Question 1

Blackmore Farm Shop & Cafe

Accepted Answer

Blackmore Farm, Blackmore Lane, Cannington, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2NE

Question 2

Kinson Conservative Club

Accepted Answer

Kinson Conservative Club, 1394 Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 7AR

Question 3

Peasey Farm Shop

Accepted Answer

Peasey Farm Shop, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 8QD

Question 4

Ye Olde Poppe Inn

Accepted Answer

Ye Olde Poppe Inn, Axminster Road, Chard, Somerset, TA20 2NZ

Question 5

Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall

Accepted Answer

Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall, Westover Hill, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6ND

Question 6

Wardon Hill Trading Post

Accepted Answer

Wardon Hill Trading Post, Long Ash Lane, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9PW

Question 7

Walton Village Hall

Accepted Answer

Walton Village Hall, Meadow Lane, Street, Somerset, BA16 9LA

Question 8

Wallisdown Liberal Club

Accepted Answer

Wallisdown Liberal Club, Canford Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH11 8SA

Question 9

The Puriton Inn

Accepted Answer

The Puriton Inn, 4 Puriton Hill, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 8AF

Question 10

The Lotus Store (Premier)

Accepted Answer

The Lotus Store (Premier), 10 The Parade, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7EZ

Question 11

Rumwell Farm Shop & Cafe

Accepted Answer

Rumwell Farm Shop & Cafe, Rumwell, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 1EJ

Question 12

Parkfield Dental Centre

Accepted Answer

Parkfield Dental Centre, 13 Parkfield Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4RL

Question 13

Lifestyle Fitness Holyrood Academy

Accepted Answer

Lifestyle Fitness Holyrood Academy, Zembard Lane, Chard, Somerset, TA20 1JL

Question 14

Langport Sports and Social Club

Accepted Answer

Langport Sports and Social Club, The Embankment, Langport, Somerset, TA10 9RZ

Question 15

Hamish's Farm Shop & Cafe

Accepted Answer

Hamish's Farm Shop & Cafe, Dorchester Road, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 9RF

Question 16

Frome Community Hospital

Accepted Answer

Frome Community Hospital, Enos Way, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2FH

Question 17

Felicity's Farm Shop

Accepted Answer

Felicity's Farm Shop, 3 Carter's Lane, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6SF

Question 18

Cranborne Sports Club

Accepted Answer

Cranborne Sports Club, Penny's Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5QE

Question 19

Chickerell Primary Academy

Accepted Answer

Chickerell Primary Academy, 10 Fairfield, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4AU

Question 20

Castle Gardens (Garden Centre)

Accepted Answer

Castle Gardens (Garden Centre), New Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR

Question 21

2025

Accepted Answer

DSAA celebrates 25 years of saving lives and a decade of operational excellence with a fully staffed critical care team on every shift. This milestone reflects DSAA’s dedication to ensuring critical care is always available for the people of Dorset and Somerset.
DSAA secures National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) funding to research the use of machine learning in supporting rapid and accurate tasking of teams to critical care patients.
The charity welcomes its fourth national Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) trainee.
A critical care practitioner is enabled to support ambulance service tasking within the central emergency operations centre.

Question 22

2024

Accepted Answer

DSAA transitions from Specialist Aviation Services to Gama Aviation as its aircraft operator, marking a new chapter in aviation operations.
Innovation advances with the development of machine learning research focused on accurate tasking of pre-hospital critical care teams.
The first PhD student joins the team, contributing to research efforts.
DSAA welcomes its third national Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) trainee.
The charity orders a second AW169 aircraft to enhance aviation capability.
Regional research funding secured to investigate motorcycle injury prevention, reinforcing DSAA’s commitment to public health and safety.

Question 23

How does purchasing our defibrillator package work?

Accepted Answer

Purchasing our defibrillator package is an easy way for businesses, organisations or community groups to ensure access to an essential piece of life saving equipment.

Firstly, your group can get in contact with us to place an order. You may already have the funds, or we can help you with fundraising within your organisation or community. DSAA will then purchase the AED package. The device will remain the property of the charity. DSAA will grant you a perpetual licence to have the device and to use it for as long as you want it. This ensures the device is maintained and ready in case it’s ever needed in an emergency.

