Guernsey Friends of Air Search 

President's Report 2001

There has been a very considerable increase in flying operations in the last 12 months, with a total of 36 operations completed when the aircraft has responded to calls from the emergency services to aid them in various ways.  The addition of the FLIR equipment has greatly enhanced the flexibility of the aircraft and enables it to search in darkness as well as daylight.  This has had a major impact on the service that can be provided and in addition to usual call-outs for assistance over the sea, the aircraft has also responded to calls for help from the police and fire-service.

As is obvious by the additional number of services being the flown, the need for funds to cover operational costs in addition to, for example, providing items such as replacement survival-suits and life jackets for the crew, has never been greater.  With this in mind the Friends have again embarked on a busy programme of fund-raising taking in some of the usual events, the Boat Show, North Regatta, Harbour Carnival and trying out new opportunities.

The Friends attended Floral Guernsey and, in conjunction with the event, also ran a highly successful Open Garden in June at the home of Renwick and Jean Russell, which was attended by over 1300 visitors. We were also very fortunate in being nominated as one of the two charities to benefit from the proceeds raised by the two very well supported performances at St. James of the Diva Opera.  Our thanks go out to Captain David Hodgetts and the Friends of Africa for thinking of us. 

2001 is also a milestone in the history of CIAS as it marks the twenty-first anniversary of the service.  As well as a number of articles in the Guernsey Press,  and interviews with people involved with the service on Radio Guernsey.  Channel Television have been for the past 18 months or so making a documentary on the history and operation of the service which it is hoped will be shown on television this autumn.

As always the Friends are looking to increase their numbers.  Help can be given in so many ways, from people joining the organisation and paying their subscription, still a valuable source of income, to assisting at one of the events we attend or even arranging with us for their particular professional organisation or society to come for a visit to the hangar and learn more about the operation.  This in turn often stimulates much interest and further support.

On behalf of the committee I should like to thank all those persons who have helped us with our fund-raising over the past twelve months in any way, great or small.  Without this support we could not continue in the same way, as without the support of local people and businesses, the service would not be able to operate to the highest level of safety, reliability and efficiency.

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