SARA has recently replaced two of its LandRover vehicles.
The existing Beachley 'Mobile 1' unit had become increasingly unreliable and was nearing the end of its serviceable life. A second hand LandRover Discovery was purchased to take its place, and being a Turbo Diesel should be considerably more reliable and economical than the outgoing petrol unit. When collected the vehicle resembled the similar vehicle in the picture below. It was dark green and in standard equipment and trim.
This vehicle has now been painted the new SARA Vehicle colours, which are Dark Blue. It is in the process of having appropriate livery applied. This includes the SARA logos and information, plus high visibility reflective striping to denote its status as an emergency vehicle, Blue lights will also be fitted. All of the interior equipment - Radios, electrical wiring for lighting etc, racking for equipment will shortly be fitted. It is expected that the vehicle will be ready for service in the next few weeks.
SARA Sharpness have also replaced their ageing LandRover 'Mobile 3' with a second hand long-wheelbase LandRover 110. Again the new vehicle is powered by a turbo diesel engine and it is expected to present much better economy than the outgoing V8 Petrol Model. The new vehicle is also painted in the same new colour scheme, and is being fitted with all of the same equipment. The vehicle is nearing completion and will be on service shortly.
At the same time as replacing the LandRover at Beachley it was decided to investigate the possibility of acquiring a dedicated launch and recovery vehicle. To the present date, the boats at Beachley had been launched and recovered on the slipway with the 'Mobile 1' LandRover This has resulted in a lot of the corrosion that rendered the old vehicle unserviceable.
David James, a local mechanic, has supplied SARA with a large dumper to be used as launch tractor. This has been converted for our use, and is painted in the SARA colours, and once the electrics have been completed will be ready for service. SARA would like to thank Dave James for supplying this launch vehicle, which was given on exchange for the old 'Mobile 1' LandRover The dumper has been valued and is now worth considerably more than the LandRover. Dave has also put in many hours of work on both the dumper and getting the new 'Mobile 1' ready for service, and has generously allowed the use of his workshop for both of these projects. We cannot thank Dave enough, and SARA Beachley would also like to make special mention of Chris Taylor, one of our own members who has also put in many hours work on the Beachley Vehicles.
Photos of all three new vehicles will appear here on the website shortly.
Due to the urgency of replacing the two LandRovers, we were not able to obtain them via donations - almost all of our previous vehicles were donated to us. This of course meant a large expenditure for the organisation. We are looking to get the vehicles sponsored. If you or your company can help, please contact us.
News Item added 30/8/2002