Expedition equipment booking arrangements

When you have the dates for your expedition, email dofeaward@herefordshire.gov.uk or telephone 01432 383027 to check that the equipment will be available, and make a provisional booking.

When you have a final list of the participants and the equipment they require contact us again to make a firm booking and arrange collection and return.

We try to be fair to all groups, but equipment will be booked on a first-come first-served basis, and may not be available at short notice.

Groups must report any loss or damage and return items promptly. Leaders are strongly advised to collect all borrowed equipment at the end of each expedition, and not allow participants to take items home.

Charges

There is currently no charge to Herefordshire Award Groups for the loan of equipment.

We cannot undertake to deliver or collect items. If we do provide this service there will be a charge of 40p per mile each way.

In normal circumstances, we would not charge groups for fair wear and tear to the equipment during use. We reserve the right to charge groups for loss or unreasonable damage.

Care of Equipment

Please report any loss, defect or damage when returning equipment. To ensure long life for the equipment, and ensure that it is ready for the next group, please observe the following conditions:

• Tents - should be dried thoroughly after the expedition. This will involve opening the tent out in a warm room at least overnight. This also allows inspection for damage and loss.
• Sleeping bags - for hygiene, always use a liner. This should be laundered before return.
• Sleeping mats - open out and dry before rolling up individually.
• Trangia Stoves - any fuel in the burner should be burnt off before returning to the store - leaking fuel can corrode the pans. The pans should be cleaned inside (to remove dried on food) and outside (to remove soot) with a steel wool scourer (and plenty of elbow grease!)
• Fuel bottles - should be emptied, however you can leave some fuel in the bottles rather than throw it away.
• Rucksacks - please check that all the compartments are empty, and that all food has been removed.

If you have any problems or questions about equipment please contact the award team using the details listed at the top right of this page. We would not charge groups for fair wear and tear to the equipment during use. We reserve the right to charge groups for loss or unreasonable damage.