Our local unsung heroes

A voluntary organisation supporting the north Powys community and surrounding areas in times of need has been given a generator to help it in its work.

The Rapid Relief Team (RRT), a charitable organisation whose aim is to provide compassion and support to local charitable causes and people in need, was given a generator by the MAWWFRS fire cadet trust.

RRT is often out supporting the local fire service and emergency services throughout Montgomerysire during incidents where crews are likely to be working long hours or during major incidents.

The charity, made up of members of the local Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, provides food, refreshments and support to the firefighters through such incidents. 

Matthew Lynes, Local RRT Team Leader based at Newtown, said: “We are extremely grateful to the fire cadets for this generous kind-hearted gift. As a team, we have been saving up to get one because we’re often out at incidents where there’s no power supply. This will enable us to have power wherever we are. We are exceptionally thankful.”

Group Manager Steve Rowlands said: “The RRT provides valuable and voluntary support to the fire service and our crews in often unsociable and long hours. Having such support ensures our firefighters have refreshments and the support to continue their vital work helping to save lives and property throughout the local area.

“A lot of the time we are in rural or isolated locations where access to electricity is unavailable, having a generator will provide a great deal of assistance in their work with us.”

The RRT is also involved with other local events and charities, supporting community activities and raising funds. The RRT has been praised for its work supporting the emergency services at Builth Wells following an incident on the River Wye during the Royal Welsh Show.

The RRT took part in the annual British Heart Foundation Bag It Beat It campaign, during September, collecting clothing, toys and bric-a-brac from family members and businesses. A total of 220 bags were donated to the Welshpool BHF branch and a further 52 to the Wrexham branch.

Store manager Russell Vaughan said: “It is amazing what the Rapid Relief Team do for us. The items donated generates additional finance for the charity as well as saving us money because we can cancel the normal store deliveries that cost us each time, so we’re saving money and making money. It’s fantastic.”

August and September saw RRT partnering with various charities to support them with their fund-raising efforts which included providing 300 bottles of water to Hope House for their cycle challenge.

They’ve also been over the border to assist the Shrewsbury team cooking up their flagship burgers for the crowds and competitors at the annual Macmillan Cancer Support World Coracle Championship Race.

A couple of weeks ago they were set up outside the town hall in Newtown for the Community Day in the Park where they were giving away free bottles of water and talking to the visitors about what they do in supporting the community in times of need.

They also attended the recent Wales Rally GB where they provided refreshments to rally crews and visitors and worked with local charities to raise money. All funds raised on the day will be donated to Severn Hospice and Honeypot Children’s Charity. They had over 30 volunteers supporting Newtown in hosting this international sporting event with security, crowd safety, marshalling and car parking etc.

More information about the RRT can be found at www.rapidreliefteam.org and there is also the opportunity for anyone to donate on their website to help them continue the great work that they do.