CMRT annual report 2015

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Annual Report 2015

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Founded in 1953 A registered charity. No. 506956

The Team responsible for rescuing people and animals from the Lorton, Loweswater, Buttermere and Ennerdale areas

61st Annual Report Team Officials President: Maureen Richardson Vice-Presidents: Dr. Edward Holloway, Mike Thompson Chairman: Steve Brailey Team Leader: Michael Park Secretary: Gwyn Lewis, PO Box 73, Cockermouth CA13 3AE, 01900 827771, gwyn@cockermouthmrt.org.uk Assistant Secretary: Simon Woodbury Treasurer: Jeff Haslam Medical Officers: Dr Tom Gallagher, Dr Jo Grove, Dr Mark Steel, Dr Peter Winterbottom

Assistant Team Leaders: Chris Cookson, Andrew McNeil, Martin Pickavance Radio Officer: Richard Greenwood Quartermasters: Scott Ashworth, Neale Connolly, Jim Coyle, Phil Gerrard, Simon Hunter, Alan Irving, Nick Lumb, Andrew McNeil, Martin Pickavance, Derek Tunstall Collecting Box Co-ordinator: Derek Tunstall MBE Auditor: Gibbons & Co. Honorary Members: Maurice Anderson, Derek Tunstall MBE, George Williams

Team Members Abbot, Chris Ashworth, Scott Blanden, Dave Brailey, Steve Bulman, John Butler, Russell Connolly Laura Connolly, Neale Cookson, Chris Cousins, Ian Coyle, Jim BEM Dawson, Pete Dempster, John MBE Gallagher, Tom Gerrard, Phil Goodman, Simon Graham, Andrew Greenwood, Richard Grove, Jo Hadwin, Mike Haslam, Jeff Hellen, Richard

Bank Manager (Retired) Teacher Building Surveyor Local Government Officer Health & Safety Advisor Teacher Physiotherapist Outdoor Instructor IT Developer Software Developer Estate Manager (Retired) Headteacher Headteacher (Retired) General Practitioner Project Team Manager Teacher Chartered Surveyor Chartered Engineer General Practitioner Manager ICT Advisor Dental Practitioner

Hunter, Simon Irving, Alan Jones, Steve King, Richard Lewis, Gwyn Liddell, Bob Lumb, Nick McNeil, Andrew Moore James Moore, Rod MBE Otley, Carolyn Park, Mike MBE Pickavance, Martin Steel, Mark Steele, Chris Twyford, Paul Whitehurst, Steve Winterbottom, Peter Woodbury, Simon

Env. Technical Manager Maintenance Manager Dental Surgeon Assistant Head Teacher Operations Manager Headteacher (Retired) Outdoor Instructor Building Surveyor Support Engineer Engineer (Retired) Comm. Dev. Worker Land Surveyor Teacher General Practitioner Teacher Solicitor Orthodontist General Practitioner Research Technologist

Probationers: John Brooks, Hugh Jordan, Edward Strong & Tom Strong

Printed by: H&H Reeds, Penrith (www.hhreedsprinters.co.uk) Design and production donated by Denise Bell and Andy Smith – Smith+Bell Design (www.smithplusbell.com) Photography © CMRT unless otherwise stated 2 ● CMRT Annual Report 2015

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Chairman’s Report Steve Brailey

The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget Statement is routine reading for me in my work role, though seldom a riveting read; but in 2014 paragraph 2.80 detailed a real game changer for UK mountain rescue Teams with the announcement that “From April 2015, UK search and rescue charities will be eligible to claim refunds on VAT they have paid on purchases of goods and services.”

For the Cockermouth Team this means an average refund in the order of £10,000 per annum, a significant contribution to our running costs. I would like to pay tribute to Stewart Hulse, ex-leader of LangdaleAmbleside Team, and Richard Longman of Wasdale for their campaigning on this issue over many many years. It is regrettable that Stewart is no longer with us to share in this success. I would also like to thank Lord (Alf) Dubbs, Rory Stewart MP, Sir Tony Cunningham MP and Tim Farron MP for their support as members of the Parliamentary Group on Mountain Rescue.

Although the Team will benefit in the order of £10,000 a year as a result of this measure, fundraising continues to be an essential activity with new equipment to purchase along with normal running costs of £60,000 per annum. Our Facebook page is now an

essential part of our fundraising efforts, with videos, photos and details of what’s going on in terms of call-outs, training and other events. So if you use Facebook why not share our page on your Facebook timeline, if you haven’t already?

Donations and support for the Team continue to be truly humbling, and in 2014 the Team benefited from a significant and generous legacy. This has enabled us to look at replacing one of our Landrover vehicles and to the purchase of a new Mercedes Sprinter vehicle, to act as a stretcher carrier and mobile control vehicle.

In terms of call-outs 2014 was one of our busiest years with 76 incidents to deal with; a full range of emergencies with head injuries, ankle fractures, leg fractures, dislocated shoulder, fractured ribs. Most of these were genuine accidents that could happen to anyone, and yes, even to a Mountain Rescue Team member (see page 13). However, there are still too many instances where mountaingoers report themselves lost through either failing to take a map and compass, or not knowing how to use them properly.

Smartphones and other electronic GPS mapping devices are invaluable, but no substitute for basic map reading and navigation skills.

Finally, on behalf of the Team can I thank the other organisations and services that we work with for their support over 2014, including Cumbria Police, North West Ambulance Service, the Air Ambulances, and the other Lake District mountain rescue Teams.

In 2015 RAF and Royal Navy helicopter search and rescue will be replaced with a service from Bristows, so this year I want to particularly highlight the contribution over many years of the Sea King helicopter >>> CMRT Annual Report 2015 ● 3

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>>> crews and their ground crews. The lifesaving service they have provided was highlighted for me in July on a rescue on Buckstone How crag, near Honister where a climber had fallen sustaining serious head injuries and was left hanging from his rope.

Whilst undertaking a challenging rescue off the crag, Team members were reassured to hear and then see a yellow Sea King from RAF Boulmer flying in to the scene. The casualty was winched into the helicopter and the speedy evacuation to Newcastle gave him the best chance of recovery. A comment made on our Facebook page about incidents in 2014 sums it all up really: “… my partner Martin was one of the serious head injuries, if not for you and RAF Boulmer I don’t think we would have been celebrating the New Year together we can’t thank you enough. Great respect and here’s to 2015”.

Steve Brailey

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2014 was the second busiest year on record for Cockermouth MRT with 76 call-outs (previous busiest year was 2011 with 80 call-outs).

There are three call-outs that certainly stand out in my mind this year for differing reasons.

Call-out 41 on 22nd June, when a 23-yearold man fell a remarkably long distance before coming to an abrupt stop on a ledge on Grasmoor Front. He sustained a significant ankle injury amongst others. What stood out to me about this call-out was the clockwork nature in which all the Team worked to rescue and treat this casualty. The icing on the cake came courtesy of the RAF with their mighty Yellow Sea King Helicopter and a fantastic crew. They brought their aircraft tight into the cliff and with precision manoeuvring winched the casualty

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Team Leader’s report Mike Park MBE

from between our feet and on to definitive care.

Call-out 43 on 29th June for two missing persons probably stands out to me for all the wrong reasons. We all understand that being rescued by a Mountain Rescue Team can be traumatic, painful, scary and sometimes can be an embarrassing experience for all concerned, but the Aunt involved in this callout took her language and shouting just beyond the pale for even this ‘well-rounded’ Team Leader. I can only apologise to any reader of this report who may have been having a quiet drink in the Fish Inn at Buttermere that evening! Enough said!

Call-out 44 on 2nd July for a climber who had taken a leader fall, whilst climbing on

Buckstone How. I know Steve has covered this call-out in his report, so all I wish to add is the superb teamwork again shown by all the Team and specifically by Dr Jo Grove, who carried out a remarkable piece of climbing to reach the casualty and provide medical care.

Again this call-out saw another remarkable piece of flying from the RAF Sea King and its crew – a very fitting epitaph to the long history this aircraft has had with the Team.

So, as I said, 2014 was a busy year, but why is it that 2014 feels to me to have been an exceptionally busy year? Although there were 76 call-outs, I can’t put it down to them alone for why we have been so busy. Callouts are the Team’s bread and butter, they do >>> take up members’ time and energy, CMRT Annual Report 2015 ● 5

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>>> and that’s why we all joined Mountain Rescue! What I feel has made this an exceptionally busy year is all the other work that is going on. Mostly in the background, sometimes hidden or unnoticed, often taken for granted, but very much appreciated and very much required in order that we all can make the carrying out of 76 successful callouts – ‘just gravy’!

So what is this other work? Well Steve passed me a list at the start of the year – setting out Roles and Responsibilities carried out by Team members – formally recognised or not by the Team today. This list shows the ‘other work’ that is vital to run a busy

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operational Mountain Rescue Team. What surprised me was the sheer number of roles that are required and are performed by operational members of this Team. What is more surprising is the number of roles that are being carried out by single individual members. The point I am trying to get to, is this: The days when all that was required to be an active Team member was to show willing and attend call-outs has gone! In fact it went several years ago!

To be a truly active Team member requires that you carry out ‘other work’ – you all should have a role and responsibility within this Team – this should not come as a surprise or shock as the vast majority of members already have one or more!

