As I slowly start to get my mind back into the real world after two weeks of Christmas activities, and start thinking about SAR again, it would be inappropriate not to mention the hard work that many SAR volunteers put in over my Christmas break.

Quite a few Christmases ago Bob Geldof implored us all to think about others less fortunate than us over Christmas [I know I'm showing my age!] and it is hard to really do so. But for many families, the anguish and, in some cases grief, of a missing person goes on – oblivious to the time of year. And the SAR volunteers keep going out, putting their own family life on hold for a moment, to help these poor unfortunate individuals and their families.

So, here is my, probably inadequate, list of the work done by ALSAR and LSDogs Units over the Holidays – with, as always, mine (our) thanks and admiration.

Berkshire Search and Rescue Dogs – 18th Dec. (Missing Despondent Female), 28th Dec. (Missing Despondent Male)

Buckinghamshire Search and Rescue – 23rd Dec. (Civil Contingencies Role), 28th Dec. (Missing Despondent Male)

Essex Search and Rescue – 20th Dec. (Missing Male), 23rd Dec. (Missing Male)

Hampshire Search and Rescue – 23rd Dec. (Missing Female with Dementia), 2nd Jan (Missing Female with Dementia)

Midshires Search and Rescue – 17/18th Dec. (Civil Contingencies Role), 20-22nd Dec. (Civil Contingencies Role), 26th Dec. (Missing Teenage Male)

SEBEV Search and Rescue – 18th Dec. (Missing Despondent Female)

Sussex Search and Rescue – 18th Dec. (Missing Male with Autism)

On the bottom of this I’d just like to add my thanks to two “commenters” who visited and took the time to comment on my website during my Christmas break. Thank you to Kris Manning (SEBEV SAR) and Johnnie Walker (SusSAR) for their very kind words – hopefully I’ll be able to “keep it up” through 2010.