MARGARET Atherton, president, welcomed members following the August break.

The speaker for the evening was Mr Watson, a volunteer fundraiser for North West Air Ambulance Service.

His talk on the lifesaving work of the Air Ambulance showed the difficult and often dangerous situations in which helicopters go to the rescue.

He stressed that road ambulance paramedics are as skilled as air staff but they have a 60mph speed limit and traffic obstructions, but helicopters are allowed to fly at 150mph and have no traffic to contend with.

The North West is covered by three air ambulances — in the summer they attend an average of 30 incidents a day.

The talk was both interesting and informative and gave members an appreciation of the fantastic work and dedication of the air ambulance service. After sharing information about the scheduled outings and activities. 

Sharon Boden drew members attention to Christmas. It's long standing practice to have Secret Santa presents, Sharon proposed that they sponsor a child instead. The suggestion was received with enthusiasm and promptly accepted.

Josie Gallimore was congratulated on valiantly completing the Midnight Walk. The competition was won by Doreen Percival.

The next meeting will be on October 13 at 7.30pm in the Methodist Hall. Eric Newton will speak about life as a busker. The competition is bring an old coin.

Annemarie Allen