Smithfields

went to a 'balloon club' meeting this evening in our new venue, close to Smithfields market.  We had a very interesting talk by a volunteer from the London Air Ambulance Service (otherwise known as HEMS) . I'd forgotten, like many, that they are run as a charity and not part of the NHS although they run  alongside and are closely linked to the ambulance service. From receiving the call for a 'major trauma' they  are airborne within 4 mins and usually at the scene within 10 mins. Quite an achievement. Wish I'd seen the air ambulance tonight as could have blipped it but will have to do with a view of the market roof taken on the way there.