THE monthly meeting of the W.R.B.L. took place at the Stonehouse Community Centre on Thursday, February 27.

The chairman Janet Walsh led the exhortation and silent tribute.

There were 33 members present.

When the business side of the meeting was dealt with Janet welcomed the speaker Susie Goodwin, who is the Gloucestershire Regional Manager for the Midland Air Ambulance Charity, with Barrie her helper at the meeting.

The Air Ambulance was launched in 1991 and since then has responded to 40,000 missions,of which most are to traffic accidents and sport and leisure accidents.

Air lifting a casualty to hospital within one hour of the incident greatly increases their chance of survival.

This is called the Golden Hour.

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity have a fleet of three aircraft.

They can reach a Trauma centre in less than 15 minutes.

Funding is solely by public giving and legacies.

There is no Government money given.

£6million is needed each yea r to maintain this service.

It costs £2,500 for each take off.

Paramedics and Doctors are employed from the N.H.S.

The pilot also helps – all risking their lives to save others.

The charity also relies on other helpers and volunteers.

One famous helper is Richard Hammond of Top Gear, as his life was saved following his tremendous accident.

Susie was thanked for her interesting and informative talk.

The competition for a charity pin was won by Doreen Burford.

Our next meeting is on Thursday, March 27 at 1.45 at the Community Centre.

We hope to have a fashion show.

We are always pleased to welcome visitors and new members.

The competition will be for a Fashion Accessory.

A community Coffee Morning will take place at the Community Centre on Wednesday, March 19, 9.30 –1130a.m. with proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal.