News from around the clubs - July 17

Rotary Club of Bexhill

UNTIL two years ago, Sussex didn't have its own dedicated emergency helicopter but then, on June 8 2007, the Sussex Air Ambulance emergency helicopter G-KSSH was launched for the first time from the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service base at Dunsfold Park.

Just over two years later members of Bexhill Rotary Club, their wives and guests gathered at the Cooden Beach Golf Club for their fortnightly meeting and saw and heard the speaker for the evening give a presentation describing the service and its operations.

Introduced by vice president John Griffith, the speaker was Mike Barker, one of six volunteers who personally spread the word about the service, and is, coincidentally a member of Seaford Martello Rotary Club.

Sussex Air Ambulance Service is one of 16 independent air ambulance operators which are charities entirely reliant on donations, receiving no Government or Lottery funding '“ only the Scottish service is Government supported.

The helicopter, an MD902 Explorer that flies at around 150 miles per hour and normally at about 1,500 feet costs 4.5 million and is serviced after every 50 flying hours.

It won't fly in fog, low cloud or freezing rain, nor will it fly in the dark '“ there is a night service offered by the police helicopter until 1.30am. Lights or, as they call it "night sun", would cost 1 million extra.

Altogether with an average of two missions flown per day (325 so far this year), costs amount to approximately 1.7m per year or 4,700 per day.

Recognising the need for maximum medical treatment within the "golden hour," both the Kent and the Sussex services carry a trauma doctor along with a paramedic and the pilot on board.

Comprehensive treatment can therefore be provided on the ground as well as in the air rather than the "swoop and scoop" approach adopted by all the other HEMS operators in the country.

To this end equipment carried includes a ventilator, defibrillator, ECG, ultrasound and splintage.

Once the decision is taken to launch the helicopter it flies toward the "incident" and then the final decision to land and provide the service is taken en-route.

Fifty per cent of all despatches result in this ultimate service being given, otherwise road services attend and the helicopter returns to base.

After receiving medical attention on the ground, the patient would then be flown, still receiving treatment in the air, to the appropriate destination '“ more often than not to the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel which can be reached within 38 minutes from anywhere in Sussex.

Of all the missions flown, 34 per cent are to attend road crashes, 17 per cent are for medical emergencies and other patients are recovered from their home, work place, golf courses and sports venues, and from accidents involving horses and air crashes.

After Mike Barker had answered questions from the floor and an appreciation of his presentation had been given by Past President, Paul Harris Fellow Peter Mitchell-Davis, followed by warm applause from the Rotarians and guests, President Richard Harrison gave him a 500 cheque.

This was one of President Richard's final presentations on what is his last full meeting as President in the current Rotary year and will help Sussex Air Ambulance Service to continue with "saving time '“ saving life".

NHS Retirement Fellowship

THE fellowship will be holding its last meeting before the summer break in August, on Monday, July 20 when all members are invited to join us for a 'getting to know you' social afternoon.

Tea and biscuits will be served, and a raffle will be held with lots of attractive, gift-wrapped prizes.

At the June meeting, the annual strawberry cream tea was very much enjoyed by all and many thanks go to the ladies who prepared such a wonderful spread.

The summer outing to Ashburnham Place was well-attended, although an extremely hot afternoon prevented some members from enjoying the gardens to their full extent.

Preparations for the new programme of speakers and events is in progress, and will shortly be available to all members.

If you have ever worked for the NHS and would like to join our friendly group, please call 210934 for further details.

Bexhill Probus Club

AUTHOR Neil Arnold, the only official investigator into big cat and other unusual animal sightings across the south, enthralled our members with his talk at our meeting on June 25.

At least we can walk safely around our town at night, as no sightings have yet been made in Bexhill. In the surrounding countryside yes; so be very careful when taking the dog for a walk at night!

Rochester based Neil, on his first speaking date in Bexhill, began his talk by telling members that he had been interested in the subject since the age of 13. He continued with details of the three 'cats' at large in the south. The black leopard (panther), the puma (mountain lion/cougar) and the Eurasian lynx. These have been sighted for many years and as they have a lifespan of about 15 years it is obvious that they are breeding in our countryside.

Neil continued by explaining that for more than 20 years working with zoologists he has tracked these exotic cats throughout Kent, Sussex and London. Each year Kent Big Cat Research receives around two hundred eye-witness reports of sightings. In addition they have collated evidence such as paw prints, livestock kills, faeces, fur samples and video footage.