This is not Mike putting the spotlight on anyone or having a rant, this is merely Mike pointing out that to continue to run a smoothrunning Mountain Rescue Team requires that we all look around us and make sure that we are all pulling equally on one rope. Those of you who have more than one rope in your hands – share some out to those who haven’t got a rope and vice versa.

So now you will understand why, when I get to this bit, where I thank everyone for all the hard work they have put in during the year, it takes too much time to read out a Team Membership List, so I won’t, and will just say, “Thank you all for the massive amount of ‘other work’ you have done”. However I will add my special thanks to both Derek and Chris who have and always will, put in a massive amount of ‘other work’ quietly and consistently in the background, only occasionally being upstaged by Jake the Search Dog.

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I would also like to thank Steve Brailey, who over the seven years I have been the Team Leader has been my rock, my conscience, my sounding board and my mate. I have relied on Steve heavily as a Deputy, and will miss him greatly. I am only consoled by the fact that he wishes to continue to be our Chairman. It has been a busy year for me mountain rescuewise and I have only found it bearable through the unflinching support of Steve. Thanks Steve.

Finally, I feel I need to explain my view on life – Team Leader-wise. For me the role is simple – take the Team down the “yellow brick road of whatever the future brings to Mountain Rescue”! The speed, direction and how we travel down the road is determined by each and every one of us – the Team –this is why it is vitally important that you all put forward your thoughts and views at Team Meetings. I see my role as to help focus the Team’s vision and to stewardship its conscience, to look around the corner and warn the Team if I see risks or opportunities around it!

I have had a busy year, with Mountain Rescue issues outside the Team’s direct remit, namely the SAR-H migration, the Major Incident Task Group and the Cumbria Local Resilience Forum partnership, working with the other Emergency Services. Thankfully (for me) I can report that the majority of this work is almost at fruition. I am aware that my involvement in this work has taken me away from the Team, and has led me to put pressure on the Team to be involved with issues that could be seen by members as being “nothing to do with us”. I firmly believe that we (the Team) need to be involved in these issues to influence our and Mountain Rescue’s future to a place acceptable to us all.

So that’s my view on life. If it’s not yours then please do say something. I need feedback to understand if what I’m doing is worthwhile.

A Team Leader’s role is a temporary posting. I understand, accept, and agree that this should be the case. I will give the Team notice when I feel that I am not fulfilling this role. However I strongly recommend that the Team also reviews my position, as this is what a healthy operational Mountain Rescue Team does! I would not have the slightest doubt in supporting any member of this Team to stand to be the Team Leader, as you are the only and best people for the job.

Thank you.

Mike Park

25 YEARS

Alan Irving is presented with a National Mountain Rescue long service award for his work with the Team CMRT Annual Report 2015 ● 7

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Medical Officer’s report Dr Peter Winterbottom They say that too many cooks spoil the broth, but do too many doctors spoil a call-out?

This question was put to the test in February when a walker sustained a dislocated shoulder in Warnscale, and all five doctors attended.

Fortunately the patient survived intact and was successfully dispatched to hospital for definitive treatment.

Ankle injuries are one of the most common injuries that precipitate a call out to the Team, and while many can be relatively benign there is occasionally the possibility of a more significant injury. Fracture dislocation of an ankle is not only very painful but also potentially limb threatening, needing early recognition and treatment on the fell. This injury has rarely been seen by the Team, however this year it was seen and managed three times. The casualty who was retrieved from Grasmoor front was one of these occasions, and manipulation of the dislocated ankle was done while perched precariously, but scenically, on a grassy ledge.

Ketamine is a well recognised and widely used analgesic in the field, and was used with aid of the air ambulance paramedic in the management of these cases. Maybe now is the time for the Team to consider stocking it for use in future.

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Head injury is another common injury seen following slips and stumbles. When sustained following a significant fall it is one of the most serious situations the Team can be called out to, both medically and logistically. It is an injury that, if survived, can lead to some of the most profound long-term consequences for the casualty. The call out to the fallen climber on Buckstone How (call-out 44) was no

exception to this, and was an occasion when the Team came together and put into practice its medical and physical training to enable a swift evacuation via RAF helicopter to the neurosurgical unit in Newcastle. Special mention should go to Dr Grove for his part in this rescue.

While the other doctors in the Team were dealing heroically with these traumatic events I was occupied with more perplexing presentations.

First, a man who had collapsed on a cycleway and was very agitated. Following treatment he was evacuated by air ambulance. It seems he had become hypotensive and hypoxic due to reduced blood flow to the heart, so presenting with symptoms of a stroke.

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Radio Officer’s report Richard Greenwood Subsequently I attended a man who insisted on being fully recovered following a collapse, but exhibited slow pulse, low blood pressure and an abnormal ECG. Having agreed to hospital admission he was found to have dangerously high levels of potassium in the blood, probably due to the interaction between poorly functioning kidneys and his medications.

This was correctable with dialysis, but without treatment would have lead to asystole and death.

A final draft of the severe hypothermia protocol came out this year. Particular thanks go to Les Gordon and John Ellerton for their work on this.

The Team has spent some time familiarising itself with the evolving protocol over the past two to three years. Part of this training involved the use of an Autopulse, an ingenious machine that can provide prolonged and effective cardiac massage while a casualty is being transported off the hill and via ambulance or helicopter to a suitable treatment centre. Having been impressed by the Autopulse in training, the Team had opted to purchase one. It arrived at the end of the year and will be an important asset for Cockermouth and its neighbouring Teams.

Dr Pete Winterbottom

The Team’s radio systems have generally performed well over the past year, often in challenging and difficult conditions out on the hill. Early in the year we suffered a number of problems with the Kirkland transmitter site. Adrian Charlton of AW Comms managed to identify and fix these, to get the site back up and running: I am grateful to Adrian for the support he provided to the Team at short notice. The project to link our transmitter site at Gatesgarth back to the control room

in Cockermouth, via an internet link, has now been completed.

This gives some back up to our main radio system and also increases radio coverage into a number of dead spots. Radios have been purchased for the new Landrover Defender and Mercedes Sprinter vehicles. The Sprinter, when it arrives, will also have its own internet connection provided via the mobile telephone network. This should prove useful when managing large incidents with the ever-increasing use of internet applications such as Sarcall, Sarloc and MR Map. RichardGreenwood

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Practice makes perfect

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supporting the cockermouth mountain rescue Team

award-winning real ales brewed in cumbria www.yatesbrewery.co.uk

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A rescuer being rescued...

I hadn’t been out with the group I normally do mountain biking with for a while, so I thought I’d park at Dodd Wood to bike to the top of Dodd. It drizzled all the way to the top, but there was a bit of sunshine coming through, so, on the descent from Dodd, I decided to walk up to Carlside Col and bike down Ullock Pike.

My wife rang at noon to see if I wanted to have lunch with her.

“Sorry my dear, I’m up on Ullock Pike”, I said. “OK, see you later”.

I lowered the seat a wee bit for the downhill and off I went.

Passed a school group heading for Skiddaw and gave them a cheery wave (little did I know one of the leaders would be helping me later on!) Not being an expert on downhill I usually walk where I think I haven’t got the experience to ride. From Carlside to a place on Longside edge it was pretty straightforward, about 400 metres.

The next thing I remember is getting up from lying on top of the bike, wondering what happened!

A bit dazed, but I seemed OK so I picked the bike up to see what the damage was. The front brake lever was broken and rear gears were a bit twisted. I started to look for the pin for the lever, but had no joy. Right, that’s the biking finished for the day. Off I went down to the road at the end of Ullock Pike, pushing the bike, but every five minutes or so, I had this pain on the right side of my

body, and I mean pain! This guy came up to me and asked if I was OK. Sort of, I replied, I think I’ve broken some ribs. He said “You don’t look good”. Oh heck, better do the honourable thing and call 999.

I was speaking to someone in Glasgow, he took all the details, including a grid reference from my GPS and I sat down to wait for his call back. This guy, Keith, gave me an extra jumper to put

by Derek Tunstall, Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team Honorary Member on. I was in Keswick MRT’s patch, but they were already out on a shout, so they passed it onto Cockermouth MRT. What bad luck! A deputy leader gave me a ring and said he was going to send me a message to double check where I was.

Soon another call asked if a helicopter would be able to land nearby. OK, so now to train Keith on how to find a suitable area and direct it in. In 10 minutes we could hear the chopper coming and Keith was in place to direct it

in. What a brilliant job he did.

A quick check by Dr Lauren from the Great North Air Ambulance, painkillers in my hand (10mg of morphine) and then the lads from the Team appeared. I tried to walk to the helicopter, but no chance. Out came the stretcher and a lift from both Teams – Keswick had five members available so they sent them out. Strapped in and on my way to the infirmary at Newcastle. What a way to end the day!

It wasn’t over though.

Wheeled into the trauma unit by the aircrew from the helipad, I was surrounded by doctors asking me various questions and cutting off my (good) tops, I was sent off for a CT scan. After which a surgeon said “I’ve got some bad news for you!” What, two broken ribs instead of one? “No, it’s worse than that,” he said, “you’ve got a pneumothorax, and we have to put a drain in right away.” They made a cut around my ribs under my arm and placed a pipe into my lung area to inflate my lung. Oh boy, did it hurt. But it did its job.

I was four days in hospital and it took eight weeks to recover. So thank you Keith for helping me on the mountain, to the staff on the GNAA, the two MR Teams, the excellent staff at the RVI and, most of all, to my wife Anne and family for the aftercare (and for missing that lunch).

