New division launched in West Berkshire

Ambulances at the Windsor Half Marathon

Volunteers are being sought to join a newly formed Newbury and Thatcham Adult Division to help with their first aid and community projects in West Berkshire.

Natural progression

St John Ambulance Berkshire has been looking to open a division for adult members in the Newbury area for many years now as they already have a Badger Sett and a Cadet unit there. They want to provide these young members with a means of natural progression to become adult members in the future.

The Newbury and Thatcham area was identified as having the potential to host a successful division. We are confident that in time this can be achieved.

Robert Newman
Commissioner Operations, Berkshire

Robert Newman, Commissioner Operations for St John Berkshire is happy that they have achieved this goal. 'We get lots of enquiries from West Berkshire residents about joining us after they have taken one of our commercial first aid courses and want to have the opportunity to put their newly acquired skills into practice.

'It has been our aim to have an adut division in each major town in the county and the Newbury and Thatcham area was one we identified as having the potential to host a successful division. We are confident that in time this can be achieved.'

Volunteer opportunities available within the charity range from those of first aiders, to fundraisers, radio operators and youth leaders, all of which are vital to helping St John realise their vision that 'everyone who needs it should receive first aid from those around them and no one should suffer from a lack of trained first aiders.'

Once fully trained, members are able to attend local events across Berkshire to be on hand should anyone require first aid assistance. Those often attended by volunteers in West Berkshire include the annual Lambourn Stables open day, The Ridgeway Walk and the Chieveley fireworks display. Newbury and Thatcham members will also be able to go along to other county events such as sporting fixtures at the Madejski Stadium and Ascot Races.

The new division will be meeting every Tuesday evening in Thatcham at the Frank Hutchins Community Hall and are keen to speak to anyone who would like to become a volunteer. No previous first aid experience is needed as basic and advanced training is provided.

For further information about joining the division as a Badger, Cadet or an adult then please call 0118 9335500.