Cheshire Search and Rescue Team
Unit 2 - 14 Premier Park 35 Road One Winsford Industrial Est WINSFORD Cheshire CW7 3PH
Charity Number: 1105454
TRUSTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT 1[st] April 2023 – 31st March 2024
Trustees: Bryn Jones - Chair Neil Clegg – Independent Trustee Oly Buckingham – Deputy Chair Steve Dance – Deputy Chair Andrew Ross - Deputy Chair Barbara Broderick – Deputy Chair Dan Parker – Deputy Chair Rachel Smith – Secretary Lesley Davies – Treasurer Dave Newbury – Training Lead Malcolm Prichard – Non-Executive Trustee Peter Taylor – Non-Executive Trustee Anthony Horrigan – Non Executive Trustee
Structure, Governance and Management :
Constitution Adapted:
Constitution: Unincorporated
Trustee Selection: Trustees are appointed and reappointed at the Annual General Meeting
Policies: Governance policies are presented and reviewed by all Trustees and provided to all members
Objectives and Activities:
To assist Cheshire Police and any other Police / Search and Rescue / Emergency Service resource within mainland UK to locate and assist missing persons. This included medical assistance where qualified and to be an additional resource to assist at any major incident within mainland UK.
To Assist in the relieving of suffering and distress amongst persons endangered by accident or natural hazard, principally in Cheshire but without geographical limitation, and to support any other rescue organisation, and to provide adequate arrangements for the secure and efficient search and rescue of any persons so endangered.
Introduction:
2024 marked a significant milestone for Cheshire Search and Rescue (CSAR) as we celebrated our 20th anniversary. This year offered an opportunity to reflect on two decades of service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to supporting our community of Cheshire and beyond in times of need.
The team has grown substantially over the years, and as of 2024, we have 63 members, including 44 operational volunteers and 19 trainees and support personnel. These individuals form the backbone of our organisation, selflessly giving their time and expertise to ensure the safety of others.
In 2024, CSAR responded to 42 call-outs, demonstrating the vital role we play in the region. Of these, 33 were searches for missing persons, with 18 taking place within Cheshire and 15 involving assistance to neighbouring teams. We also provided support to the North West Ambulance Service on eight occasions and carried out one snow rescue. These callouts alone accounted for an impressive 1,567 volunteer hours, highlighting the dedication and resilience of our team members.
Beyond call-outs, training remains a cornerstone of our operations. Over the year, the team completed 76 training exercises, contributing a total of 3,692 hours to CPD and ensuring readiness for any scenario. This rigorous preparation underpins our ability to deliver efficient and effective responses when Cheshire residents need us most.
Community engagement has also been a significant focus this year, with 122 events held, ranging from fundraising initiatives to public awareness campaigns and team meetings. These events added another 2,191 hours of volunteer time, showcasing our commitment to building strong relationships with the communities we serve.
In total, CSAR donated an astounding 7,450 hours to the community in 2024, a testament to the extraordinary dedication of our volunteers.
This year, we proudly celebrated 20 years of service. The anniversary was marked by a series of events, including the illumination of the Mersey Gateway Bridge in our team colours of orange and white. It was a poignant reminder of the impact we have made over the past two decades. Through initiatives like our #FunFactFriday series, we shared insights into our operations and shone a spotlight on the incredible individuals who make our work possible. As the year ended, we reflected on our journey and expressed gratitude to the community for their unwavering support.
Looking back over 2024, Cheshire Search and Rescue continues to make a profound difference in people’s lives. From the dedication of our volunteers to the generosity of our supporters, the collective effort ensures we can rise to every challenge. As we look forward to 2025, we remain steadfast in our mission to remain professional in all but pay.
Financial Review:
Funds are split between two bank accounts to ensure adequate levels of protection and resilience, with a positive balance of £40,000 Reserve maintained to ensure annual financial coverage. The Team does not invest or seek to capitalise on income or fundraising. There are no employees and no funds paid to members and no remunerations or expenses paid.
Declaration:
NAME: Bryn Jones POSITION: Trustee / Chairman DATE : January 2024 SIGNATURE: B Jones
Cheshire Search and Rescue Income & Ex enditure for the Period endin 31st March 2024 Income Boats Member donations Donations Insurance Miscellaneous 318.00 9132.00 28926.59 73.64 10768.22 Total Income 49218.45 Expenditure Boats CourseslAccomodation Clothing Equipment Insurance AwardslGifts Telephone/lCT Vehicle costs Miscellaneous Total Expenditure 5871.42 4852.64 6839.16 11081.97 1812.52 4820.53 3566.10 3552.83 42397.17 SUrpluslDe¥'t for the year 6821.28
Cheshire Search and Rescue Balance Sheet 31st March 2024 Current Assets Bank Account - Natwest 30222.29 Bank Account - Co-op 56473.51 Total Assets 86695.80 Current Liabilities Creditors 0.00 Total Liabilities 0.00 Net Assets 86695.80 Represented by.. Balance blfwd Surplus for the current period 79874.52 6821.28 86695.80
Wendy Wilson 4 Edward Road Great Sankey Warrington WA5 3LT wjwilson73@yahoo.com AUDIT CERTIFICATE I have examined the records and supporting documentation relating to Cheshire Search and Rescue's fund for the financial year 2023/24. I certify that in my belief the records and supporting documentation give a true and fair view for the receipts and payments for the year ending 31, March 2024 according to my best information and as shown in the books of the fund and the balances held. l am happy that the income and expenditure controls are in place. Wendy Wi150n December 2024