Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue: The BIG Fundraiser
Fri 3 Oct 2025 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Yeo Valley Canteen, BS40 7YE
An Evening to Support Local Heroes
Join us at the stunning Yeo Valley Canteen for a relaxed and inspiring evening in support of Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue. With great food, live entertainment, and a few surprises in store, this is a night not to be missed hosted by our special guest……
Dr. Phil Hammond – British physician, broadcaster, comedian and commentator.
TICKETS OUT SOON
What to Expect
- Delicious organic, seasonal supper
- Live music and entertainment
- Talks from our volunteer rescuers
- Dramatic rescue demonstrations
- Exciting raffle prizes
Why It Matters
This year marks our 50th anniversary – half a century of saving lives in remote and challenging environments. We’re currently raising funds to replace our ageing Incident Control vehicle, a vital hub for coordinating search and rescue operations. Your support helps keep our team equipped and ready to respond, day or night.
Whether you’re a supporter, outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a great night out with purpose, this evening is for you. Come along, bring friends, and enjoy a warm, welcoming night in aid of a fantastic cause.
Let’s celebrate 50 years of service – and help power the next 50.
Where? Yeo Valley Canteen, BS40 7YE
When? Friday 3 October 2025 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Dress Code? Smart Evening Attire
Posted on 14 / 07 / 2025
Seven new “Full” members join the team.
A huge well done to 7 of our dedicated trainees who were officially made up to full team members during Sunday’s training! 
After an intense and challenging 12 months of training—from rescue scenarios to real callouts—they’ve shown true commitment, resilience, and a good dose of the madness it takes to be part of this team! 
Welcome aboard – we’re proud to have you (officially) join the crew!
ASSAR is a completely voluntary organisation and relies entirely on public donations to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your support is really appreciated by us and the people we help.
Posted on 07 / 07 / 2025
Weekend Adventure on the Mendips!
Last weekend, Avon & Somerset Search & Rescue were proud to support the Top of the Gorge Adventure Weekend (6–8 June), based around the dramatic landscapes of Cheddar Gorge and the Mendip Hills.
This year’s festival was jam-packed with trail running, mountain biking, and road cycling.
Challenging trail runs — options ranging from a tough marathon and half‐marathon, down to 10 km, 6 km, and 3 km distances – all winding through jaw‑dropping gorge scenery.
Mendip Murmuration MTB ride — a 26–35 mile off‑road mountain biking sportive over flowing singletrack, limestone rock gardens, and hilly trails across Cheddar Gorge, Crook Peak, Black Down and more.
Lakes & Lumps road ride — a 43‑mile challenge with 850 m of climbing through lakes and rolling hills of the Mendips.
There were also walking options, family-friendly activities, rangers’ talks, VR tours, campsite fun, and fundraising challenges for gorge conservation.
Our team were on the ground across the weekend to:
Monitor trail runners and bikers, especially on remote, muddy, or steep stretches. Provide assistance and support the event medical staff where needed, ensuring everyone stayed safe and supported.Coordinate with event organisers and marshals for smooth communications in case of incidents.
A massive thank you to our volunteers who gave up their weekend to support the event – and to everyone who took part in this vibrant outdoor celebration. Looking forward to next year already!
ASSAR is a completely voluntary organisation and relies entirely on public donations to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your support is really appreciated by us and the people we help.
Mountain Rescue England and Wales
SWERA – South West England Rescue Association
Mendip Hills National Landscape
Somerset Outdoor – National Trust
Posted on 11 / 06 / 2025
A BIG success for our new RRMT’s
Congratulations to Our New Remote Rescue Medical Technicians!
Over the past two weekends, we’re thrilled to celebrate:
– Gracie, Jamie & Judith – successfully completing their Remote Rescue Medical Technician (RRMT) course for the first time
– Alex, Gareth & Mike – re‑qualifying as RRMTs
A huge thank you to Severn Area Rescue Association for co‑hosting the training, and to all the dedicated faculty who volunteered their time and expertise!
What is an RRMT?
Formerly known as “Casualty Care,” our RRMTs are trained to a level comparable with Ambulance Technicians—plus specialist skills tailored to mountain and remote environments. They can:
Perform advanced resuscitation (bag‑valve masks, simple airways)
Conduct rapid A‑to‑E assessments in both medical and trauma scenarios
Deliver life‑saving interventions (chest seals, tourniquets)
Administer medications for pain, nausea, respiratory issues, seizures, hypoglycaemia, asthma, and more
ASSAR is a completely voluntary organisation and relies entirely on public donations to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your support is really appreciated by us and the people we help.
Posted on 08 / 06 / 2025
Water Team to the rescue
Congratulations to our newly qualified @rescue3europe Swift Water and Flood Rescue Technicians (DEFRA module 3) that competed their course over the last few days.
This was part of a busy weekend of training for the team, with 4×4 driver training, technical rope rescue training alongside a swift water and flood rescue technician course all running!
Team members hold this nationally recognised certification to carry out search and rescue operations around bodies of water, including flooding incidents and allows simpler interoperability between different emergency services.
ASSAR is a completely voluntary organisation and relies entirely on public donations to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your support is really appreciated by us and the people we help.
Posted on 01 / 03 / 2024