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IRN’S F 4 Station Street, Cockermouth

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10

33 Market Place, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9NF 01900 828200 jan@looksniceon.co.uk www.jacys.co.uk

Ce le br at in ye g ar s

Lingerie, nightwear, swimwear, socks and hosiery.

Mens undies too!!

Gift vouchers available

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“The Gathering” Eighteen members of the Team attended the biennial conference 2014, at the Aviemore Conference Facilities and Hotels, and organised by Mountain Rescue Scotland.

In the past the conference had a conventional approach, ie. lectures, talks, exhibitions, trade demonstrations and of course ‘social interaction’ (bar time and all-in-one location).

Our Scottish hosts chose a very different format and structure for the event and worked with Glenmore Lodge, the national mountaineering training centre, and the Cairngorm Rescue Team to deliver a very successful conference. Major sponsors, St John Scotland and several companies in the outdoor clothing and equipment business supported the event.

The key difference in this conference was the very large selection of practical all-day and half-day outdoor sessions with a strong emphasis on training in the field, using the gorges, rivers, and northern corries of the Cairngorm to best advantage.

The sessions were run by Glenmore Lodge staff, rescue team members from the Scottish teams, external specialists and members of the English and Welsh teams, including our own team leader, Mike Park. The outdoor sessions ranged from personal skills of rock climbing, mountaineering and 16 ● CMRT Annual Report 2015

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UK and Ireland Mountain Rescue Conference 12-14th September 2014 mountain biking to the rescue activities of Rescue Rigging, gorge rescues and Tyroleans, current trauma thinking, 4X4 off-road skills and recovery, advanced casualty care and many more. Additionally, indoor sessions were held at the Conference Centre with lectures on Search Management, National and Local Incidents, Planning and Management, Risk Management, and the legal processes for ‘When it all Goes Wrong’.

We were blessed with good weather for the whole weekend, which made the event very enjoyable. Our Team delegates spread themselves across as wide a choice as possible to maximise our time and experience. The new found skills of riding a mountain bike, setting up Tyrolean traverses, and complex search management were amongst the topics of discussion on the way back home on Sunday evening.

On the first evening (Friday) we were entertained by Andy Kirkpatrick, famous for his solo ascents in the Yosemite, Norway and Antarctica, who gave a very good lecture and presentation and got the conference off to a good start.

The local Cairngorm team opened their doors to us on late Saturday afternoon and provided the means for informal discussions and meetings. Most memorable

was their very comprehensive library of mountaineering books and literature, and their sponsorship from Cairngorm Brewery!

Later on Saturday evening a Gala Dinner was held followed by a ceilidh.

This was a magnificent social occasion and brought together everyone concerned with the conference.

The consensus from our Team members confirmed this conference was probably the best we have ever attended. The messages appearing on the conference Facebook page reinforce this view.

The next conference, in 2016, is eagerly anticipated, but the organisers, the Irish Mountain Rescue Committee, face a real challenge to match the efforts of their celtic counterparts!

Bring it on!

Dave Blanden

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Family Severs in memory of Miriam (Nee Elwin), a lover of the fells who in the fifties and sixties was a member of the Team and Secretary to the Cockermouth Mountaineering Club.

Died September 1986, Aged 48

Bitter Beck Pottery Cockermouth, Cumbria.

Unique hand-made ceramics created in our shop premises.

Come and see our designs made in the heart of Cockermouth town by Yvette Green.

The inspiration for the ceramics come from the natural world and the local Cumbrian countryside.

We also have pottery courses for all abilities and a selection of ceramics by guest potters from around Cumbria.

Come and see us at 11 Market Place, Cockermouth CA13 9NH

Open: Wed, Thurs (am), Fri and Sat 10.30–4.00, Lunch 1–2pm.

Please check website for full opening dates: www.BitterBeck.co.uk or phone 07968 859883

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Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team

Slide Show Presentations 2015 at ButtermereCroft Farm Café

(GR NY17472 16938)

Wed

Wed

Wed

Wed

Wed

Wed

Wed

5 Aug 20.30

12 Aug 20.30

19 Aug 20.30

26 Aug 20.30

2 Sept 20.30

9 Sept 20.30

16 Sept 20.30

Admission: Adults £3, Children £1

Come and watch a presentation by a member/s of Cockermouth Mountain Rescue.

See how they operate, what is involved in getting a rescue started and see how much training they do. A Search and Rescue Dog may be in attendance on certain dates.Team merchandise will be on sale.Tea/coffee and cakes will be on sale.

Help the volunteers raise £60,000 each year to keep theTeam running. A slide show can be arranged for your organisation. Phone DerekTunstall on 07841 370644 / 01946 861051

www.cockermouthmrt.org.uk

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Incidents 2014 1 3rd Jan Cumbria Police asked for assistance in the coastal areas around Silloth and Bowness-onSolway, which were expected to flood due to a combination of a high tide and strong onshore winds.

The Team deployed a vehicle and four Team members to the Silloth area. A number of roads were found to be flooded.

2 6th Jan The Team was called to help a delivery van driver stuck in water on the flooded coast road at Dubmill Point near Allonby.

After discussion with the Police, it was agreed that Maryport Inshore Lifeboat would deal with this incident, and the Team stood down.

4 20th Jan The Team was called to assist the Police in the search for a missing 52-year-old male in the Lorton area. He was found by the Police in Cockermouth as the Team and search dogs were assembling for a search.

3 14th Jan The Team was called to assist Keswick MRT with a search for a missing 69-year-old local woman. A body was located in the River Greta by a swiftwater rescue Team.

5 22nd Jan The Team was asked to assist North West Ambulance Service with a climber who had fallen at Head End Quarry (off the A595 towards Carlisle). The crew of the land ambulance managed to transport the casualty to their vehicle without assistance, and so the Team was stood down soon after being called.

6 30th Jan The Team was called to assist the Police, Ambulance Service and Fire and Rescue with a car that had skidded on ice on Newlands Hause, and was reported to be balanced over a drop. By the time the Team arrived on scene, the occupants had been rescued from the car. (photo courtesy of CFS) 20 â—? CMRT Annual Report 2015

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8 9th Feb The Team continued searching the river for the missing person, from Workington to Broughton along the river Derwent, and around Cockermouth. The casualty was found and recovered from the river between Broughton and Clifton. Sadly a fatality.

9 10th Feb A 45-year-old man from the Cockermouth area slipped and sustained a serious ankle injury whilst out walking on steep and craggy ground below the summit of Rannerdale Knotts near Buttermere. The Team located the casualty and with the help of a paramedic and doctor from the Great North Air Ambulance treated his injuries at the scene. The casualty was then lowered 150 metres to the valley floor, loaded into the helicopter and transported directly to hospital.

7 8th Feb Cumbria Police asked the Team to search the river around Cockermouth for a woman in her 80s, missing from her home since 5th Feb. The Team searched from Camerton to Cockermouth Youth Hostel, but nothing found.

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10 28th Feb The Team was called to assist the Ambulance Service treat and transport a woman who had slipped and broken her leg whilst out running near Caermote Roman Fort on the edge of Binsey.

The Team treated her at the scene and carried her a short distance down the hill to the ambulance.

11 9th Mar A group of four walkers was reported overdue from a walk over Haystacks, Kirk Fell, Great Gable, and Grey Knotts. The four were contacted and found to be in the Grey Knotts area, walking slowly in the dark into Honister. Arrived safe and well at Honister one hour later.

12 12th Mar Two women got into difficulties in boggy ground on the Buttermere lakeshore.

Following a telephone conversation with the Team leader, they were happy to continue their walk and return to their car without assistance from the Team.

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14 12th Mar The Team was called to locate and assist an elderly man down from Scarth Gap to Buttermere. The casualty was located and evacuated by stretcher to Gatesgarth Farm.

13 12th Mar Wasdale MRT requested assistance in a search for a missing walker who had set off from Wasdale Head on a walk including Scafell Pike. An extensive search took place involving Teams from across the Lake District; a body was reported by a member of the public and recovered by mountain rescue.

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18 29th Mar The Team was called to search for man in his 60s who had failed to return from a walk on Blencathra the previous day. Keswick MRT had searched the main paths in the dark, and requested assistance from ourselves, Penrith Team and the RAF (MRT and Sea King helicopter) to conduct a more detailed search in the daylight. A body was located by Keswick MRT to the north of Sharp Edge, Blencathra.

17 26th Mar The Police asked for assistance in a search for a missing person in the Cockermouth area.

The Police then obtained further information which indicated that the missing person was no longer in the Cockermouth area, and the Team stood down.

19 5th Apr A 68-year-old male walker fell on the descent into Warnscale sustaining a dislocated shoulder. He was treated at the scene by four Team doctors and the Great North Air Ambulance doctor, then stretchered down to the waiting helicopter.

16 22nd Mar The Team was called to assist a walker who had injured her ankle the previous day; after spending the night at Black Sail Youth Hostel, it was badly swollen and she was no longer able walk on it. The Team treated her and transported her by landrover to Bowness Knott, where she was transferred to an ambulance.

15 13th Mar The Team was called to search for a 65year-old man who had failed to return from walking his dog near his home in Blennerhasset. The man returned to his home whilst the Team were gathering further information, and so no action was required.

CMRT Annual Report 2015 â—? 23

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20 9th Apr The Team was called to a 21-year-old woman from Canterbury who had collapsed near the top of Scarth Gap pass whilst on the second day of a backpacking trip. She was assessed by the paramedic from the Great North Air Ambulance, and then walked off the hill by the Team.

