2022-03-31-accounts

C.A.V.R.A.

Civil Aid Voluntary Rescue Association (CAVRA)

Charitable incorporated organisation number 1194929

3 Keteringham Close, Sully. Vale of Glamorgan. CF64 5JW

Report for 01/04/2021 to 31/03/2022:

The COVID-19 Pandemic continued, with many changes being made along the way, these were more stringent in Wales than those in England, which, has had a detrimental effect on our training particularly, as many courses were either cancelled, or delayed, especially those that were water related, with CIWW closed for long periods of time.

Stuart Wilson attended a FREQ3 course and successfully passed the examination. Tom Cole has since also passed a FREQ3 course.

Ivor and Jonathan attended a water awareness course, with a number of others attending SRT (Q) courses at CIWW, unfortunately, these were postponed on a number of occasions, also, Nick Baker has attended a water awareness course at CIWW.

Socially distanced training continued throughout most of the year at various locations.

A number of Run, Walk, Crawl events were attended.

The Land Rover was fitted with a “Dual Power charging system.” and also a “Wading” system.

6 Team members attended a First Aid Course (RQF Level 3) plus Oxygen and Defibrillator training.

Consequently, the issue regarding Patient Guidance Document (PGD) was overcome by getting supplies from BOC.

Tel: [phone] Email: [e-mail] www.cavra.org.uk

We also attended 2 Emergency Services Days at St-Mellons.

Mike, Kyle and Stuart attended a SFRBO (R) course.

We have also been in contact with the Welsh Government Business Advisory service, who, have taken much information from us and are looking at ways how we may be able to operate on a more commercial basis, discussions are ongoing at this time.

Repairs to the “Flatbed” trailer and the Communications & Support unit were also effected.

CAVRA also provided First Aid cover at the Llantwit Major Remembrance Day event with one assist.

We also welcomed a number of new team members, who, have commencing training, with 4 attending an SRT course, and a few other potential new members in the pipeline.

As we go in to 2022, things appear to be getting slightly better, with enquiries for cover at a number of events. New prices have been introduced for cover at these events, it remains to be seen if we lose any of them?

A more “commercial” view has been taken with several enquiries for this type of work.

We have received a Grant of £16,089.00 from WCVA (75% paid in January, (£12066.75) with the remaining 25% (£4022.25 to follow 3 months later.)

However, due to massive price increased in the cost of equipment we have submitted a second grant application which went to panel on 15[th] March 2022.

The second grant of £13000.00 was approved and the first part was paid on 14[th] March 2022, with a balance of £4022.25 due to follow in 3 months time.

Tel: [phone] Email: [e-mail] www.cavra.org.uk

This give us a total of £29089.00 from WCVA in grants for which we are extremely grateful.

Much of the equipment required has already been ordered and paid for, we await delivery of same.

A meeting also took place with the Dinas Powys Community Flood Group, who, are very interested in gaining our support during potential and actual flooding incidents in that area.

We are working with them towards establishing a resilient flood protection scheme, with further meetings planned, we are also looking at the possibility of having a “walk” along the riverbanks to get an idea of the terrain, followed by a live exercise later in the year.

Nigel and I have developed a resilient radio system for use with flooding incidents, we will be using the trade name of “Floodnet”, this name and a logo have been registered with the Intellectual Property Office, draft approval has been given, but, they cannot fully confirm until the statutory notification period has elapsed, this is due to become fully effective midApril.

The Land Rover and Support trailer have been “liveried” in orange and white Battenberg, which, is a great improvement on the previous logo, which was looking rather “tired.”

Glyn Saunders (DEFRA Resilience Officer) carried out an inspection on 10[th] February, details of which have already been promulgated. We need to get at least 2 SFRBO’s certified as new boat commanders as a matter of urgency.

There were a number of other minor matters that need to be addressed before the end of the year.

We were also “placed on Standby” by South Wales Police for impending Storms Dudley and Eunice, but, were not tasked.

Tel: [phone] Email: [e-mail] www.cavra.org.uk

During the Run, Walk, Crawl event held on Sunday 20[th] February when the weather conditions were absolutely atrocious we rescued 5 persons and assisted another 24. The organiser’s and many competitors voiced their thanks for all our efforts.

We have signed Memoradums of Understanding (MOU’s) with a number of Health Related organisations to provide cover in adverse weather conditions.

It is sad to note that most of the other emergency services engagement is sadly lacking.

We also received a demand for £150.00 as a result of using a photograph that was the copyright of an organisation called Agence France-Presse Imagery - Reference Number: 97758023-4626. After discussion with the Trustees, it was thought that to challenge this demand could cost us more in legal fees than the demand itself, plus any CCJ’s could be on my address. The fee was reluctantly paid on 7[th] March 2022.

We will follow this up, advising other organisations of the pitfalls as well as getting WCVA, GVS and Rip Off Britain on the case.

Following the successful grant applications to WCVA (and others) 10 new Pal dry suits, PFD’s with belts, Future Safety Helmets and Water Rescue boots have been paid for and ordered, delivery is awaited.

We have also taken delivery of an evacuation sled, with the Land Rover and trailer being fully liveried, and a new more powerful (25 HP) boat engine has been ordered.

The engine that was donated by Jonathan Thomas has been serviced and a prop-guard fitted. This means that we have 2 x 15 HP engines, plus the new 25 HP engine, as well as the 70 HP on FR2, therefore, we will be able to fully meet DEFRA requirements in this aspect.

Tel: [phone] Email: [e-mail] www.cavra.org.uk

A further meeting took place on 26[th] March 2022 with the Dinas Powys Community Flood Group, they are anxious to build long term relationships with CAVRA, consequently, we are hope to arrange “walk-through” of the rivers that are likely to flood one evening this summer, followed by a “dry-run” exercise later in the year, but, before the winter.

It is worth noting that since the foundation of CAVRA we have secured funding in excess of £400,000.00 since 2000, this has helped us to purchase equipment, training and other running costs.

I feel that we have now turned a corner, and are moving “positively forward”

Once again, may I thank each and every one of you for the support that you have given CAVRA.

Tel: [phone] www.cavra.org.uk

Email: [e-mail]

Tel: [phone] Email: erations cavra.o v.cavra.o

Tel: [phone] Email: erations cavra.o v.cavra.o