August 21, 2004
Hovercraft attracts large crowds at fundraising day
Just two days after playing a vital role in the dramatic rescue of a father and son on Brean’s mudflats, supporters of the Burnham hovercraft were able to meet the team behind the life-saving service at a special fundraising day.
ESCAPE, the Emergency Services Community Awareness and Promotion Event, gave the public an opportunity to see BARB’s rescue hovercraft, the RNLI’s lifeboats, Coastguard vehicles, Avon and Somerset Constabulary police cars and the county’s ambulances in one location.
The event was held on Burnham’s seafront on Saturday August 21 and attracted large crowds who poured hundreds of pounds of much-needed funds into the organisations’ collection tins.
Among the spectators was Mike Martin with his grandson Joshua Martin (5) of West Huntspill (pictured top of page with BARB team member Mel Gosling). Mike said: “It’s a superb job that the hovercraft team do – they’re a real credit to the town. We always try to support them in any way we can.”
Meanwhile, Liam Davies (9) and brother Piers (7), pictured above, were given a hands-on demonstration of how the hovercraft works by BARB team member Chris Barker. The pair, who are visiting relatives at Berrow, could become hovercraft staff of the future!
A BARB hovercraft spokesman said: “Today has been a great opportunity for local people and visitors to see the work of Burnham’s rescue services. The good weather and publicity surrounding this week’s mudflats rescue at Brean brought out large crowds. We’re very grateful for all the positive feedback received and also to those who donated funds.”
Read about the RNLI lifeboat activities at ESCAPE here.
See the Official BARB Web site home page
