KSAR Challenge Day - 11th July 2009

The KSAR Annual Challenge Event took place on Saturday 11th July 2009. Throughout the day team of 4 people took part in a wide array of outdoor, search & rescue related tasks. The mixture of mental and physical challenges meant that all teams had an equal chance to excel in a particular discipline. Challenges included: Observation, Casaulty evacuation, High level evidence collection and Night Searching.

Teams came from across the county and all found the day very enjoyable. The challenge trophy came down to the wire and saw the whole field very close and all in the running to the very last.

The event raised very much needed funds for KSAR and huge thanks should go to Treejumpers for use of their venue and the help they gave us, as well as to all KSAR members, and teams who took part.

<More information and photo's to follow soon>

Make sure you join us next year for more challenges.......

Forthcoming Events 2009

Why not come and meet the KSAR team, see what we do, and take a look at our equipment. We will be a various places around Kent this year hoping to spread the word about what we do, attact new members, and raise a few pounds.

Here's where we will currently be:

• 12th / 13th April - European Kit Car Show - Detling Show Ground
• 30th / 31st May - Asda in Canterbury (Sturry Road)
• 28th June - Asda in Broadstairs (Westwood)
• 17th - 19th July - Kent County Show - Detling Show Ground
• 8th / 9th August - Sainsbury's Folkestone (West Park Farm)
• 17th / 18th October - Sainsbury's Folkestone (West Park Farm)
• 5th / 6th December - Asda in Canterbury (Sturry Road)

KSAR Training 2009

Throughout 2009 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
• 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

21st / 22nd February - KSAR Train more new members and launch the bike team

A busy weekend's training saw KSAR run 2 courses to train new members and also expand our capability into Mountain Bike Searching.

8 New members were put through their paces on the Basic Search Course, teaching them different techniques on searching, team structure, search kit, etc. The finale of the course being a mock search to reinforce the weekend's learning.

At the same time several KSAR members were being tutored on the essentials of mountain bike searching. The aim for the course for KSAR being the formation of a mountain bike searching capability.

21st / 22nd February - Recruitment/Fundraising - Tesco, Chatham

Over the weekend of 21st / 22nd February, KSAR set up shop in Tesco's Chatham. We were made to feel very welcome by both Chatham residents and also Tesco staff.

The two days gave us chance to show interested people exactly what KSAR does. We met many people over the couple of days, some of whom showed a high interest in joining KSAR (hope to see you soon!!)

Due to local generosity we also collected vital funds from donations, to help with maintaining our organisation and service we provide. We thank everyone for their kindness.

17th January 2009 - Recruitment/Fundraising - Polhill, Sevenoaks

On a dull looking Saturday KSAR arrived at a slightly damp Polhill Garden Centre near Sevenoaks. After setting up the weather improved and so did the influx of people into the centre. We had prime location at both exits and kind donations from shoopers started to roll in.

Throughout the day we had various equipment and displays out for people to see as well as two search dogs, from Meridian Search Dogs, which proved a big hit with the kids. several people showed some keen interest in the group and what we do, and several will hopefully join us in the coming year.

As the flow of people reduced and the centre prepared for the end of a busy day, we tidied up and reflected on another successful day for KSAR and Meridian Search Dogs. We hope to be back at Polhill soon, but if you wish to come and see us the next opportunity will be at Tesco's in Chatham - 21st/22nd February.

Thank you all at Polhill and all who came to see us and kindly donated to our cause.

Hope to see you all at Chatham........

3rd January 2009 - Charity Quiz Night - The Anchor, Wingham

The Anchor in Wingham kindly organised and ran a charity quiz night for charities and other teams to compete against each other. KSAR along with other chairities entered teams into the quiz which raising £150. KSAR taking part in a second placed team came away with £50 from the quiz.

As their charity of the year KSAR also benefited from the raffle and donations jar (donations for food kindly supplied at no cost by The Anchor). The total of these gave KSAR an additional £141.46 giving an on the night total of £191.46 for KSAR.

Thank you The Anchor and all involved for supporting us.

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