21 15th Apr A walker reported that a dog, thought to be on the fell above Angler’s Crag, had been barking all day. One Team member went for a walk over Angler’s Crag and Crag Fell to investigate, but couldn’t hear or find any sign of the dog.

22 16th Apr A female walker was reported significantly overdue on a walk around Ennerdale Water and over Iron Crag. The Team suggested her husband take a short drive along the roads between Ennerdale Water and Ennerdale Bridge, and he successfully located her walking back along the road.

24 ● CMRT Annual Report 2015

23 18th Apr A 51-yearold solo walker from Suffolk became cragfast on Pillar Rock as he descended from the top of Pillar. The Team located him in a precarious position on the west face.

They rigged ropes and lowered a Team member to him, from where he was rescued onto safer ground.

24 19th Apr A 51-yearold walker fell close to Windy Gap sustaining a fracture wrist. Incident found to be in Keswick MRT’s area and dealt with by them.

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29 8th May Report of a male in a party of four trapped by a fallen rock and with a broken leg near the summit of Pillar, Ennerdale.

The Team located his position near the summit. He was lowered in the dark on a stretcher to a suitable landing site out of the cloud. Once below the cloud a Sea King helicopter from RAF Boulmer winched casualty from scene at 00:05hrs and was flown to Carlisle hospital.

28 30th Apr A male walker contacted the Team by mobile phone after a fall which badly injured his knee cap. His position was determined as near Great Round How. Cockermouth and Keswick Teams responded. He was evacuated from the scene by RAF helicopter rescue 131 and taken to Carlisle hospital.

27 29th Apr Man and daughter overdue from walk in Buttermere area. Intended route Grasmoor via Crag Hill. Located by Team members above Gasgale Gill footpath below Whin Ben. 30 14th May Two walkers in their 20s from Birmingham called for help when they became lost on steep ground on High Crag. They were located by the Team and walked safely off the hill.

25 28th Apr Cockermouth Team was called to assist Wasdale MRT in a search for a male last seen in the Ravenglass Estuary.

A search took place involving helicopters, coastguard and mountain rescue.

After an extensive search he had not been located.

26 28th Apr Five 15-year-olds on an expedition failed to turn up at their planned campsite in Buttermere. They turned up very soon after the Team was being mobilised.

31 15th May The Team was called to assist Keswick MRT (along with other Lakes Teams) in the search for a 67-year-old solo walker overdue from a walk the previous day in the Scafell area. 12 Team members attended, searching the area around Great Gable. Unfortunately his body was eventually found in Piers Gill on Scafell Pike.

CMRT Annual Report 2015 â—? 25

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32 18th May A male fell walker from Cumbria injured his ankle whilst descending from High Crag, Buttermere.

He was treated at the scene by a Team doctor and then helped down the fellside to a Team vehicle.

33 18th May A 67-year-old man from Cumbria collapsed on the cycleway near Winder and Frizington. The Team was called to assist the land and air ambulance in treating the casualty, and then transporting him to a site where he could be loaded in the helicopter. He was then flown to Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle.

34 25th May A nine-year-old boy from Northamptonshire became detached from his family group whilst walking on Carling Knott, Loweswater. He was found

by High Nook Farm with his grandparents.

The rest of his family walked back down to meet up at the Kirkstile Inn.

35 6th Jun The Police asked the Team to use SARLOC to attempt to locate a mobile phone that had made a number of silent 999 calls in the Lorton area. The owner of the phone made contact with the Team when he came back into mobile phone reception – he had been walking all day with his phone in his pocket, and was unaware he had been making emergency calls.

He was fit and well and required no assistance!

36 7th Jun The Team was called to assist with a fell runner who had injured his knee on an organised event near Black Sail Youth Hostel in Ennerdale. The Team responded to the call, but by the time they arrived, the event organisers had transported the injured man to meet the ambulance at Bowness Knott Car Park.

26 â—? CMRT Annual Report 2015

37 11th Jun The Police received reports that a male had entered Ennerdale water, and might be in difficulties, and so asked the Team to deploy a swiftwater rescue Team to the area. On further investigation, it turned out the man was not in the water, and the Team was stood down.

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38 19th Jun Some walkers discovered an abandoned rucksack on the Buttermere lakeshore near the bottom of Scarth Gap pass, and were concerned for its owner’s welfare. Before long, a man arrived at Gatesgarth farm reporting he had lost his rucksack. The two were successfully reunited!

39 21st Jun A 72-yearold woman turned her ankle on the path near Scale Force, Buttermere, and was unable to walk.

She was treated at the scene by the Team and flown by air ambulance to hospital in Carlisle.

CMRT Annual Report 2015 â—? 27

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42 26th Jun Two walkers from Merseyside became cragfast near the north summit of Melbreak. The Team accessed their location and assisted them with walking back down the path.

40 21st June Whilst the Team were still in Buttermere from the previous incident, Keswick Mountain Rescue Team requested assistance evacuating a 50-year-old woman with an injured knee from Gillercombe Head.

She was treated at the scene, and transported to Honister to meet up with her friends.

41 22nd Jun A 23-yearold local man fell approximately 200 feet whilst scrambling on Grasmoor Front. He landed on a ledge halfway up Grasmoor Front from where he was inaccessible to his friends. The Team located him on a small ledge where he was treated for multiple injuries by two Team doctors before being winched into a Sea King helicopter from RAF Boulmer and flown to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.

28 â—? CMRT Annual Report 2015

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43 29th Jun A 16-year-old male walking the coast to coast became separated from his aunt, and phoned for help after he failed to find her after a number of hours. The 16-year old was located near the summit of Red Pike, and his aunt was found near Black Sail Youth Hostel. They were both walked off the hill, and were reunited in Buttermere.

44 2nd Jul A climber on Buckstone How took a long leader fall and sustained head and other injuries. He was initially treated on the crag by a Team doctor, before being lowered to the ground and transported a short distance to where he could be winched into a RAF Sea King helicopter. He was flown to hospital in Newcastle.

CMRT Annual Report 2015 â—? 29

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45 2nd Jul Male in his 70s collapsed near Peggy’s Bridge on Buttermere lake shore.

He was assessed by a Team doctor and transferred by land ambulance to hospital in Carlisle.

46 3rd Jul A woman tripped and injured her head on the Buttermere lake shore. She was assessed by the Air Ambulance doctor, then walked by the Team to a land ambulance at Gatesgarth Farm.

47 9th Jul Two sheep stuck on Gable Crag.

Successfully rescued.

48 14th Jul Two brothers became stuck on High Crag when the weather closed in.

They were soon joined by another two walkers. The Team established their position using the GPS in their mobile phone, found them on High Crag and escorted them down to Gatesgarth.

49 22nd Jul Male walker from USA staying at Black Sail Youth Hostel suffering from breathing difficulties. He was transported by Team vehicle to a land ambulance and taken to West Cumberland Hospital.

50 24th Jul Male with knee injury, unable to walk at Black Sail Youth Hostel.

Picked up by Mobile 1 and transported to CMRT base.

Casualty (a C2C walker) made own way to Borrowdale.

30 ● CMRT Annual Report 2015

52 28th Jul Fell walker heard shouts for help from Chapel Crags, Buttermere. Found to be farmer gathering sheep on the fellside.

51 24th Jul A 57-year-old man from London became stuck on ledge above Crummock whilst out for a walk. He was located by the Team and made safe before being lowered to safe ground. The Team then walked him back to High Park from where he was transported to Buttermere village. This was the Team’s second call out of the day having just returned from dealing with a man from Whistler, Canada, on the Coast to Coast walk with a knee injury; at Black Sail Youth Hostel in Ennerdale.

CMRT-AnnualReport2015_print 07/05/2015 19:02 Page 31

53 3rd Aug A male walker in his 60s was out walking with a large group slipped on the footpath beside Scale Force, falling three metres and sustaining a head injury. He was located by the Team, treated on scene and evacuated by RAF Sea king helicopter from Boulmer to Carlisle hospital.

54 23rd Aug Male reported missing whilst swimming in Crummock Water. Team stood down whilst in the process of responding after being advised that swimmer had been safely located.

55 24th Aug A 71-year-old woman from Lancashire sustained an ankle injury whilst descending into Mosedale from Mellbreak.

Team members treated the woman at the scene and then stretchered her to a Team vehicle so she could be transported the rest of the way out of the valley. After a discussion with the Team doctor and attending ambulance crew it was agreed that she could be taken by her family to a hospital closer to home.

56 25th Aug A male walker was reported with an ankle injury on Buttermere Moss.

Members of the Team attended and stretchered the casualty down to Newlands Hause area. He was taken by a Team vehicle to Buttermere to meet a road ambulance and then transported on to Whitehaven hospital.

57 28th Aug Team called to a female who had fallen on the Scarth Gap path and suffered a severe gash to her head. She was treated on the scene by a doctor and nurse who were walking in the area.Whilst the Team gathered further information, we were informed that she had already been helped to walk out to Gatesgarth Farm.

58 31st Aug Mother and daughter walking the C2C reported overdue at their accommodation at Scafell Hotel.

Located safe and well at Dubbs Hut and escorted to the hotel by the Team.

