ESRAD 2010
Emergency Services Road Awareness Day
Saltash, Sunday 23/5/10
Organised by Saltash Fire Service Cadets and in support of the Cornwall Air Ambulance, this years event was a first but unlikely to be the last, judging by its success. Held on Warfelton Field, adjacent to the Leisure Centre, the event featured exhibits by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and their cadets, Cornwall Air Ambulance, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, South West Ambulance, RNLI, Dartmoor Rescue Group, National Blood Service, St John Ambulance, British Red Cross, Coastguard, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, Army Bomb Disposal and was supported by a number of local businesses and the Town Council. As motorcyclists unfortunately benefit from the services of the Air Ambulance, great effort was made to include bikers in the day and a number of Clubs and organisations attended as well as hundreds of individual riders. Bike parking was well organised and marshalled. ESRADS web-site suggests that 16000 people attended and 3000 bikes but I feel this was a tad optimistic. A brilliant attendance, whatever the figures.
Chapter members attending along with myself were John Rolfe and Gerry Hawkins (meeting at Exeter Services beforehand) and Kev Yates from deepest darkest Cornwall, travelled direct. We met a friend of John and a potential recruit, Graham on the site. Aaron Bevan was working at the Police display but had to attend two accidents elsewhere. We also met some of our friends from BMAD and British Legion Riders, the latter having their marquee/gazebo as at Paignton Bike Festival.
Motorcycle dealers including Harley, KTM and GT Motorcycles with their display of Triumph and Ducati attended in addition to clothing and accessory dealers. A good range of food and drink was on offer as well as a little pleasant but low key music. Intended as a family day rather than just a bikers event, a huge area was set aside for childrens play and was very well used. A Navy Sea King helicopter flew in and landed on the Sports Centre field and was a star attraction for the kids and adults alike. The Police helicopter landed for a while and although busy, the Air Ambulance visited and circled the site before flying off to another call. The Police display was impressive with a standard BMW bike, accompanied by their Harley and Yamaha R1 in Police trim. Several patrol cars were also there and an armed response crew.
The weather was fabulous and I look forward to next years event, when I think the Chapter will have a “pitch” as we did at the recent Paignton Bike Festival. The Knights did have its logo amongst those of supporting motorcycle clubs and organisations in the official programme for the event.
Webmasters note: Apparently the Quote of the day from Pat was "Right, now where are those Girl Guides" Now, I know there was a perfectly innocent reason, but why spoil a good story :-). My thanks to the Chapter member for the information.
Have a look at the photos in the gallery.
ESRADs own web site is www.esrad.com
Thanks to those from the Chapter who attended.