A meeting with a difference at Wiltshire Air Ambulance

BUSINESSES and community groups looking for a venue to hold meetings or undertake training can do so at a unique location – Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s airbase.

The purpose-built airbase, at Semington has two training rooms that are available to hire and the funds raised will enable the charity to continue its mission of saving lives.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance moved into its new airbase, in Semington, near Melksham, in May 2018, bringing together its operational team, helicopter and charity team on to one site and on land it owned for the first time in its history. 

Previously the helicopter and aircrew were based at Wiltshire Police Headquarters in Devizes leasing a hangar, while the charity team were based in rented offices in Calne.

Kevin Reed, head of facilities and security at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said, “We designed the airbase so it provides the best facilities for our helicopter, aircrew and our fundraising staff, but it was also important for it to include elements of income generation and this is what our training rooms offer. We are a charity and have to raise £3.75million a year to keep our lifesaving service operational.

“The rooms are available to hire for businesses, training providers and community groups and are uniquely located. Our larger training room overlooks the helipad where our helicopter lifts off from and returns to after emergency taskings. Both rooms are next to a viewpoint, which looks out on to the helipad and people using the rooms can use for breaks.

“We are funded by donations and receive tremendous support from the public and businesses. By hiring our training rooms you will be helping to fulfil our mission of saving lives. On average our aircrew are called to three incidents a day, ranging from cardiac arrests, road traffic collisions, strokes and sporting accidents.”

The airbase is situated in central Wiltshire, close to the A350, and is in its own grounds with free on-site parking. Another benefit of hiring the training rooms is the option of a tour of the airbase and the opportunity to learn more about Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s essential service.

A number of businesses and organisations have already hired the training rooms to hold meetings and undertake training.

Darren Harper, sales manager at Swindon-based Excalibur Group, said, “I would thoroughly recommend the airbase for any company looking for a truly unique meeting space. The facilities are excellent and set in a lovely rural location, which is easily accessible. 

“We hired the large training room overlooking the helipad to host our monthly sales meeting. Seeing the helicopter leaving or returning from a mission brought home the reality and importance of what Wiltshire Air Ambulance does every day – saving lives.

“The room itself was well equipped with tables and chairs which could be configured how we needed them, complete with a state-of-the-art projector and presentation facilities. It also had fast and stable Wi-Fi.”

More information can be found on the charity’s website – wiltshireairambulance.co.uk/hire.