CMRT Annual Report 2015 â—? 31

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59 2 Sep The Team was called to a 27-year-old male walker with chest pains on Red Pike, Buttermere. The Team was airlifted by the Air Ambulance to assist with his evacuation to Carlisle Infirmary.

60 3 Sep Two Coast to Coast walkers from the USA became lost between Haystacks and Honister.

They contacted their accommodation by mobile phone who reported them lost. They were located by Team members, from GPS co-ordinates from their tablet device and by identifying their lights on the hill. They were then walked to a Team vehicle and driven to their accommodation.

61 7 Sep Request from Cumbria Police to recover a potential male suicide found by a passing dog walker.

Body recovered.

62 8 Sep A 76-year-old male became unwell near Woodhouse, Buttermere.

Team members treated him at the scene and walked him to a waiting ambulance.

63 11 Sep A 70-year-old woman tripped on the path whilst walking on the south shore of Ennerdale Water.

Although conscious throughout she had a minor head injury and suffering from blurred vision. A doctor and paramedic form the GNAA treated her at the scene. Eventually the casualty, with the support of Team members, walked to a Team Landrover. The Team transported her back to her car at Bowness Knot. After consultation with the doctor from the air ambulance it was decided that the lady was well enough to be transported on to hospital by her husband.

64 27 Sep Team called to two people stuck near the West Waterfall on Pillar. They were assisted to safer ground protected by a rope, and then walked off the hill.

32 â—? CMRT Annual Report 2015

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65 4 Oct The Team was called by the Police to search for a missing 59-year-old male from Wigton. Areas around the town and Waverton were searched but found nothing by nightfall.

66 5 Oct The Team was called again by the Police to search for a missing 59-year-old male from Wigton. Members of Cockermouth MRT, Penrith MRT, and SARDA Lakes were ready to start searching out from Wigton when the Police confirmed he had been located.

67 8 Oct A woman in her 30s slipped and broke her leg on the Buttermere lakeshore path. She was treated at the scene and carried a short distance across the fields to an ambulance, which transported her to West Cumberland Hospital.

68 4 Nov Two fell walkers from the West Midlands reported as lost in the area of High Stile. The missing walkers were contacted by mobile phone and their exact location confirmed using SARLOC. SARLOC was then used to track their progress as they were guided down to Buttermere via Red Pike and Bleaberry Tarn. As the walkers were without torches a small group of Team members went to assist with the final stage of their journey.

69 17 Nov The Team was called by Keswick Mountain Rescue Team to help with one of two call-outs they were dealing with – a mountain biker who had fallen and suffered a chest injury on Ullock Pike. He was located and treated by the Team, and carried a short distance to the Great North Air Ambulance. He was flown to RVI, Newcastle (see page 13).

70 23 Nov A walker from Warwickshire became crag fast whilst walking on Rannerdale Knotts.

Members of the Team located the cragfast person and guided them down to the safety of the valley floor.

CMRT Annual Report 2015 â—? 33

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71 6 Dec Two fell walkers from Hull became disorientated in thick cloud and bad weather whilst walking along the Red Pike High Stile ridge. The Team identified the exact location of the missing persons using SARLOC. Team members located the fell walkers just off the summit of High Stile and walked them to the safety of Buttermere Village where they were staying.

72 14 Dec Missing person in the area of the Slag Banks in Workington. The Team assembled and were in the process of deploying when the Police confirmed that the missing person had been located.

73 15 Dec A car went off the Whinlatter to Lorton Road part way down Blaze Beck gorge. Fire and Rescue called the Team to assist with search and rescue. The injured driver of the car was transported by ambulance to hospital.

75 26 Dec A 70-year-old walker from France slipped on the descent from Whiteless Pike sustaining a fracture-dislocation of the ankle. Sixteen Team members attended; he was treated by the Team doctor and NW Air Ambulance crew, then flown to the Cumberland Infirmary.

34 â—? CMRT Annual Report 2015

74 21 Dec A hill walker from Cleator became disorientated whilst walking between Buttermere and Ennerdale in the area of Gale Fell. Fortunately he had good mobile phone signal and was able to contact the Police. Nineteen members of the Team and search dogs from the Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs association searched the footpaths and fells between Buttermere and Ennerdale and eventually located the missing man in the vicinity of Gale Fell.

Team members escorted him back down into the valley.

CMRT-AnnualReport2015_print 07/05/2015 19:02 Page 35

e us es o th k t ut ac llo d b pu en se d s ea n Pl s a ge pa

Support the Team Please treat the enclosed gift of ÂŁ______________ as a Gift Aid donation.

I am a UK taxpayer and I wish Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team to reclaim tax on the enclosed donation made under the Gift Aid Scheme Signature__________________________________ Date__________________ Full Name ________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________ __________________________________ Post Code _____________________ Charity Reg No: 506956

Gift Aid Declaration Form As a charity Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team can reclaim the tax on any donation you make (providing you are a UK tax payer) and increases its value by nearly a third – without costing you a penny. It is one of the most effective ways to help the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team members even more, and enable them to continue their rescues.

Can you help the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team by giving a regular amount each month or year to help continue our work?

If so, please fill in the form overleaf...

Please complete, pull out this centre spread and send to: Chris Abbot, High Leys, Rowrah, Frizington, Cumbria CA26 3XT

CMRT-AnnualReport2015_print 07/05/2015 19:02 Page 36

Can you help the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team by giving a regular amount each month or year to help continue our work?

If so, please fill in the form below...

Text a donation on your mobile phone. Text the message CMRT11 £20 to number 70070, and we receive a £20 donation, simple as that! We are charged no fees for this service so we receive every penny of the amount you donate.

Make an on-line donation via the Charities Aid Foundation website www.cafonline.org

Bankers Order Date________________ To ___________________________________________ Bank Address_________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Post Code ____________________ Name of Account to be debited _____________________________ Account No___________ Please pay to: National Westminster Bank, 23 Station Street, Cockermouth, Cumbria Code No 01-02-17, for credit of CMRT, Account No 08702349 The sum of £ __________ in words:____________________________________________ Commencing ____________________________________________ (Date of first payment) And thereafter every _____________________________________________ (Month/Year) Until ________ _(Date of last payment or until further notice) and debit my/our account accordingly Signed ___________________________________________ Date __________________

Please complete, pull out this centre spread and send to: Chris Abbot, High Leys, Rowrah, Frizington, Cumbria CA26 3XT

CMRT-AnnualReport2015_print 07/05/2015 19:03 Page 37

Help support us by buying some of our Team merchandise

PIN BADGE £2.50 Total £

WOOLLY HAT £7 one size fits all (please ring for other colours available)

Orange Total £

Sky Blue Total £

Burgundy Total £

Yellow Total £

SMALL TORCH £3 Total £

KEYRING £1 Total £ LAND ROVER £5 Total £

For more info, ring Chris Abbot on 01946 861963

PEN £1 Total £

CMRT-AnnualReport2015_print 07/05/2015 19:03 Page 38

SWEATSHIRT £17 Size(s) Colour(s) Total £

FLEECE full zip £22 Size(s) Colour(s) Total £

All clothing in chest sizes: S 36/38 M 38/40 L 40/42 XL 42/44 (please ring for other colours available) POLO SHIRT £15 Size(s) Colour(s) Total £

FLEECE 1/4 zip £20 Size(s) Colour(s) Total £

T-SHIRT £7.50 Size(s) Colour(s) Total £

MUG £4 Total £

XMAS CARDS Pack of five for £4 x Six packs for £20 x Total £

Please add P+P £2 for clothing and mugs and 50p for other items Total £

Name

Donation £

Address

Total enclosed £

Phone

Please make cheques payable to Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team and enclose with this centre spread pullout to: Chris Abbot, High Leys, Rowrah, Frizington, Cumbria CA26 3XT

CMRT-AnnualReport2015_print 07/05/2015 19:03 Page 39

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CMRT-AnnualReport2015_print 07/05/2015 19:03 Page 40

Rope rescue training in the Dolomites

40 â—? CMRT Annual Report 2015

Our front-line Team vehicles, Mobiles 1 and 2, each carry 650 metres (over 2,000 feet) of rope, a crag sack and a pulley sack. Team members are expected to be able to use these ropes and associated hardware in a variety of ways.

These include protecting themselves and other Team members when climbing or scrambling to casualties, lowering or raising rescuers and stretchers on steep ground or crags, and complex systems to enable extraction of casualties from deep gullies or ravines.

Mountain rescue rope systems have evolved significantly over the last few years and Lake District Teams have embraced the simpler, safer systems being researched and developed in North America. Team members Simon Woodbury and Mike Park therefore jumped at the chance to join a rope rescue training event in the Italian Dolomites, hosted by our colleagues from Keswick MRT

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and run by Canadian Mountain Guide and rope rescue guru Kirk Mauthner, during the summer of 2014.

Two five-day courses were run, based at the excellent Rifugio Coldai. The refuge sits on some impressively big cliffs typical of the Dolomites and amongst broken craggy terrain more reminiscent of the Lake District. By flying to Venice (Jet2 happily accommodated a stretcher as ‘Sports Equipment’) and transferring a large pile of ropes and hardware to the refuge using their cableway lift, attendees enjoyed a pleasant walk up to 2,135 metres to start their acclimatisation. Meals were excellent, accommodation was compact but comfortable, and starts were early with breakfast served at 6.30am. This meant that it was possible to learn for eight hours on the hill each day (the longest walk from the refuge was less than an hour) and still have time to share stories over a meal and a drink in the evenings before lightsout at 10pm.

