DORCHESTER: Emergency services roadshow comes to town

Officially opened by Master Chef Winner, Mat Follas, this was a free family fun day designed to bring all aspects of policing out into the community. And there was plenty for everyone to do, especially the children. 

Along with static displays by Dorset Search and Rescue, Penny and Mini Searches, the Coastguard, and a whole array of police vehicles, children had the chance to see inside a police car, try out the loud hailers and sound the sirens. 

The Ambulance Service was on hand to promote healthy eating, with young visitors making fruit kebabs.

Somewhat more gruesome were the casualty make-up wounds created on the arms, legs and heads of willing volunteers. 

The Scientific Support Department and the crime scene investigators took finger prints, a process which created a great deal of interest, especially among the children.

Displays from the dog section of the police force, a bouncy castle and circus skills from the Action Van, face painting by Kris Hallett from Dorset Community Action, and the mobile skate park ensured there was plenty to see and do. 

There was the chance to try out a Segway, win a cake from the Cry charity tea and cake stall, and have a look inside the Air Ambulance and the Coastguard helicopter. 

Perhaps the most popular display was the Children’s Public Order Activity. 

Youngsters were dressed up in riot gear and had to survive a barrage of wet sponges before making an arrest. 

Local youth bands turned up to perform, and a whole variety of refreshments were available from inside the club house. And the lovely Hobo man came along with his ice-creams.

A great deal of useful information was available from a wide range of stalls. There were representatives from Safer Neightbourhood teams, Crime Prevention Panels, Neighbourhood Watch teams, Wayfinders, Magna Housing and a West Dorset District Council Health and Safety event. 

Both the Red Cross and the St John Ambulance were in attendance, and the Dorchester Rugby Club Junior Section promoted their coming summer school.

PICTURE: Cadets from St John Ambulance meet the crew of the Air Ambulance

 .ff