Mountain high

AN unassuming team of volunteers left their mountain eyries and came down to earth to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their courageous work.

Oldham Mountain Rescue Team gave a fascinating insight into the life-and-death dramas which have earned them their heroes of the snows title.

And as hundreds attended the anniversary open day at King George V playing fields in Uppermill, Mick Nield — leader of the 50-strong team of volunteers — said: “We’re delighted with the turnout. It is absolutely fantastic to get such unqualified support from the community.

“We never cease to be impressed with the enthusiasm and pride they have in Oldham Mountain Rescue Team.”

The team was on hand to tutor delighted youngsters on the intricacies of a climbing wall, geocatching and a special rescue cableway.

The team’s specially-trained search and rescue dogs were a big attraction, as were the old vehicles used in rescues years ago.

In 1981, following a weekend training seminar with the Anglesey Coastguard, a number of team members suggested the Oldham team could run something similar to demonstrate the techniques and specialist equipment developed for local crags.

The Oldham Weekend has been running ever since, with participants from mountain rescue teams across England and Wales, Scotland, Ireland and the coastguard and police.
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