The syllabus was too extensive to describe here but

included a variety of lowering and raising techniques, some familiar (Lakes Teams have hosted Kirk’s courses in the UK previously), some new. Under the watchful eye of Kirk and his Italian colleague Christian we grew into confident riggers capable of building and controlling increasingly complex systems. There was always a reason why things were done the way they were, underpinned by evidence from research. Tips and experiences from members of other Lakes Teams were shared and improvements made to increase efficiency of systems.

By the end of the course it was obvious that significant learning had taken place and the group from week one returned to the UK full of ideas to share current thinking with their home Teams. Strong links had been built with other Teams around the region and long discussions had taken place about how Teams operate, and not just in the context of rigging!

Travel logistics meant that

the only contact between week 1 and week 2 Teams was a distant glimpse of each other at Vienna airport but I’m sure they had an equally valuable course even though the weather had changed from ‘end of summer’ (cool but dry) to ‘early winter’ (alternating rain and snow) on the final night of the first week.

We certainly left them an impressively large pile of equipment to bring back to the UK at the end of the course.

Many thanks to our colleagues in Keswick MRT for inviting us along and organising such a valuable training event.

It was a pleasure to train alongside colleagues from Keswick, Kirkby Stephen, Kendal and Duddon and Furness and other Teams were also represented on week two.

Kirk and Christian did an amazing job and we will definitely be inviting them back again for more training in the not too distant future.

Simon Woodbury CMRT Annual Report 2015 ● 41

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Over the course of 2014 Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team has continued to invest in the development of its Swiftwater and Flood Rescue capability. This article outlines significant changes to equipment, training and regional organisation made over the past 12 months.

EQUIPMENT The floods in 2009 highlighted the significant role that mountain rescue teams from across Cumbria play during major incidents.

In the wake of the floods, Cockermouth Team, supported by many very generous donations, were able to replace equipment damaged during the floods as well as improve the existing stock of drysuits (waterproof suits with rubber seals at the wrists and neck designed to keep the cold water out).

For the past five years these suits have served us very well, both when undertaking Swiftwater Rescue training and on several prolonged call-outs involving searches of local rivers for missing persons.

However, all this training and searching had inevitably resulted in some damage being caused to the suits, and despite some valiant attempts at patching it was clear that our drysuits were starting to let in a little too much water! This all came to a head in February of last year when a group of Team members who were undertaking some 42 ● CMRT Annual Report 2015

Swiftwater rescue training on a section of the river Brathay, complained that their suits leaked so badly that the only solution was to cut drainage holes in the feet!

Fortunately, just a few weeks earlier, the Team had agreed to a project that would replace all the leaky old dry suits and provide each of the Team’s 20 SRTs with a personal set of water safety and rescue equipment. Now, in addition to a new made-to-measure drysuit, Team members are also issued with their own woolly bear (fleece suit worn

TRAINING At the beginning of 2014, twenty members of Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team successfully renewed their Swiftwater Rescue Technicians certificate. This qualification has to be renewed every three years and in previous years this has cost the Team in excess of £300 per member.

Fortunately the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association (LDSAMRA) has recently funded the training of two Swiftwater Rescue Instructors. These

underneath), helmet, Personal Flotation Device (PFD), throwline, rescue knife, radio case and canyon rescue boots. By personalising equipment in this way we can ensure that when Team members attend water incidents in future they will be fully attired in safety equipment that is fitted properly and well maintained.

instructors, both of whom are active members of neighbouring teams, now provide high-quality water rescue training free of charge to mountain rescue team personnel throughout the Lakes. In addition to saving the Team a significant amount of money, this regional approach towards training

CMRT-AnnualReport2015_print 07/05/2015 19:03 Page 43

also helps us to build even stronger links with other Lake District rescue teams.

WATER RESCUE GROUP Rescue teams in the Lake District have always supported one another when requested to do so. Teams can become over stretched during busy periods of the year and often rely on neighbouring teams to assist with multiple callouts, or prolonged searches.

Swiftwater rescue incidents are, by their very nature, fast moving and often require large numbers of specially trained and equipped personnel. The recent development of a Water Rescue Group enables individual teams within the Lakes to call on the support of SRTs from

other mountain rescue teams. This process is all initiated through SARCALL, an online incident management platform developed by mountain rescue, but now widely used by different emergency services throughout the UK. The call goes out to Water Incident Coordinators in neighbouring teams who take responsibility for contacting the calling team, identifying the types of assistance that may be required and organising the deployment of SRTs. Although in its infancy the Water Rescue Group has already proved its effectiveness on a number of occasions this year, enabling teams to provide a rapid and effective response

to water incidents wherever they occur within our region.

All over the country Mountain Rescue Teams are increasingly being requested to play a greater role in a widening variety of Search and Rescue activities. Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team remains committed to providing a Swiftwater and Flood Rescue capability in our region. Thanks to all those who have made donations to the team over the twelve months. It is only with the help of your continued generous support that we are able to fulfil our commitment.

Martin Pickavance

e u c s e r g n i n i a r t r e t a w t f i Sw

CMRT Annual Report 2014 â—? 43

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Engraved memorial We have known Anne Martin as both friend and work colleague for over 30 years and throughout that time we have also come to know how strongly she feels about supporting CMRT. Last autumn we made good, dozens of broken New Year resolutions to visit Buttermere and Cockermouth where Anne wanted us to share her love of the district and to celebrate the CMRT’s 60th Anniversary.

She had booked us into the famous Fish Inn at Buttermere where it is impossible to do anything other than enjoy the stunningly beautiful lake and stream side surroundings. From the moment we arrived we were infected by the urge to explore that is felt by all newcomers and by nightfall had completed our first walk, followed by a large plate of restorative local food and drink – then planning for the following day.

Our combined ages add up to some 200 years and it didn’t take long to realise that our agility and stamina was set more in our minds than our feet.

The weather was fine but the uneven rocky paths demanded as much attention as the glorious views – even in excellent walking conditions, we soon realised how easily accidents can happen and truly 44 ● CMRT Annual Report 2015

appreciated the sheer necessity of the Search and Rescue services.

At the end of our holiday we were delighted to be invited to tour the CMRT station in the company of Chris Abbot and to see their specialist equipment and operation room – all maintained in as new and ready condition. There had been 23 in the Team that had retrieved the body of one of Anne’s closest friends who had died walking on the slopes above Buttermere and, although so many years had passed, we all shed a tear as she recalled what had happened. In memory of that rescue Anne had commissioned a silver and turned wood collection box engraved for the CMRT 60th Anniversary which she presented to Chris (pictured above) on behalf of the SPODS, a walking group who meet up yearly to thank the CMRT and renew friendships.

We learned so much whilst there about the dedication and training of the Team and the special skills they had developed to deal with the everpresent risks and dangers as volunteers who don’t hesitate to put themselves forward to save their fellow men.

Peter and Yvonne Lusty

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Thank you

to all our

fundraisers

Above: Roger Hiley and the on-line walking group present a cheque, proceeds from calendars.

Above: Mr and Mrs Percival present a cheque in lieu of presents for their Golden Wedding.

Right: The Percivals and U3A walking group friends visit the base.

Mountain Rescue Team help The Rotary Club of Cockermouth celebrate 75 years As part of the recognition of 75 years’ service to the Community in Cockermouth, the National President of Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland, Peter King and his wife were guests of honour for Cockermouth Rotary Club’s celebrations in November 2014.

Given the excellent relationship between the Team and the Club, a visit to

the base was the first item on their agenda. They and other members of Rotary were, as always, made to feel very welcome. They were given a presentation on the work done by the Team both over the past years, and more significantly during the floods in Cockermouth in 2009.

The Team was the first beneficiary of grants paid out by the Rotary Club following the

floods, receiving a grant to provide funds to replace the swift water gear which had been contaminated in the rescue operations during the floods.

We wish the Team continued success in their endeavours to keep the fells safe and in the many rescue operations they are called upon to undertake.

David Collins Rotary Club of Cockermouth Assistant District Governor

CMRT Annual Report 2015 ● 45

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CMRT-AnnualReport2015_print 07/05/2015 19:03 Page 47

Crown Street Cockermouth Tel: 01900 823591 The Trout Hotel offers 49 superbly appointed bedrooms including two visually stunning Suites comprising of lounge, bathroom and bedroom.

The Derwent Restaurant Our award winning dining room offers traditional classic cuisine every evening from 7pm until 9.30pm and traditional three course Sunday Lunch ÂŁ18.95.

Bar meals are served every day in the comfortable lounges or in the garden overlooking the river Derwent in warm weather.

The Terrace Bar & Bistro Whether you wish to sit outside or in, The Terrace is the place to be. Adjacent to Wordsworth House we offer relaxed and informal surroundings to enjoy coffee, a bottle or glass of wine or a full meal from our bistro menu. Open every day, last orders for food at 9.30pm.

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A probationer’s view Living in the town of Cockermouth and being a keen climber and cyclist I have always been aware of the work of the Team. If this wasn’t enough to spark an interest in joining Mountain Rescue it would have been impossible not to have been inspired by the work of the Team during the floods of 2009.

