Somerset Red Cross centenary

11:00am Friday 20th April 2007

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A BEAUTIFUL garden in Stogursey is throwing open its gates to help the British Red Cross celebrate 100 years of good work in Somerset.

Lady Gass, who owns the long-established woodland gardens in the village, hopes to mark the charity's centenary and raise funds with an open day on Sunday (April 29) from 2-5pm.

"Today we may have different technology but we still depend on public donations and trained volunteers."

Patricia Edwards, acting area operations director.

The Red Cross has come a long way since it was first launched on April 16, 1907, when it was dedicated to caring for the sick and injured in times of war.

Records from 1907 reveal that the charity's equipment for emergencies was basic.

Instructions included: "Use crank axle vehicles, which are particularly suitable for the conveyance of wounded persons and ponies and donkeys improvise a stretcher with light poles and canvass."

Today the Red Cross use a range of equipment from defibrillators, fully equipped 4x4 ambulances and satellite navigational devices to help it to provide local services to the community and respond to emergencies.

The organisation's work has grown from its historic first aid and nursing role and now includes many other activities.

In Somerset it provides drivers and escorts for patients attending oncology appointments, uses a Bridgwater based camper van to give immediate support to people at fire scenes, offers short term help to those coming home from hospital and runs a doorstep delivery service of mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs.

The charity is also heavily involved in peer education work in the county, where young people learn first aid and humanitarian skills, which they then pass on to others.

But Patricia Edwards, acting area operations director for the charity, said some things in Somerset never change.

"In 1907 the Red Cross was preparing for emergencies and just beginning to raise money and train volunteers.

"Today we may have different technology but we still depend on public donations and trained volunteers.

"I hope people go along to Stogursey Garden and have a great day out while supporting a good local cause."

Entry is £4 for adults and free for those under 16.