Shout it from the hilltops...

CELEBRATING the golden anniversary . . . Oldham Mountain Rescue Team

Oldham Mountain Rescue Team is 50. Reporter KEN BENNETT chronicles the remarkable journey . . .
THE 50-strong heroic team of volunteers who make up the rugged mountain rescue team call it “the shout”.

It’s the alert, which can come at any time 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help someone stranded or injured on the hills above Saddleworth.

Over the last 50 years, Oldham Mountain Rescue Team has dealt with a huge range of incidents - though pre-1992 records were destroyed in a fire, the details lost.

But in the last seven years alone, this resolute group of bravehearts has attended more than 800 incidents, often in partnership with Greater Manchester Police, the North-West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Peter Hyde, the team’s longest-serving member and a retired telecommunications engineer who lives in Coppice, revealed some colourful dramas over the years.

The unassuming father of three, who joined in 1965, was part of the team called in after the horrific bombing of a Pan-Am flight over Lockerbie. He helped to search an area of the Keilder Forest for plane debris - and remembers a local whose intimate knowledge of the labyrinth of tracks got them to the site in his car.

He added: “Sometimes, outcomes are not what everyone hoped for and the team comes up against the personal grief of the casualty’s family and friends. On the other hand, the greatest reward is the relief and obvious gratitude shown by the individuals who are assisted and returned to their loved ones.”

The team is ready to spring into action with a fleet of four vehicles, two 4x4 ambulances, an ambulance/control vehicle and a minibus.

Over the years, the team has worked with manufacturers developing modern equipment and techniques to allow challenging rescues at minimum risk to rescuers, casualties and equipment.

Peter added: “Each year, we are proud to host The Oldham Weekend, giving other search-and-rescue organisations the opportunity to try our techniques, share experiences and contribute towards continuous improvement.

“Our vehicles carry a comprehensive range of modern rescue and medical equipment but it is our team members who form the most important resource.

“Their enthusiasm, time and money are selflessly given for the benefit of others. They are backed by two search dogs — invaluable when the team is searching for missing people as they are able to cover large areas of ground speedily and efficiently.

Peter recalled the severe winter four years ago, when teams battled snow for a month and answered more than 120 calls.

“Whatever the weather does this year, we’re ready for it,.” he confirmed.