3rd February 2010	2009 update (article, download)
23rd January 2009	Serco to the rescue (article).
18th January 2009	Winter News Update 2008 available here.
3rd July 2008	Please sponsor Brad and Liz on their epic effort in support of GAFSIP.
19th May 2008	The Annual Report 2007/8 is also available.
21st January 2007	Keep track of our sponsors events via our web-log (aka blog).
4th January 2007	Avon’s Chief Fire Officer, Kevin Pearson, and Cllr Astra Brand, Vice Chair of Avon Fire Authority visit The Gambia. Cllr Astra Brand and CFO Kevin Pearson formally visited The Gambia Fire and Ambulance Service from 5th to 12th December 2006. This enabled them to witness first-hand the effect that GAFSIP has in The Gambia, together with the benefits to The Gambia Fire and Ambulance Service and value to The Avon Fire Authority. In addition to visiting fire stations and meeting Fire-fighters, they also looked at the wider involvement of GASFIP in areas such as health and education. Whilst there, they took part in a Prayer Day to celebrate the life of the deceased Fire-fighter, Ebrima Sowe, who tragically lost his life fighting a fire in Kanilai last year. A presentation was made to his widow, Oumie and her two daughters. Cllr Astra Brand and CFO Kevin Pearson make a presentation to the widow and daughters of Ff Sowe   Presenting sewing machines and fabric to a Women’s group working towards self - sufficiency   Presentations to St Charles Lwanga     School and The Hospital   Astra said “It was the most humbing and valuable visit that I have ever made in my life!” “To witness first hand the scale of benefits to The Gambia Fire and Ambulance Service and the The Gambian communities at large was a moving experience. Words fail in adequately describing the effect that The Trust has had in so many areas, to so many people . I was amazed at the placid, tolerant disposition of a very kind and gentle people, who exist in abject poverty. They are so friendly and appreciative of the commitment and support of Avon Fire and Rescue Service and Avon Fire Authority, which has and continues to change the lives of so many in The Gambia. I will certainly be urging my colleagues on The Authority to continue their support of this unique and most worthwhile initiative.”
13th December 2006	HIS EXCELLENCY TAMSIR JALLOW THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR THE GAMBIA VISITS AVON FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE On Friday 15th December at 10.30hrs, Tamsir Jallow will be at AF&RS Headquarters, Temple Back, to formally launch The Ultimate Challenge (details enclosed). This is a drive across Europe and the Sahara Desert and then  running, cycling and canoeing up the length of The Gambia, visiting all Fire Stations and also some schools and clinics that GAFSIP have been involved with. AZTEC ROTARY CLUB He will also be acknowledging receipt of 10 rescue boats and engines to the value of £25000 from Aztec Rotary for The Gambia Fire and Ambulance Service. Aztec Rotary achieved this magnificent tangible contribution over a 2 year project, working with GAFSIP. EDUCATION His Excellency will receive The International Baccalaureate Group from The Ridings High School, Winterbourne, South Gloucestershire. In addition to supporting GAFSIP they have established a link with St Augustine’s Senior Secondary School in The Gambia. He will also acknowledge a new partnership between Sandford Primary, North Somerset and Albion Lower Basic School in The Gambia. Ms Louisa Munton Sandford’s Head teacher will be formally launching the partnership with The High Commissioner. Susan Weaver, the Deputy Head of St Michael’s C of E Primary school in Winterbourne is going to spend two weeks teaching in The Gambia at St Charles Lwanga Lower Basic School which has a partnership with St Michael’s. The above are 3 of the growing number of schools in The Gambia benefiting from GAFSIP’s work in the wider communities of the country He will also acknowledge support from Red Cross International for their contribution in aiding GAFSIP’s links with heath. Additionally he will thank The Avon Youth Association for their support and contribution in Adult Literacy and IT development. FIRE AUTHORITY At 1400hrs he will be addressing Avon Fire Authority thanking the elected members and Chief Fire Officer for their continued support of this unique 15 year partnership which now also embraces education and health. Speaking of the occasion His Excellency Tamsir Jallow said “GAFSIP is a charitable organisation which has grown and developed from the partnership between Avon Fire and Rescue Service and The Gambia Fire and Ambulance Service over the last 15 years. GAFSIP aims, amongst other things, to advancing education in all aspects and preserving and protecting health. I am aware of the books and IT equipment that we have identified of being in need by individual schools, institutions and communities. I have noted that the involvement of GAFSIP into education has aided The Gambia Fire and Ambulance Service by becoming recognised as a true community service provider. I have also noted that GAFSIP’s work in The Gambia is producing dividend and becoming evident with libraries being built, school furniture being distributed, blackboards and IT equipment being provided as they become available. It is with great delight to note the twinning programmes that have been developed between schools in The Gambia and the former Avon area – benefiting both cultures. I can state that over 30000 children have benefited to date from the educational support and 36 schools have received educational materials. This is a most remarkable and praiseworthy achievement by a small band of volunteers that has developed from this professional partnership between two fire services”
October 2006	Article from The Point
12th June 2006	Article from Daily Observer
8th Jun 2006	See some pictures from the celebration of 15 years of working together in this article.
6th Jun 2006	The latest shipment arrived in Banjul today. This consisted of 2 ambulances (£1800 each to ship) donated by British Red Cross full of medical equipment such as stretchers, wheelchairs, crutches etc. The Fire appliance was donated by Avon Fire Authority (£2300 to ship). A 12m (40foot) container full of equipment costs £2800 to ship.
5th Jun 2006	Article from Evening Post:
26th May 2006	Tamsir Jallow, His Excellency, The Acting High Commissioner of The Gambia will be making a presentation to Councillor Terry Walker. See the Press Release here.
20th February 2006	Loaded a container which will reach Banjul around 12th March 2006. On this occasion it is mostly filled with redundant educational equipment, e.g. computers, books, stationery etc.
Also see the News Archive.