LEADING BUILDERS MERCHANTS HELP SAVE SUBSTANTIAL FUNDS FOR NEW SEARCH & RESCUE CENTRE

Bradfords Building Merchants with 27 branches in the South West have been a major contributor towards saving costs for the exciting new Exmoor Search and Rescue Centre based in South Molton, Devon.

The new centre was officially opened on 2^nd May, National Mountain Rescue Awareness day by the legendary Sir Ranulph Feinnes. Sir Ranulph Fiennes said: ‘I am delighted to be able to show my support for the Exmoor Search and Rescue Team. They are a dedicated and essential rescue team for the area, who make a huge difference, donating their time and efforts so freely.’

Clive Carvell, Area Operations Manager for Bradfords and Bill Allen, Chairman of the Exmoor Search & Rescue Team

Area Operations Manager for Bradfords Clive Carvell said: “As well as ensuring that we offered the best possible rates for building materials, we have worked closely with many of our suppliers to either donate materials or ensure that Exmoor Search and Rescue obtained very favourable rates. The total amount is hard to quantify, but we would estimate our contribution to have saved the team a substantial five figure sum”.

Another highlight was the launch of a specialist ale in aid of the team, courtesy of Exeter Brewery Ltd. The brewery has been working with the team over the last few months to develop an ale that will be sold throughout the South West. 10 pence of each pint for a year will go to assist the work of all the PenMCRA (Peninsula Mountain and Cave Rescue Association) teams. These include Exmoor SRT, Dartmoor Rescue Group, Cornwall SRT, Devon cave Rescue and SARDA, (the Search and Rescue Dogs Association). The ale is appropriately named ‘’Fraid Knot’ .

Sales and Operations Director for Bradfords Andy Gamble said: “We have supported Exmoor Search and Rescue team for a number of years, so we were delighted to be of assistance with this major project. The team cover a vast area, and in the past year they have been called out to many places including towns where we have branches such as Crewkerne, Taunton, Honiton and Bridgwater.”

The architect for this project was TWP based in Exeter and the structural works were completed by local builder Tim Stribley. The twelve month build comprised of a two storey building plus office area as well as the conversion of an industrial unit into a vehicle bay; a two storey classroom; meeting room; drying room and stores.

The Centre during building works

Phil Sparks, Team leader of Exmoor SRT said: “This was a very special day for everyone at Exmoor SRT because it has been the culmination of a lot of hard work by so many people. We would like to take this opportunity to pass on thanks to everyone who has helped, team members, supporters and sponsors alike. Without these special people, as well as everyone who donates so generously to us, our base and this centre would not have been possible.”