RNLI ANSTRUTHER LIFEBOAT GALA – History
February 27, 2011
Looking back, it was about 1994 when local radio amateurs first became involved with the Anstruther Lifeboat Gala. I am not sure how this came about. It may have been linked to John Smith, a local amateur who was also the radio operator on the lifeboat. John’s callsign is GM4EOU.
We set up a special event station to show members of the public attending the gala one aspect of amateur radio. I remember stringing up a dipole over some lamp posts and having an enjoyable day operating in the sun.
Over the next couple of years we took along the Fife Council Emergency Planning Vehicle to show members of the public what RAYNET was all about. This was not very exciting as the folk came in, were given a tour of the wagon and an explanation of what it was for and off they went. Imaging this several hundred times, I am sure you get the idea.
During these periods John Smith ran the RNLI radio communications for the event from inside the boat shed. He could not see what was going on outside. Next step saw the EPO vehicle being used as the communications base giving John a chance to see what was going on and get closer to the action.
About this time the vehicle also took on many other functions, First Aid Post, lost children (and Grannies) base, lost property deposit, announcements over the public address system in the wagon and a place where folk could get a cup of coffee or tea in relative calm. RAYNET members attending also took on the role of ‘mingling’ with the crowds and keeping an eye out for folks needing assistance.
Knowing that the Doctor was selling tickets at the car raffle stand and the nurse helping at the hamburger stand meant we could summon their assistance at short notice. This proved very beneficial when folk came along with nose bleeds, fish bones in the throat, sunstroke, scrapes and grazes. Incidentally, the lad with the fish bone in the throat ate half my roll which was commandeered by the nurse to dislodge the offending object. Revenge of the Kipper.
The Gala of course is all about raising funds for the RNLI and the whole event is a great family day out with lots to see. The list of groups attending is too great to list here but they include the Emergency Services, Army, Navy, International Rescue, Secret Bunker, parachuting, raft building and racing the same, local bands, disco dancers, ducking stool, and lots of veteran and vintage cars.
Highlight of the day is of course the launching of the lifeboat and a sea rescue usually performed by RAF rescue helicopter depending on the weather and availability. I remember helping pack up some pancakes topped with strawberries and cream that were rescued from the lifeboat and winched into the helicopter. All good clean fun.
One frightening demonstration was set up by Fife Fire and Rescue. This is the chip pan demonstration where a small cup of water is tipped into a pan of burning fat. The explosion like burst of flame and the radiant heat that could be felt about 40 feet away took my breath away and meant another chip pan went the way they should all go, into the recycle bin.
Loch Leven ½ Marathon
May 10, 2009
Local amateurs have been providing communications for the Loch Leven ½ Marathon event since it started 26 years ago.
Loch Leven 1/2 Marathon Route
Our main task is to provide radio communications for the First Aid teams. Sometimes this is for First Aiders at fixed points about the course or mobile units that respond on request.
As well as providing for the First Aiders, we have no objection to passing messages for the organisers that involve the welfare of the participants or the spectators. RAYNET members are also stationed at the water stations about the course.
Where First Aid vehicles are used, as well as voice radio, we also fit GPS receivers that connect to the radios. This system sends the location, speed and direction of the vehicle via the radio back to the control vehicle. This information is displayed on a laptop computer that shows on a map the detailed location of the vehicles. This allows a quick deployment of a First Aid vehicle without having to ask the locations.
This saves much time and effort in the event of an incident. In addition to this we also provide a ‘back marker’. This is a RAYNET member on a bicycle that is fitted with radio and GPS so the control can see at a glance on their laptop where the rear runner, or walker as is often the case, is located.
We have on occasion sent Slow Scan images from locations on the course back to the control vehicle using the same radio system.
The commentator for the event is given a receiver so that he can listen to our communications. This gives him instant feedback of who and where the first runners are. This keeps the spectators waiting at the finish up to date with the excitement of the race.
In the early days ‘Control’ used to be someone’s car. We now thankfully have the use of the Fife Council Emergency Planning vehicle. This vehicle is fitted out for such events and incidents that the Council would have to respond to such as power cuts, flooding and pollution.
Operation Black Wednesday
May 10, 2009
Place Holder for Case Study