MEMBERS and visitors were warmly welcomed by president Ruth Cairns. Before the business part of the evening, Ruth introduced speaker Mr Harry Watson. His topic was The North West Air Ambulance Service.

During Harry’s presentation we learned many interesting facts about the service here in Cheshire. It is a charity with no government sponsorship; the helicopters are leased and based at three locations in Cheshire.

Harry informed us that, in the main, ‘not a lot of people know we have even got an Air Ambulance Service!’ In fact, Cheshire is the only county in the UK to have three air ambulances. The necessity for an air ambulance was made abundantly clear by examples seen of where some accidents happen – places that a normal ambulance would not be able to access quickly due to awkwardness of surroundings and terrain.

There are four life-threatening incidents a day on average and the service prides itself on its response time, which is usually an hour from receiving a call to getting to hospital. Their rapid response led them to undertake 19,000 missions last year alone.

An air ambulance has a maximum speed of 155 mph, can travel up to 403 miles, and can travel in all weathers apart from fog. On board there is a pilot, two paramedics, a stretcher and an extra seat for emergency use.

Pat Metcalfe gave the vote of thanks for a very insightful talk on the ‘Care from the Air’ that these air ambulances undertake on a daily basis.

Ruth gave the members an in depth feedback of her day at the AGM in Leeds which was very enjoyable, apart from the weather. The speakers were excellent and most importantly, the resolution on organ donation was carried.

The monthly coffee morning at Viva will be on Tuesday, July 8 and the day after we will be going to the Plough for lunch – probably not walking this time as last year we were all soaked on the trek back!

Our garden meeting on Tuesday, August 26, will be a visit to Shrewsbury and will also take in a boat trip.

Group news from Wendy included details about the forthcoming Autumn Meting on October 7, (11am-3pm) at the Lifestyle Centre in Winsford featuring Prue Leith as Guest Speaker.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, July 29 when Mr. Harry Watson will be with us again, this time speaking about ‘The Trials of a Driving Instructor’

New members and visitors are always welcome. More details can be obtained from our Secretary Wenda Jones on 01606 331121.

Tricia Goodier