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This page was updated on: Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Venturers Reunion Celebrating 45 years

Nestled by a bus depot in Fawley is the HQ of a small group of teenagers who over the last 45 years have trained relentlessly to "help people and animals in danger or distress on land and sea".

Members of the Venturers Search and Rescue, both past and present, got together on Saturday 9th September to recount their stories, renew acquaintances and in some cases, enlighten their young families about "what dad got up to in his youth"!

Everybody poured over the old photographs displayed on the walls and in albums, going back from the early 1960's, where as one person exclaimed,

"Just look at the uniform there, it has changed quite a bit!" Indeed, the present day photos of the Venturers look every bit "professional," but what stands out most is the pride of doing a good job, which each generation of Venturers exhibit, from those back in the 60's, and 70's, right through to the young men and women today.

During the evening, movies made by the BBC and ITV were played, while "Tiffy", (otherwise known as Phillip Pearce-Smith, the founder of the Venturers), asked if anyone recognised themselves, or did they remember a particular rescue? Much laughter filled the room as people recounted their memories of being with the Venturers, what they had learnt, and how they have put it to good use.

At the reunion, were two brothers who joined the Venturers in the late 1960's, both have fond memories of their time.

Whatever, the weather, they couldn't wait for the weekends at Lepe Rescue Station, learning as much as they could about rescue techniques. By the time Monday came around and back to school, their school mates discussing the latest film they had seen, just seemed a bit tame compared to the latest rescue the Venturers had accomplished!

What makes it so exciting for all Venturers, past and present is that once they have completed training in seamanship skills, map reading, first aid, operating a radio, and using a winch, they are given responsibility, and succeed in becoming confident young people, which carries over into their adult lives.

The brothers eventually left the Venturers to join the Army, and have served all over the world for over 23 years.

Others who joined in the 90's, have returned to give back their skills and knowledge to today's youngsters, ensuring that the Venturers continues to be an organisation dedicated to developing teenagers into citizens of the future.

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