The Beagle
Dec 13, 2016
Dear Editor,
Well another search is over and unfortunately still no leads but it wasn't for the lack of trying and hard work that everyone put into it. Some of this bush land was so thick and nasty you'd need a machete to get thru but the amazing group of 36 Volunteers (total 50) slogged it out, some going so far as crawling on hands and knees to get thru the bush.
Mid way thru the morning a shoe was discovered in the thick bush but was unfortunately the wrong brand.What a wonderful group. It took them 3 hours to cover 1.5km half of the search area until they stopped for a well deserved and needed lunch break provided my my mother Jan, Aunty Lorraine and Edwina. My husband Pete and son Michael had fun 4wding the tracks just to deliver the much anticipated refreshments.
While this search group were recouping for round 2 the generous team from Malua Bay RFS joined myself, my brother Michael and sister in-law Suzanne at the Base for their lunch, and i believe they quite enjoyed their scones with jam & cream. This terrific group also covered a large thick, nasty area south of Lawlers Creek this area took them 3 hours to traverse a distance of approx 1.2km.
Both groups regathered after lunch and completed the search areas. When the groups returned the exhaustion was written all over their faces But the smiles were still there. What an amazing effort by everyone.This search may not have resulted in finding a lead or Dad but what was achieved was just astounding. I feel honoured and privileged to have meet each and every one of them.
Also we were extremely grateful to have SOUTH COAST DRONES
with us. Ian & Jenny Edwards donated their time, services and equipment to assist in our search. They were based at the highest point available to cover more area, and before the end of the day they had already returned with DVD copies of the aerial footage for us. What a wonderful, friendly, generous couple and so professional, it was an honour & pleasure to work beside them.
Thank you so much.
Next I could never forget the fantastic Rob & Nikki Grimstone of Bermagui Equipment & Party Hire who for the second time donated a portaloo for the day. Oh I can't forget Caroline who designed the posters also, thank you. This couple & their business are a credit to their community and the region.
Thank you so much.
Last but by no means least our Group Leader Adam Shadlow who stepped up at the eleventh hour and guided our volunteers successfully thru the thickest, nastiest bush with only 2 minor injuries, a 1 inch splinter and a minor groin strain. His leadership and process of the search area were outstanding and we can't thank you enough for your support Adam but THANK YOU
THANK YOU TO THE AMAZING VOLUNTEERS:
Adam Shadlow Mark Kelly Bill Mead Edwina Bailey
Jenny Oliver Brodie Ellul Vince Miller Naomi Quinton
Vicki Robertson Rachel Nichol John Hogan John Anderson
Angelique D'Arcy Jo Favetta Christie Reid Maureen Trees
Jan Thomas Maggie Finch Cheryl Smith Cheryl Czarnik
Beris Jenkins Gail Drary Steve Deck Sheryl Cooper
Karlee Coles Matt Coles Carol Cockshaw
Amanda Marsh Jeanette McMahon Kerry Buckeridge
Terry Buckeridge Gerard Catherine Ange Urlichson
Helen Howie
Rob & Nikki Grimstone - Bermagui Equipment & Party Hire
Ian & Jenny Edwards - South Coast Drones
MALUA BAY RFS
Thank you for helping us
Nikii Smith
"Help Find Ray Speechley"
Below: Photo's by Gerard Catherine