Following conversations with team members about the skills and commitment needed to become a Team member I made an official approach to the Team to show interest in joining in mid-2013. At this time there was a deliberate strategy by the Team to recruit new members and prospective members were invited to join in with a number of team practices and events so that we better understood what we were about to become involved in. I joined my first practice on 28th September, as part of the Team’s annual training weekend at the

48 ● CMRT Annual Report 2014

Gillerthwaite centre in Ennerdale. That day’s practice involved scrambling up into Jordan’s Gap, on Pillar, followed by a very impressive stretcher lower of over 200 metres.

Practices are always followed by a debrief and discussion about what went well and what could be improved, even at this early stage I was encouraged to contribute my thoughts on the experience from a casualty’s point of view. Practices are designed to prepare Team members for the real thing and exactly one year later to the day I was involved in a night-time call-out in West Waterfall on Pillar for two walkers who had become stuck (incident 64) putting into practice many of the skills developed during training.

The last 12 months have involved an extensive programme of training designed to develop the techniques and knowledge required to make an

effective contribution during Team practices and on callouts, these have ranged from essential first aid training to crag rescue techniques, searches, swiftwater rescue practice in the rivers Derwent and Cocker, avalanche training and working with helicopters. Since joining the call-out list in June it has been very clear why the Team place such an emphasis on Team members developing skills in all aspects of Mountain Rescue, the variety of the nature of call-outs, as shown in this report, is truly amazing. My involvement with the Team has already given me a huge sense of satisfaction and provided me with many amazing experiences and I am looking forward to continuing to develop my skills and contributing to the work of Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team for many years to come.

Richard King

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CMRT Annual Report 2015 â—? 49

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Avalanche training in the Lakes!

50 â—? CMRT Annual Report 2015

Avalanches can and do occur in the Lake District. And for this reason, as a Rescue Team, we need to be fully prepared for any such eventuality. When an avalanche occurs, the survival rate of anyone involved, dramatically reduces during their burial time. For this reason, Mountain Rescue Teams need to act quickly and decisively in order to execute an effective rescue.

The Team has carried out avalanche rescue training over a number of years, however since the incidents in Scotland in the winter of 2012/2013, there has been much learning gained in the management of an avalanche search and consequently the techniques involved. This includes; management of the safety of the site of an avalanche; a hasty search; deployment of the search dogs; the use of avalanche transceivers; probing; effective digging; assessment and treatment of a casualty; the use of an Autopulse, (which gives continuous chest compressions as part of Basic Life Support) and referral to an ECMO (Extracoporeal membrane oxygenation) centre for on-going care of the severely hypothermic casualty.

Due to the experience of our rescue team colleagues north of the border, we enlisted the help of Eric Pirie, Cairngorm MRT member, international mountain guide and ski patroller to assist with our training. Eric’s wealth of experience and knowledge brought us up to date with current practices involving the techniques already mentioned.

We also took time to discuss how to assess the avalanche hazard prior to going out in winter. This includes; weather forecasting;

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planning the journey; group capabilities, e,g. experience, fitness, appropriately equipment; and the terrain to be covered.

One of the challenges for any rescue team in the Lake District is revising your skills prior to the start of the winter season. As many of us are aware, conditions in the Lake District may vary considerably year to year. Eric came down from Scotland in November to conduct our ‘pre-season’ avalanche training and we were greeted with torrential rain, and mild conditions in Honister Pass where we carried out the exercise. We divided the team in to four groups and we went through the individual components of avalanche rescue. We then carried out an exercise, which enabled the Team to bring all the skills together. In spite of the lack of snow, searching across a boulder-strewn slope had similarities to working in an avalanche debris tip. On completion of the exercise, we were called to assist Keswick MRT on a rescue in the Gillercombe area of Borrowdale, more in-line with the Team’s bread and butter work. Due to the complex nature of avalanche rescue work, and the potential trauma of the casualties involved, it is essential that we carry out our refresher training annually. We would like to extend our grateful thanks to Eric Pirie for the time and skill he spent working with our Team.

For more information on avalanches, please visit www.sais.gov.uk Neale Connolly

Above: Searching for buried transceiver.

Below: Using avalanche probes.

CMRT Annual Report 2015 ● 51

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Winter Training Complementing the training that the Team undertakes for winter rescues and the potential for responding to avalanches in the Lake District, the Search Dogs also undertake their own winter training. Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team currently has one graded dog – Search Dog Jake, with Laura Connolly, and one trainee dog, Mij with Mike Hadwin. The Team has a notable history of search dogs with several past handlers to its 52 ● CMRT Annual Report 2015

credit, not to mention Jim Coyle with his German shepherd, Rock, who pioneered the use of search dogs within Mountain Rescue in the Lakes in the late 1960s.

February 2014 saw members of the Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs (LDMRSDA) heading north to The Cairngorms for their annual winter course.

Attendees included graded dog handlers, trainee dog handlers, Assessors and Trainers and the volunteer dogsbodies, who are

prepared to be buried in snow ‘graves’ for the sake of training our dogs. We were also privileged to be joined by four Norwegian instructors from Norske Redningshunder, the Norwegian equivalent of the LDMRSDA. We based ourselves at Badaguish Outdoor centre staying in the Norwegian-style cabins. The conditions in the days leading up to our week there had been challenging. The northern corries had experienced particularly high

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winds and there had been a consistently ‘high’ avalanche risk.

This was still the case as we arrived according to the forecasts we obtained from the Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS). Later on in the week, the risk lessened to ‘considerable’.

Whilst the main objective of the course was to train for avalanche rescue, we certainly did not want to be taking any unnecessary risks. It was a year on, to that week, since the tragedy unfolded in the Chalamain Gap, when three people lost their lives and it was a stark reminder of how fearsome and forceful an avalanche can be.

The main focus of the winter course is to teach the dogs to locate the scent of a body buried in snow. Because the bodies are not accessible to the dogs, they respond by digging down to the source of the scent. This is an indication to the handler that dog has located the casualty. This would give team members a pinpoint area to probe and then to dig, to evacuate the casualty.

Team members can use skills such as observation, the use of transceivers and probing the avalanche debris scene for signs indicating where the casualties are most likely to be, and all of this is time consuming. Search dogs however, can use their acute sense of smell to locate the site of a casualty, buried up to five meters depth in a matter of seconds. This can significantly cut down the time it takes to locate and extricate a casualty.

The survival rate for people buried in an avalanche is very low and reduces significantly after just 10 minutes following an avalanche.

However, there are always exceptions to the norm and

cases of people surviving over 18 hours following being avalanched have been documented. In any case, speed and a carefully executed plan are of the essence.

An interesting introduction to the avalanche training was the use of the ‘pipe’. It consisted of a two foot length of slalom pole with an angle cut in one end.

The idea behind this method of training was to train the dogs using then scent of human breath without the need to ‘bury’ a ‘body’. An area approximately 20 meters square was marked out using footprints. In the

undisturbed snow in the centre, the instructor would insert the pipe into the snow on an angle of approximately 30°. It was then breathed into three or four times.

This scent was allowed to permeate through the snow for a few minutes before the dogs were walked past the area.

When the dogs accurately pinpointed the scent and indicated by digging, they would receive their toy reward instantly at the site of the scent to reinforce the desired behaviour.

As ever, the winter course enabled us to practise our winter skills, revise our ways of working and refresh our thinking. We were grateful to the Norwegian instructors and Charlie MacLeod from Assynt MRT who gave up their time to be with us and, to the stalwart bodies who volunteered to be buried in the interest of training our search dogs to become more skilled at locating missing persons in the mountains in winter conditions.

Laura Connolly CMRT Annual Report 2015 ● 53

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The Front Room Wine Bar & Bistro 2 Market Place, Cockermouth Cumbria CA13 9NQ 01900 826655 Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6.30pm Also open Saturday 10am to 4pm for breakfasts, tea, coffee and cake

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Proud to support Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team

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Acceleratberake! to Rovers s three Land The Team ha ad f n driven of ro , which are ofte so , ts ou ing callwhen attend me so s, th on m few over the last en rs have be Team membe niques needed ch te e th learning have In pairs they ly. fe sa it to do rd na ar B ntre near gone to a ce x4 4 a w ho ht taug Castle to be ea iven, in an ar dr be ld ou sh g by in iv dr off road dedicated to ctor. ru st in d te ca di an equally de cle hi ve e ow th Getting to kn ies lit bi pa ca ive, its e you are to dr iv dr d ns, gear an te and limitatio tia go ne how to selection and item st fir e th as w n differing terrai e . A short driv da en ag e th on been d ha e w t d wha demonstrate tting out and ge d told including what was roun e se looking to . ow br e th over the corner or erged ing facts em ris rp su e om S swept es cl hi ve t all such as almos ng a ford, do ossi away while cr by the water h uc m y so, not so dily, but simpl bo em th g is h pushin pt de the water because once e underside, it hicl above the ve over heavy Land R a en Ev s. float by a ed w was follo will float. This a w ho n of demonstratio can have two x4 4 d te ca di de 56 ● CMRT Annual Report 2015

g but remain wheels turnin h stationary. r turn. Throug Then it was ou opes, up sl ippy mud, down sl ore along ruts, m , es op sl py slip ss ro ruts, ac mud, crossing a no-no if it can ly ite fin de slopes ded- and even ne oi av l al at be vi rrow steep ra driving up a na aim of real off e Th in a stream, as this t to get stuck roading is no g by in ak m on cisi shows bad de er we did ev the driver. How lf-recovery off se e pl m si d practise gine, brake an en g in us e a slop n. gear selectio d learnt a lot an os y nl ai rt I ce and Tw es lu B e th coupled with much more at e. training, feel us e vehicles we the home with th If e? rate to brak And – Accele slide a d an ip their gr wheels lose ippy sl scending a starts when de st”, press the fir hill in “bottom gently to get the ry ve r to ra accele in te and so reta wheels to rota they do you feel as grip. As soon down. Pure ow sl e cl hi ve the the n’t try this on magic: but do car! road in your re o o M d Ro

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Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team Thank you for your support in the last year. If you would like to advertise in our annual report in 2016 please contact: Chris Abbot 01946 861963 chris.abbot1953@btinternet.com

Special People of Distinction Society (SPODS) OF COCKERMOUTH

wine merchant deli cafe-bar

In memory of Frank and Doreen Sippetts and Brenda Treharne Greatly missed by SPODS 11 South Street, Cockermouth Cumbria CA13 9RU T: 01900 826427 www.wine-and-cheese.co.uk

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COMPASS

BE PREPARED...

