Platinum Jubilee Medals for Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team - Ashburton
On Wednesday 29th June, Platinum Jubilee medals, to mark the 70th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne, were awarded to members of Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team - Ashburton
The medals were awarded, on behalf of the Queen, by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon David Barlow at a ceremony hosted by Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew of Devon & Cornwall Police at the Police headquarters in Middlemoor, Exeter. The Mayor of Ashburton, where the rescue team has its base, was the final VIP at the event.
Jubilee medals have been awarded to more than 30 members of the 60-stong volunteer team as a token of the nation’s thanks.
The awards are part of a UK-wide celebration which has seen Jubilee medals given to members of the armed forces and the emergency services, including voluntary mountain rescue teams across the UK, who have provided more than five years of service.
The dedicated team of volunteers who make up Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (Ashburton), provide an emergency rescue service 24-hours a day, 365 days-a-year.
Some of the more longstanding members had also received medals during the Diamond and even Gold Jubilees. At this ceremony, six team members received their third jubilee medal which represents a minimum of 25 years of voluntary service from each individual.
Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team - Ashburton team leader Martyn Evans said, "Members of DSRT Ashburton were presented with Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee medal. 31 of the 42 who were entitled, received their medal from the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Robin Barlow. Also present was the ACC for Devon & Cornwall Police, the Mayor and Deputy Major of Ashburton and over 30 family members. Amazingly, 6 stalwarts of the team are now proud recipients of the 3 of the Queen's medals; a proud day for them and their families. After the presentation out honoured guests, family members and team members were treated to a buffet and chatted for several hours before heading off home, only to be called out at 04:30hours to look for a vulnerable missing person on the edge of Dartmoor. All in a day's work"
The Deputy Lord Lieutenant said ‘
‘It was a privilege to be able to distribute Platinum Jubilee Medals to such a large number of worthy recipients. It was wonderful to see such a gathering of volunteering supported by families and friends. It was a particular pleasure to be able to chat to so many of those present and to learn about their individual roles.’