Tweeters to the rescue... of a rescue team

Photo: Darren Robinson

PICTURED (from the left) Kieran Lynch and Jamie Ross, with Tilak Bhojani, from the Brazilian Soccer School.

TWEETERS joined forces to raise money for Oldham Mountain Rescue Team during the borough’s first Twestival.

Twestival Local is a global social media fund-raising movement harnessing the power of Twitter and Facebook to bring together communities to help a local cause.

Two events were organised during the day — the first a Sunlight Twestival held at Earl Mill, Hathershaw. Visitors met Chaddy the Owl, were entertained by a clown, decorated cupcakes, and were taught skills by a member of the Brazilian Soccer School.

Members of Oldham Mountain Rescue team were there with their new Land-Rover and Bob the team dog. Later on, the After Dark Twestival began at Boundary Park’s Corner Flag suite with local Tweeters meeting up face to face.

Oldham Mountain Rescue volunteers demonstrated their skills when they carried out a mock rescue of a visitor, putting her in a splint and stretcher and carrying her off. And Bob the dog showed his search skills by finding a hidden team member.

Guests tweeted about the evening using the hash tag #twoldham, and took part in an Oldham-themed Quiz (or Twiz). An online auction was held on the night with prizes including a signed copy of Wonders by Oldham’s very own top Tweeter Prof Brian Cox.

Peter Hyde, of Oldham Mountain Rescue team, said: “We are so grateful to the organisers of Twestival Oldham for choosing us as their charity.

“We had not heard of Twestival before and did not know what to expect, but we all really enjoyed being a part of it, and getting the message out about what we do to a wider audience.”

Deborah Wroe, of Owl Marketing, lead organiser of Twestival Oldham said: “All our attendees at both events came away full of admiration for the work of Oldham Mountain Rescue.

“They do far more than rescue walkers from the hills of Saddleworth, and we are delighted to have helped raise awareness of their work on a global stage, as well as raising funds for these unsung local heroes.”

The Just Giving donation page will remain open until Thursday so anyone wanting to donate can visit www.justgiving.com/Twestival-Oldham