After your unit has been delivered, you will need to coordinate the installation independently. Once this is complete it is essential that you advise DSAA so that we can register your device on The Circuit.

Question 24

How does installation work?

Accepted Answer

The installation of the unit is the responsibility of the host organisation to coordinate. We have an installation guide we can share with you; this provides all the information your electrician may need.

Our full defibrillator package comes with a branded, unlocked, polycarbonate cabinet with temperature gauge. We strongly suggest this is installed by a qualified NICEIC registered electrician. The defibrillator itself operates through batteries; however, the cabinet needs to be connected to the electrics via a 3-amp fuse spur. This provides heat in cold weather to protect the device by preventing freezing and condensation.

Question 25

What is The Circuit?

Accepted Answer

The Circuit is an online database collating the location of all registered defibrillators in the UK. Once a unit is registered on this database it is visible to NHS ambulance services and ready to be used in an emergency. Without this, many defibrillators are left unused because emergency services do not know where they are or how to access them. For this reason, it is essential that once your defibrillator has been installed, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance are advised so we can then add it to The Circuit and ensure the device is rescue ready.

Question 26

What is the role of the Guardian?

Accepted Answer

It’s a simple job, but very important. The Host’s nominated Guardian will receive a request to set up an account with The Circuit. Once created, the Guardian must respond to The Circuit’s maintenance requests, which will ensure the AED remains rescue-ready for 999 calls. We recommend checks are conducted every two weeks and reported to The Circuit through the online portal they will gain access to, once registered by DSAA.

Question 27

Why are our defibrillators supplied unlocked?

Accepted Answer

We have designed our package to be compliant with the latest evidence and best practice statements. RCUK (Resuscitation Council UK) have recently updated their consensus statement on public AEDs which state that these should be unlocked Following a cardiac arrest, the priority is to apply an AED to the patient with the absolute minimum delay. Only unlocked cabinets allow for this.

This position is endorsed by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) and NHS England.

Question 28

What happens in the event of theft and/ or damage?

Accepted Answer

Theft and vandalism of AEDs is rare - whilst DSAA insurance doesn&rsquo;t cover theft, your own insurance may, and we offer help with replacement fundraising including press releases and media and a fundraising page to help support this.

Question 29

What insurance is provided?

Accepted Answer

DSAA will insure the asset against public liability claims. Whilst DSAA insurance doesn&rsquo;t cover theft, your own insurance may, and we offer help with replacement fundraising including press releases and media and a fundraising page to help support this.

Question 30

How do I use the defibrillator?

Accepted Answer

The defibrillator is designed to be easy to use in an emergency. It will automatically analyse the patient's condition and deliver shocks if needed. The device will provide clear voice instructions and visual prompts to guide you through the process step by step.

If you’d like to learn more about using a defibrillator and performing CPR, we offer Life Support CPR and Defibrillator Awareness Sessions through DSAA. These sessions include hands-on practice and helpful resources.

Question 31

What are the ongoing costs?

Accepted Answer

There are ongoing costs associated with keeping the device &lsquo;rescue ready.&rsquo; There is a &pound;100 minimum annual fundraising target towards the cost of battery and pad replacements. This amount will provide up to two replacement pads per year and batteries will be changed after five years. During the device&rsquo;s seven-year lifespan, the &pound;100 annual fee may not cover all pad replacements and DSAA will invoice for any shortfall in funds.

Question 32

Any more questions?

Accepted Answer

If you have any other questions, we are happy to help. Email us on: lottery@dsairambulance.org.uk or call us on: 01202 849530.

Question 33

How do I cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your lottery subscription at any time by contacting our team by emailing: lottery@dsairambulance.org.uk or calling: 01202 849530.

Question 34

How is the Lottery regulated?

Accepted Answer

The Flight for Life Lottery is licensed by the Gambling Commission. For more information on the Gambling Commission visit: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk

Question 35

How much of my money goes to the charity?

Accepted Answer

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance receive 100% of all lottery entry funds and pay for the weekly prizes and expenses out of this income. After prizes and expenses are paid, a fantastic 88% of the money generated by our lottery goes towards funding the life-saving service. In 2024, that was an amazing £3.9 million!

