A VOLUNTEER-RUN rescue charity celebrated a huge milestone on Friday.
Kind-hearted volunteers from the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) - a lifeboat and inland search and rescue charity based in Gloucestershire - were invited to the Bathurst's mansion in Cirencester on Friday, October 20 to celebrate the charity's 50th anniversary.
Lady Bathurst, who is a patron of the charity, welcomed SARA team members from all seven rescue stations to the reception evening.
An array of SARA vehicles, boats and other rescue equipment were parked on the mansion's driveway for invited guests to look at throughout the evening.
Chief constable Rod Hansen, police and crime commissioner for Gloucestershire Chris Nelson, Cotswolds MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown were all in attendance as well as other members of the emergency services and past donors.
Both Lady Bathurst and Rod Hansen made speeches at the reception evening and shared some admirable comments about SARA.
In addition a new SARA award, the Jim Hewitt Award for Exceptional Endeavour in Search and Rescue, was announced.
SARA chairman Keith Beckett presented the new award to the crew of a small lifeboat who used their initiative to find and save a capsized kayaker in August.
Richard Newhouse, SARA chief finance officer, said: "Thankfully the afternoon’s torrential rain eased off for the critical hour before dark.
"We were particularly delighted that Jim Hewitt, founding chairman of SARA back in 1973 was able to attend, and to again meet the family of the late Maureen Easton, after whom SARA Lifeboat 14 - which was parked next to the main entrance - is named.
"Guests had plenty of opportunity to chat to SARA crew about what we do, and what it takes to continue to do it.
"One of the highlights of our 50th anniversary reception event last night was the premiere of the song SARA to the Rescue.
"This lovely tribute was created by the Cirencester Theatre Company and Kandy Suite Sounds, and the video shows many of SARA’s capabilities in action.
"It is now on SARA's Facebook page and SARA's YouTube channel, we are very grateful to the talented artists
"Huge thanks to the team from SARA Cotswolds who organised the event, and to Lord and Lady Bathurst and the Cirencester Estate team for hosting it.
"Happy Birthday to SARA! 50 years done; here's to 50 more!"
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