Rob Davis, Crisis, Disaster and Risk Specialist and SARAID Team Leader gave a fascinating talk to Connaught Freemasons during the evening of Wednesday, 15th November.

Based in Yate, SARAID. is a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) and Registered Charity comprised of Search and Resue Volunteers, each of whom has specific professional skills and are available to be immediately deployed every day of the year to natural disasters anywhere in the world. It is the only UK voluntary team to be officially classified by the United Nations (UN) and abides by its rules and regulations. The team takes with them more than two tons of equipment, usually flying with commercial airlines, who occasionally waive the baggage fees, or with the RAF if flights are available.

The most recent deployment was in February 2023 to the earthquake in Turkey. There SARAID coordinated all the rescue teams arriving at the airport from around the world, as well as deploying their own personnel who carried out many life-saving rescues One notable rescue was of a mother and son who had been buried under a collapsed tower block for three days with the danger of a further collapse. When found, the mother insisted her son be rescued first; unfortunately, her husband did not survive.

As a charity it is dependent on public support or sponsorship from businesses and companies. With this in mind the Lodge was pleased to present Rob with a £1,000 donation. For further details about SARAID, or if wishing to donate, go to their website: www.saraid.org

If interested in joining Connaught Lodge email [email protected] or see www.connaughtlodge.org

Chris James