New improved volunteer venue officially opened

The people of Bracknell were celebrating recently when they came together to witness the official reopening of St John Ambulance’s Bracknell headquarters by the Lord Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire.

The refurbished venue allows room to train more volunteers so that Bracknell can benefit from an increased number of first aiders.

Keys to the building

Over 40 adult volunteers, Cadets, Badgers and guests gathered inside the venue on Crowthorne Road North, which has recently undergone a £50,000 refurbishment, including an extension to celebrate fundraising efforts and the work which went into the project.

Guests included the families of the volunteers, the Bracknell Forest Mayor, Bracknell Town Mayor and those who had made donations to the charity. The improved, larger building will provide a more spacious and comfortable environment in which St John Ambulance’s own volunteers and members of the public can be trained in lifesaving first aid and means that the Ascot and Bracknell Division who meet there can now take on more members.

The short service saw the keys to the building being presented to St John Ambulance Berkshire Commander, Mrs Sharon Johnson by the Lord Lieutenant, The Hon Mrs Mary Bayliss, after which a red ribbon which was separating the original part of the building from the new part was cut to officially declare the venue open.

Speaking as the key was exchanged, The Lord Lieutenant said, ‘I am pleased to present to you this extended divisional headquarters and request that you accept it and make use of it for the work of St John Ambulance, for the benefit of those who are sick or injured and for the training of those who take part in that work.’

After the formal opening, guests were given a first aid demonstration by Cadets and adult volunteers from the Ascot and Bracknell Division simulating the treatment of a casualty who had suffered a heart attack. The incident showcased the groups’ skills in performing CPR, using a defibrillator, administering oxygen and communicating via radio control with each other and a fellow volunteer pretending to be a 999 call operator. Many of the guests commented on how realistic the scenario was and how everyone involved impressed them with their professionalism.

Sharon Johnson said, ‘We are very grateful to the people of Bracknell for their support. Congratulations must go to everyone involved in the refurbishment as it has taken a great deal of work on the part of our staff and volunteers who have been busy fundraising and coordinating contractors to get the job done.

'The bigger and better venue will allow us the space to recruit more volunteers so we are encouraging anyone who may be interested in joining us a first aider, fundraiser or youth worker to get in touch.’

In addition to providing a base for volunteers, the venue will also be used to provide first aid and health and safety training to the public and is also available for hire.