Provision, maintenance and improvements by the Great North Air Ambulance Service were outlined by Ken Wheldon in his talk to the Club last week. Air ambulance cover is provided across the North East of England, North Yorkshire and Cumbria from bases at Durham Tees Valley airport, Otterburn, Northumberland and Police Headquarters at Penrith which gives rescue access in difficult terrain. All this does not come cheaply and Mr Wheldon indicated the significant costs involved in purchasing and maintaining helicopters. A cheque to help with the work of the service was presented to Mr Wheldon.

Nominations from Ripon primary schools for the club literacy awards will be invited on May 1. The awards are made to one pupil from each Ripon primary school who has made the most improvement in literacy standards between September 2007 and May 2008. KidsOut will again be supported by the club. The event is held on the June 11. The business meeting is held next Tuesday.