenslade
- Chief Executive -- Phil Norrey
- Budget £800 million
- Key investments include:
- Schools £349 million
- Adult and Community Services £164 million
- Environment, Economy and Culture £106 million
- Children and Young People £101 million
- Other important County Council support includes:
- Building programme: £185 million for new schools, roads, care services, libraries and recycling centres
- Political make-up:
- County Council seats: 62
- 33 Liberal Democrat
- 23 Conservative
- 4 Labour
- 2 Independent
- Next County Council elections: May 7, 2009
- Key stats:
- Population: 741,000
- Schools: 365
- Pupils: 96,200
- Children looked after: 584
- Adults helped to live at home: 17,622
- Residential and nursing care: 4,212 adults
- Libraries and Mobile Libraries: 61
- Roads: 12,831 kms (7,973 miles)
- Bridges: 3,500
- Public Rights of Way: 4,960 kms (3,200 miles)
- Streetlights: 71,000
- Illuminated road signs: 10,917
- Recycling Centres: 20
- Recycling rate: 49.21%
Figures may be subject to change
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