Kilimanjaro charity trek - october 2011

A unique opportunity to 'Climb the highest peak in Africa' and raise money for KSAR.

The total trek distance is 120 kilometres, over 6 days with a net height gain of 4405 metres and passing through five distinctly different habitats – cultivated farmland, montane forest, alpine heath, semidesert and ice-cap. The temperature will generally be warm during the day dropping to an average minimum of 5 degrees. Summit morning however can be as low as minus 10 or 12 degrees.

If you would like to take part in this 'once in a lifetime' opportunity, please contact Paul Lewis. His details are on the leaflet which can be downloaded here.

KSAR Zip line Challenge - August 2010

KSAR SPONSORED 6 HOUR ZIPLINE CHALLENGE - 21st AUGUST

On Saturday 21st August KSAR attempted a 6 hour zipline challenge. The event was created to help raise funds for the control vehicle appeal which is desperate for a cash injection.

KSAR needed as many members, friends, families and sponsors as is possible to take part and raise funds through sponsorship. Fully trained staff at the Swattenden Centre, Cranbrook oversaw the event. A great deal of fun was had and we raised some welcome funds for KSAR as well.

New Control Vehicle Appeal - April 2010

Kent Search and Rescue was recently dealt a tough blow when its' vital Control Vehicle failed its MOT and had to be taken off the road.  This ex-Mountain Rescue Ambulance had served KSAR well as a base of operation to organise searches in all types of weather as well as a communications hub and secure storage site for our range of specialist search kit.  So consequently the long range campaign to secure funding for a new control vehicle was throw into high gear as our capabilities have been limited.  KSAR continues to provide its essential search and rescue function for the people of Kent as we attempt to secure funding for a new vehicle.  However, our communications capabilities have been severely limited and it now takes much longer to get our vital specialist kit out into the field.  Our situation was recently covered by the Kent Messenger (see here) as we try to spread news of the appeal widely.    

There are a number of ways of helping Kent Search and Rescue in this urgent appeal.  Cheques and Postal Orders can be sent to 'Kent Search and Rescue' at:

10 Norman Road, Westgate On Sea, Kent CT8 8RR

Donations can also be made via the secure Charity Giving website.  Also we ask that you consider KSAR as part of your legacy.  If you are interested to help or require further information please contact 01843 832995 or info@ksar.co.uk

Safe and Sound Campaign Launched

Kent Search and Rescue has launched its new Safe and Sound Campaign intended to assist carers of vulnerable people to develop proactive strategies to hopefully prevent the person they care for from wandering off and to take some simple steps to assist the emergency services to find them if they do.  The campaign was developed with the cooperation and assistance of various carers support groups throughout the county as well as assistance from the Kent Fire and Rescue Service.  The first initiative is intended to remind carers to take a photograph of the person they care for.  The second initiative is a short form carers can fill out at their leisure about the habits and history of the person they care for, for use if they go missing.  For more information about these two initiatives please visit our new Safe and Sound Campaign page.  This campaign was also recently chronicled in the Kent on Sunday newspaper (see here).   

KSAR Training 2011

Throughout 2011 we will be undertaking basic through to advanced training on a number of subject areas. Much of the training is conducted by internal trainers but other courses will be sourced externally.

Some of this years training will consist of:

• Basic Search Courses (for new members)
• Radio Operators Course
• 1st Aid - Basic and more advanced training
• Team Leader training
• Search Manager courses
• Mountain Bike Team training
• Water and Bank Rescue training
• Kayak and water search training
• Search Tactics
• Navigation including GPS
• Operational exercises

If you are interested in improving your skills and knowledge in any of these areas or think you could be of use to us, why not join KSAR, or contact us for more information.

Patron: Lord Warden and Admiral of the Cinque Ports, Constable of Dover Castle
Admiral the Lord Boyce, KG GCB OBE DL