Camping & Caravanning Club NFOL 2004

SARA were chosen as the Chairman's Charity by Mr. Russell Hurlston who was the organising Chairman of the Camping and Caravanning Club's National Feast of Lanterns 2004 which took place this year at Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire at the beginning of September.

SARA were provided with a pitch on the Trade area and a small marquee which allowed them to set up a stall promoting the organisation. The fundraising commenced at Easter and continued until the Berkeley event. At the time of the closing ceremony £1,677 had been counted with monies still coming in. An official presentation will be made to SARA once all details are finalised.

Alan Stanley (Executive Chairman) and his wife Andrea attended over the 4 days together with crew members from Sharpness Station who provided Mobile 3 and SARA 4 which is the newest rescue boat in the fleet for display although both were available for callout if required.

SARA would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Charity and for making the arduous task of fundraising so enjoyable. "Everyone we met were so kind, helpful and friendly, it was a pleasure to be there. We had never seen such wonderful organisation for such a large event, everyone in the working party & organising committee did a superb job". The Mardi Gras procession on the Saturday afternoon was truly spectacular and the Torchlight procession on the Saturday evening also attracted a huge number of people.

Picture: Alan Stanley (Exec Chairman SARA) Russell Hurlston (Chairman, Organising Committee NFOL 2004) David Batty (Chairman Camping & Caravanning Club)

The SARA Stand - With Mobile 3

The SARA Stand - With SARA 4

SARA 4 - Complete with Passenger!

News Item added 11/09/2004