Press Release

RESCUE STATION EXTENSION WILL HELP SAVE LIVES

 

Digging the first sod. From left to right Arthur Burden (Chairman Burdens Group) Merv Fleming (SARA Beachley Station Chairman) Eddie Hayward (Chepstow Plant International) Peter Wischhusen (SARA Executive Fundraising Officer)

 

Work began today, Monday 12th November, on the long awaited Boathouse extension to the SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association) Chepstow Rescue Station. When the £300,000 project is complete it will enable this vital lifesaving organisation to keep its frontline rescue boats and emergency response vehicles under one roof. Thus improving emergency response times and equipment reliability as well as providing a purpose built classroom for community awareness of water safety on the dangerous river Severn and estuary

The building contract has been awarded to a local building contractor G Hughes (Chepstow) Ltd part of Chepstow Plant International Limited with the national builders merchant Burdens providing materials at a substantial discount.

Peter Wischhusen, Executive Fundraising Officer for SARA said “It is great to see this essential project get underway. We are grateful to the contractors G Hughes (Chepstow) Ltd for providing charitable terms for the contract and to Burdens for their generous offer of materials well below market price. We are also grateful to all those individuals and organisations that have generously donated funds towards this development but we are however still in need of £120,000 to complete the project and I would appeal to businesses, community service clubs, social clubs and individuals to donate what they can in order that we can complete this lifesaving project without delay.”

Peter went on to say “We would also be grateful to receive donations of equipment, in particular an air conditioning unit for the drying room and lights and electrical fittings.”

SARA was actively involved in many rescues during the recent flooding in Gloucestershire and remains in full readiness for the next inevitable incident wherever this may occur throughout its area of operation stretching from SE Wales to the Midlands, its volunteer members are on call 24/7.

If you or your organisation would like to make a donation please send your cheque payable to:  SARA BUILD ACCOUNT to The Lifeboat Station, Beachley, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 7HH or if you would prefer to present a cheque in person phone Peter Wischhusen on 01594 510349 who will make an appointment with you.

ENDS