37 members and 4 visitors attended our June meeting when Matt Cloke, Chairman of Essex Search and Rescue, came along to tell us all about this worthwhile charity. He explained that it was run by a highly trained and experienced group of volunteers who came from all sorts of backgrounds and work alongside the police to help search for high risk and vulnerable people that go missing in Essex and the surrounding area. We were surprised to hear that every year this is some 5,000-6,000 people. They receive no public funding but manage on donations, street collections, grants and the lottery. Their most recent involvement was with the Steven Reis case in June this year, a local Rowhedge man, which involved 500 man hours over 6 days covering some 375 acres of land but resulting tragically in his body being found by a member of the public. Matt was very obviously passionate about his work and was very interesting to listen to.
Our next meeting is at 7.30pm on July 26th when we will be having our annual Social Night. This year’s theme is “Great Britain Evening” and we will be having music and singing provided by Helen Abbey and her accompaniment and suitable refreshments. There will also be a prize for the best hat! Membership is full but visitors are very Welcome, at a cost of £5.00 for July’s evening, by contacting any of the following committee members.
If you would like any further information about P.A.W.S. please ring any of us on any of the following numbers. Alice 01206 735510, Jane 01206 735004, Julia 01206 735053 or Sue 01206 735212.
