Rotary Club ofSenlac

These were Chris Potter, having returned from Cambodia, the Yellowmen returning from Kenya early in morning and David Beavis, from Sunrise Rotary Club, South Africa.

Additional guests were Brian Hyams and George Marlow.

The evening was one of laughter and good fellowship.

Following dinner, Adrian Barrett, co-ordinating and marketing liaison for East and West Sussex British Red Cross Society, opened his talk by mentioning a brief history of the Society.

From the aftermath of battle dating back to 1859, the Red Cross was founded by a Swiss businessman, Henry Dunant, and formed an international committee in 1862.

The purpose was to establish hospitals and help vulnerable people.

The Society operates in 195 countries in World (192 United Nations, 186 Red Cross).

Mention was made of Red Crescent Societies -- International Federation of Red Cross Societies.

There is a British Red Cross National Committee – the local Red Cross acts accordingly.

The Red Cross emblem is sometimes confused with the flag of Switzerland (white cross, red background).

The speaker indicated services offered, for example football matches, teaching first aid, organising courses throughout south-east territory; health and safety courses within the workplace where more than 10 people are employed (he pointed out that accident insurance claims could be affected if HSE guidance rules are not adhered to).

It is the mission of the Red Cross Society to target teaching “community-based first aid”, which consists of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), the recovery position, choking and severe bleeding.

First aid can be mastered by vulnerable people such as autistic people, the disabled those with special needs. Various courses are organised by the group, for example Save-a-life, Basic First Aid, Practical First Aid, Emergency Life Support and First Aid for Vulnerable People.

Those in attendance were able to ask questions.

It was interesting to note that besides 999 as an emergency number, dialling 112 on a mobile was effective when travelling overseas.

Past president, Rotarian Paul Hollingsworth, offered appreciation for attendance and a vision of the history and work of British Red Cross.

He also acknowledged the importance of as many people as possible understanding, with confidence, the action to take in an emergency - which is never ‘planned’ but ‘happens’!