Question 36

How does my participation help?

Accepted Answer

Your participation directly funds our air ambulance missions, helping us provide medical care and transport to those in need across Dorset and Somerset.

The reliable and regular income that the lottery provides allows us to plan more easily for the future, driving forward initiatives to possibly help more patients in the years ahead.

Question 37

What are my chances of winning?

Accepted Answer

We estimate that each ticket has a 1 in 5,000 chance of winning a prize in the weekly draw and 1 in 25,000 in the Superdraw.

The exact likelihood of winning a prize is dependent on the number of participants and will therefore change each draw.

Question 38

How will I know if I’ve won?

Accepted Answer

A confirmation letter is sent to all winners. We also post the results on our Winners page. If you win, cash prizes are paid via BACS into your bank account. Voucher prizes are sent with your confirmation letter.

Question 39

Can I choose my own numbers?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot pick specific numbers in our Lottery. Your lottery numbers are automatically generated and assigned when you sign up.

Question 40

How many entries can I have in each weekly draw?

Accepted Answer

You can buy up to two entries per week online. That's the equivalent of £10 per month.

Additional tickets can be purchased at any time by contacting our team by emailing: lottery@dsairambulance.org.uk or calling: 01202 849530.

Question 41

How does the draw work?

Accepted Answer

Provided the entry fee has been paid, your unique draw numbers are entered into the draw. The draw is performed by a computer and winners are picked using a random number generator (RNG), which has been tested and approved to meet the standards set by the Gambling Commission.

Question 42

When are the draws?

Accepted Answer

Weekly draws are held every Friday. Our Annual Superdraw takes place in September.

Question 43

How do I join the Lottery?

Accepted Answer

Signing up to our Flight for Life Lottery is quick and easy.

Option 1: You can join online here by filling out our registration form.
Option 2: Download, print and send us a completed lottery form here.
Option 3: Call 01202 849530 and we’ll help you over the phone.

Join Now

When we have received your completed membership application, we enter your details onto our lottery system. You will be sent a welcome letter with details of your unique number.

You’ll be entered into the draws once you’ve made your first payment.

Question 44

What can I win?

Accepted Answer

Every week, there is a top prize of £1,000 along with a 2nd prize of £250, a 3rd prize of £150, a 4th prize of £125 and a 5th prize of £100. Plus 10 voucher consolation prizes.

The Annual Superdraw has one jackpot prize of £2,500. There are no rollovers and all prizes are won in every draw.

Question 45

How much does it cost to play?

Accepted Answer

Each ticket costs just &pound;5 per month. This enters you into a prize draw every Friday and into an Annual Superdraw each September. You can sign up for additional tickets to increase your chances of winning.

Question 46

What is the Flight for Life Lottery?

Accepted Answer

The Flight for Life Lottery is a weekly lottery run by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Charity. By participating, you’re helping to fund our life-saving emergency service while also getting a chance to win cash prizes.

Question 47

Stawell Village Hall

Accepted Answer

Stawell Village Hall, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 9AD

Question 48

West Mendip Community Hospital

Accepted Answer

West Mendip Community Hospital, Old Wells Road, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8JD

Question 49

Richard Marlow

Accepted Answer

Richard Marlow Trustee Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

Rich Marlow joined the NHS in 1984. Following a career that has grown with the evolution of pre-hospital care, continuing in clinical practice as a Paramedic alongside an Operational Management position and currently working as an Assistant Director for South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT).

Rich has always had a passion for air ambulance services and advances in pre-hospital care. He was a HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services) Paramedic with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance when the charity first went operational in 2000, maintaining close links with the charity and its people ever since.

Living on the Mendip Hills in Somerset, with his wife Tracy and St Bernard dog, he has a grown-up daughter. Outside of work, he volunteers for a number of charities including Mendip Cave Rescue as a team member, medical officer and trustee, Somerset Scouts as a county trustee, and the Duke of Edinburgh as an expedition assessor.

To relax and unwind he loves to spend as much time as possible caving, kayaking, mountain walking and in the garden.