The talk continued with comments of the many and varied exotic birds and animals abroad in our towns and countryside. Many of course, such as lions, tigers etc are only on the loose for a brief time. However wild boar, wallabies and mink are established, along with birds such as the green parakeet.

After the completion of his talk Neil answered a selection of members' questions. Finally the vote of thanks was given by Ken Caswell.

Next month will see the summer lunch on July 23, this year at the Cooden Beach Hotel.

East Sussex Bridge Club

RESULTS for the East Sussex Bridge Club week ending June 25:

Monday June 22:

N/S First '“ Ann and Peter Preedy

Second '“ David Bacon and Kay Peeke

E/W First '“ Molly Bryant and Richard Slatter

Second '“ Joan Bradley and Ted Weare

Wednesday June 24:

First '“ Brian Gould and Barbara Herold

Second '“ Tony Walker and Caroline Richardson

Third '“ Annie Garry and Claire Weston

Thursday June 25:

N/S First '“ Eileen and John Fone

Second '“ Vera Smith and Joan Bradley

E/W First '“ Paula Abbey and Pam Cooper

Second '“ Irene Heath and Geoffrey Jordan

Results for East Sussex Bridge Club week ending July 3:

Monday June 29:

N/S First '“ Deirdre Pudney and Diana Cooper

Second '“ David Bacon and Ted Weare

E/W First '“ John Clark and Inez Richards

Second '“ Patrick Hutley and Les Crawford

Wednesday July 1:

First '“ John Burke and Mary Varela

Second '“ Vi Boniface and Gary Manley

Third '“ Marion Atkins and John Polush

Thursday July 2:

N/S First '“ Josie Boryn and Ted Weare

Equal second '“ Vi Boniface and Gary Manley

Equal second '“ Joan Soan and Eileen Pavey

E/W First '“ Molly Bryant and Richard Slatter

Second '“ Inez Richards and Kay Peeke

For enquiries regarding sessions or lessons please contact Barbara on 01424 422118 or 07931884715

Bexhill Chess Club

ON July 7 Francis Rayner, six times Hastings and St Leonards Chess Club champion and Welsh international, gave a simultaneous exhibition at the Bexhill Club's venue, the Grosvenor Park Nursing and Residential home in Brookfield Road.

His score was 10 wins and one draw, against Joe Blake.

This was a slight improvement for the Bexhill Club over a similar exhibition five years ago when Mr Rayner won all 10 games played.

It is hoped to make this a regular, at least annual, event.

Training for the next occasion is now under way with a view to trying to gain at least one win against one of the county's top players.

Little Common Horticultural Society

ROSES are not easy to grow but with a little care and attention you will gain your reward. That was the advice from Sally Coles of Wych Cross Nurseries who spoke to more than 90 members at our July meeting.

Wych Cross provides container grown plants, not bare rooted, so they are well established when bought but still the best advice is dig a big hole, fill with well rotted manure or garden compost and add root grow.

This is the latest aid to guarantee good root growth.

When it comes to pruning either secateurs or chain saw '“ it depends what shape you want! Also spray twice a month to keep down black spot.

Sally showed slides and explained the history of roses (the Damask rose probably brought back by the Crusaders from Damascus) and the 15 species of roses bred originally from the hedge briar rose.

We saw pictures of the many roses they have in stock and were able to buy from those brought to the meeting. We were all given a brochure and a free coffee voucher for when we visit. As our chairman said, we know roses are interesting but didn't realise how much humour could be put into a talk about them '“ thank you, Sally.

July is the time to award the Ted Morris Cup for the best exhibit of Sweet Peas, which went to Brian Croft.

There was also praise for the variety of the monthly show '“ everything from roses through to vegetables and herbs, and all soft fruits. How many people have seen a Boisenberry before?

Anyone successful here was reminded that it is considered practice for the main show. Look at the section for members only.

Those members who visited Sissinghurst last month thoroughly enjoyed it and came away whispering "White Delphiniums" '“ they must have been a sight to see.

Our June coffee morning raised 187, thanks to those who made it happen.

The 90 members who visited Wendy and George for the strawberry tea were utterly charmed by the garden re-created by Wendy and raised 190 towards the 2010 Decade of Gardening Show.

Our next big event is the Annual Show on Saturday August 8. Our Show Secretary urged us to submit as many entries as possible - entry forms available from him or from Two Trees Cafe in Little Common.

Also anyone who has not yet volunteered, more small cakes are needed for the refreshments at the show. Just half-a-dozen rock cakes would be acceptable. Please contact 215812.