Question 50

William Entwisle

Accepted Answer

Willie Entwisle Trustee Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

Willie joined Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance after a 35-year career in the Royal Navy, where he specialised as a helicopter pilot. He commanded a Lynx helicopter squadron at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset and the Naval Air Station at Culdrose in Cornwall.

A graduate of the University of Exeter and of King’s College London, Willie has spent all his adult life in the West Country, except when at sea or posted elsewhere by the Navy. He sits on the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, is Chair of the South West Rivers Association and has a wide range of interests.

Willie is a keen potter, gardener and enjoys chasing a ball around any sort of court as much as his dogs do on a walk. He is married to Issy and lives in Devon.

Question 51

Martin Lyne

Accepted Answer

Martin Lyne Trustee Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance

Martin graduated in Economics and Finance from Leeds University. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Robson Rhodes in London. Joining Dixons in 1990, he supported the group’s transformation to out of town retail and into new chains as Retail Controller.

In 1998, Martin and his family relocated to the Southwest where he joined Orange. Over a 13-year tenure he played a leading role as Commercial Director, establishing the business culture during a period of unprecedented market growth, to leadership and integration into EE.

In the last decade he led the transformation of Alexandra, a leading supplier to the NHS and Emergency services, playing a key role during the COVID-19 crisis.

Martin now advises start-ups and charities in the Southwest. He is not only a Trustee for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, but also holds similar positions at the Avon Wildlife Trust and ARC Inspire. He lives in Bath with his wife Sara and enjoys visiting their three daughters.

Question 52

Why not ask your employer to match your fundraising?

Accepted Answer

Many employers offer a ‘Matched Giving’ scheme. They can either match the amount you raise or a donate set amount.

Remind your employer it benefits their local air ambulance and supports their Corporate Social Responsibility goals.

If your employer can match the funds you raise, please let us know by emailing info@dsairambulance.org.uk so that we can identify their donation when it comes in.

Question 53

Paying in funds raised

Accepted Answer

After you’ve held your Open Garden event, it’s time to reflect on a fantastic day and your fundraising efforts.

Below are a few ways to transfer any funds you may have raised. If you have an online fundraising page then this will come directly to the charity without you having to do anything.

Online

You can pay any funds raised directly through our website - www.dsairambulance.org.uk/donate/open-gardens-dsaa

By cheque

Please make your cheque payable to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and post it to the address below, along with a note to say you’ve hosted an Open Garden in aid of us and include your name and contact details: Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance HQ, Landacre House, Castle Road, Chelston, Business Park, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9JQ

By cash

If you live in the local area then please feel free to swing by our Wellington or Wimborne office with the cash and coins in an envelope, along with a note to say you’ve hosted an Open Garden in aid of us and include your name and contact details. We love meeting the hosts of our Open Gardens!

BACS or a bank transfer

You can pay money directly into our bank account. Please contact us for details by calling 01823 669 604.

Don’t forget to Gift Aid it

By gift-aiding your fundraising, we could get 25% more! We can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. If you are a UK Tax Payer and would like to Gift Aid your donation, please complete our Gift Aid Declaration.

Question 54

How can I set up an online page for donations?

Accepted Answer

It's a good idea to give your guests a way to donate online. An online donation page also gives your friends and family a way to support you if they are unable to attend on the day.

Set up your own Open Garden fundraising page

We can create you your own personalised QR code poster for visitors to donate online.

Request your own “donate online” poster

Question 55

How will the money I raise help?

Accepted Answer

The money you raise will help Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance provide pre-hospital critical care for sick and injured people across the two counties.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance:

Provide a Critical Care Service using their helicopter and critical care car for 19 hours a day (7 am – 2 am) every day
Provide an Enhanced Care Service using their Outreach cars in Dorset and Somerset for 12 hours a day (10 am – 10 pm) every day
Provide rapid transfers to the 'right' facility as well as inter-hospital patient transfers
Can transport patients in under 20 minutes to the neatest Major Trauma Centre
Provide a patient and family liaison service to support patients who have been treated by our team
Actively support injury prevention projects to reduce the number of accidents and deaths within local communities

Question 56

How do I make my Open Garden as eco-friendly as possible?

Accepted Answer

It's important to us that you make your event as environmentally friendly as possible. We ask that you avoid single-use plastic and anything that ‘leaves a trace’. Source locally, recycle, and encourage lift sharing, walking or cycling where possible when inviting your guests.

Question 57

What should I do about car parking?

Accepted Answer

Please think about the best place for visitors to park and bear in mind all types of weather and disabled visitors. We have a car parking sign available for you to download to make it easy for visitors to find it.

It might be worth letting your local authority, neighbours and community know that there may be extra traffic and cars parking in the area.

Question 58

Do you already open your garden and want to use it as an opportunity to raise funds for DSAA?

Accepted Answer

If you already open your garden to the public, but would like to donate some of your proceeds to us, please let us know. We could even send you out a collection pot and fundraising materials to help. Get in touch with our fundraising team for details by emailing fundraising@dsairambulance.org.uk

Question 59

Safety, risk assessments, security and insurance

Accepted Answer

Please ensure you take reasonable measures to make your garden safe.

Risk Assessment

Once you have registered, we will send you a risk assessment that you must read, sign and send back to us.

Insurance

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance cannot be held responsible for any accidents or incidents as your fundraising activity is not covered by our insurance. You do not legally need to buy insurance for your open garden but having public liability insurance may give you peace of mind.

Security

We recommend you keep your house and shed doors locked, keep valuables out of sight, and do not leave your takings unattended.

Refreshments

Ensure you list allergens on all refreshments and prepare and handle food safely.

Question 60

What spaces can take part?

Accepted Answer

It’s not just private backyard gardens that take part, we are welcoming all spaces to get involved to show their support for their local air ambulance. that can include allotments, school grounds and workplace gardens - just make sure you have all the correct permissions.

Question 61

Can Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance help promote my event?

Accepted Answer

We will promote your open garden on our website if you selected yes when asked 'Would you like us to display your event on our website?' on our registration form.

It is up to you to promote your event locally, with the support of our resources and if you request we will add your event to our website under our ‘Find a garden’ page.

Some places that can help you promote your open garden:

Parish news
Village noticeboards
Shop windows
Community noticeboards
Local websites and publications
Facebook groups such as 'What's On'
Cafes and pubs

Question 62

How can I promote my Open Garden?

Accepted Answer

So you’ve set the date for your Open Garden and made all your plans, now it’s time to start thinking about who you would like to invite and how to promote it if you’re inviting the public.

Word of mouth - this is one of the best ways to spread the news! Make sure you tell everyone you know about your event.

Download our poster - you can print this out and put it up in your local area to promote your Open Garden.

Download invitations - you can print this out, fill it in and use it to invite friends, family, neighbours and colleagues. Another good idea is to invite groups such as your local gardening club, church group, Women’s Institute or even sporting groups.

If you're on social media then that is also a great way to share the news of your Open Garden. Tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn using the handle @dsairambulance and use the hashtag #DSAAOpenGardens.

Create a Facebook event

Log into your Facebook account
Click “Events” in the menu on the left of your newsfeed
Click “Create event” on the top right.
Select either “private” or “public” event
Fill in your event details, location and time
Click “Create” and your Facebook event will go live
Invite your connections as guests, upload photos and share posts to get people excited about it

Please include the wording “raising funds in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Registered Charity Number 1078685” and our 'in aid of logo' when promoting your event. Contact communications@dsairambulance.org.uk to request our in aid of logo.

Question 63

Ways to increase funds at your Open Garden

Accepted Answer

What are the best ways to increase the funds I raise at my Open Garden?

Ask us for literature and promotional material about our life-saving service, we'd be more than happy to post some out to you
Charge an entry fees/on-the-gate donations
Serve refreshments
Selling plants, cuttings and bulbs
Collection tins (request a collection tin)
Set up an activity such as guess the number of sweets in the jar or make up your own quiz on helicopters
Ask local craftspeople and businesses if they'd like to host a stall at your event

For even more ideas and tips register for your Open Garden pack.

Register for your pack

Question 64

When can I host my Open Garden?

Accepted Answer

Please feel free to host your Open Garden whenever you like! There really is no limitation. Maybe you have seasonal splendours, or rich autumn colours; whatever time of year you wish to host your event, we would be happy to have your support.