CLOTHING The fells of the Lake District offer space for physical and spiritual refreshment to thousands of folk who need a getaway from their weekday world of work. Everyday routine is a necessary part of our lives but build-up of pressure in the daily round can need a release valve. That may take many forms but the fells have the perfect remedy for mental stress. The boss cannot get to you on a high Lakeland ridge.

The fells may be seen as a playground but most fell walkers take the fells seriously. They know that Scafell and Helvellyn are not Everest but if you don’t give them due respect they are just as capable of hitting you where it hurts. And not just the highest tops. The Grasmoor group is a fine upland where you can stride out in the vigour of youth or take it as easy as you please with wide views as a great reward. There’s a spot on Wandope, a favourite of mine, where you can sit with your sandwiches, legs dangling over Addacomb Hole, and survey a panorama of receding ridges culminating in distant Helvellyn.

At times like this, after fifty years of trouble-free fellwalking, you think you are infallible.

But maybe not. The fells can bring you to earth, no trouble at all. After a late start, and an afternoon of lazy walking over all the high sunlit tops of the

FOOD

Coledale fells we came down into Gasgale Gill as the light faded. Somehow this was a first time in a wonderfully wild valley and with shadows turning to the thick blackness of a moonless night in the depths of an unknown dale we knew this was not the place for a new experience, not when you lose the track. After an age of aimless wandering and balancing on the brink of rocky outcrops – and with a worried wife at home assuming the worst and making emergency calls – we had to accept help from CMRT. The moral: is that you may have almost everything you need, food, clothing, maps, compass, etc., but if that does not include a headtorch and if you start late and forget that older legs operate more slowly you are asking for trouble.

I have to say that the members of the Cockermouth Team were, and are, wonderful.

Not a word of criticism, just cheerful banter. Maybe this is a technique designed to de-stress the situation for those rescued. If so, it is effective and thanks for that. Any critical judgement of our position it was not voiced.

They brushed away our apologies and made light of the whole incident. They offered us the excuse that the geomorphology of the lower valley had been wildly altered in the floods of

2009. That’s no defence for a situation that was entirely our own fault. I suppose they were only too happy that they did not have to deal with a tragedy, as so often the case.

So thank you to the Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team and by the way, we now have head torches!

Frank Goddard

HEADTORCH BIVVY BAG

DRINK

MAPS

WHISTLE

Equipment checklist if you are heading out onto the hills Underwear Fleece Sweater Trousers Waterproof Jacket Waterproof Trousers Boots Socks Gloves Hats Rucsac Map & Compass Headtorch Bivvy-bag Food & Drink Insect repellent Lip-salve Gaiters First-aid kit Whistle and in winter ice axe crampons CMRT Annual Report 2015 ● 59

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Comments from the casualties

What they say about us!

Their care, attention and constant reassurance were without parallel.

I will never forget your goodness, kindness, tact and immense good humour.

We were highly impressed by the efficiency. We were treated with kindness and friendliness by people who had seen it all before.

They all deserve medals.

You were quite literally my lifeline and from the moment you arrived I knew all would be well.

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I know that I was very fortunate to be in such safe hands.

I was so impressed by their kindness, care and sheer professionalism in the way they treated my injury, and their great good humour as they carried me on a stretcher over difficult terrain.

No words can express my gratitude and admiration.

It is both reassuring and humbling to know that people are prepared to give up their time to learn skills to the highest standard so that they can assist people in need.

To see your dedication and professionalism at such close quarters was truly impressive and memorable.

CMRT Annual Report 2015 â—? 61

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Liz Hunter

Chartered Physiotherapist Experienced professional.

A range of appointment times available in Cockermouth – joint problems, sports injuries, back pain, acupuncture for pain relief.

Lorton Street Clinic Cockermouth Cumbria Telephone 01900 822008

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50 Finkle Street Workington Cumbria CA14 2AZ

Tel: 01900 872005 Hours of business – Sunday, Monday & Wednesday Closed Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm Late appointments by arrangement As a mark of respect this shop will be closed for one day every year on 2nd June

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Running the Kintail and Cluanie Ridges It was 3rd May 2014 and seven of us set off at 5:06am from the Kintail lodge on the shores of Loch Duich in North West Scotland. Our aim was to run over the Five Sisters then the Three Brothers on the Kintail ridge to the Cluanie Inn and then back via the South Cluanie Ridge plus Sgurr na Sgine and the Saddle.

The magnificent seven were Mike Park, Andrew Graham, John Skelton, Chris Grey, Ed Strong, Steve Whitehurst and me, Mark Steel. The run was inspired by Barry Johnston, veteran triathlete and fitness coach. He and a mate ran it last century and he seems to have Svengali-like abilities to convince us that running two day-long runs, back-to-back is not only possible but desirable! Even to 50-year-

●CMRT CMRTAnnual AnnualReport Report2015 2015 64 ●

olds like Steve and myself! It was also to be John’s and Ed’s last ‘training run’ before their ‘Bob Graham’ attempt in June. Barry had inspired us in 2013 to run from Elgol in Skye, up Loch Coruisk, over the Cuillin Ridge, down to Sligachan, on to Portree, and the up and along the Trotternish ridge and we still hadn’t learnt our lesson!

Everything depends on the weather and we were lucky to hit a spectacularly good day with no wind, and cool temperatures. There were however large snow fields remaining from the winter which caused some debate as to whether we should take Kahtoola Microspikes. In the end we reasoned we could go round the snow patches and rely on walking poles for unavoidable crossings instead.

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After setting off in the dawn light we had a few hundred yards along the road before taking the steep path up the Alt a’ Chruinn, enjoying the growing views down Loch Duich while maintaining a storming pace. The path levelled off in Coire na Criche before steepening to the col where we were suddenly stunned by dramatic views of Sgurr nan Saighead and down into Gleann Lichd. We were on the first top of Beinn Bhuidhe at 6:30am and continued without pause, dropping down to start the climb over an unavoidable snow field to Sgurr nan Saighead (6:45), on to the highest peak of the day Sgurr Fhuaran (7:12) at 1067m, and thence to Sgurr na Carnach (7:35). On Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe (8:05) we met a lone walker who remained taciturn in the face of so many runners so early in his day, and then onto its confusing ridges and trench leading down then up to Sgurr nan Spainteach (8:20). I was awestruck by the views and could pick out the Torridons to the north, Ben Nevis to the south and Ladhar Bheinn in Knoydart to the west. I recalled with fondness

climbing this mountain in 2006, approaching the day before by canoeing down Loch Hourn and the otter which allowed me to watch him eating a crab from just 12 feet away. The Cluanie ridge, wonderfully clear and, laid out before us, was strangely reassuring perhaps as it showed the way home. Maybe we should have been more worried by its length.

That was the Five sisters’ ridge done in good form, so now onto the ‘Brothers’ ridge’. From the Bealach na Lapain, a brief twinge of cramp going up Saileag (9:01) was eased with a gel and the views of a massive avalanche which had stripped turf and rocks from the eastern slopes. On Sguir a’Bhealeach Dheirg (9:34) there is the best built and situated cairn I have ever seen, 50 yards to the north-east of the main ridge line on a rocky knoll.

It demanded a group photo!

The way over the two last peaks of Aonach Meadhoin (10:06) and Sgurr an Fhuarail (10:17) was marvellous running although the 600 metresplus decent on the steep unending slopes to the Cluanie Inn was a strain on the thighs and patience. Here Barry saved the day, for the talk while descending had been of having a coffee or beer in the Inn before continuing but as I said, Barry is a veteran and knew fine well that if we were to get into the bar then that would have been that! So cunningly he parked his car two hundred yards away on the causeway and enticed us away from the pub. Did I not also say he had Svengali like abilities! So at 11am we stopped for a leisurely lunch basking in the sun with the thought that we were half way round. Ha! We should have known better! Yes, we had run 20kilometres and climbed 2,402 metres but we still had 35kilometres and 2,848 metres to do!

Leaving at 11:45 without Chris, who was saving his legs for a triathlon, it took us till 12:50 to walk up the old ‘Road to the isles’ to the col and then via the stalkers path to the summit of Creag a’Mhaim at 13:37. Ages in the bright sun! Then the run along the ridge was indeed magnificent and I would not hesitate to recommend it to you providing you too have a screw loose!

Slowly however, the miles started to take their toll. Peak began to blend into peak. I gingerly picked my way down a steep exposed piece of ridge, dumping the sacs to take a dogleg to reach a summit, but which peak I cannot recall. The >>> CMRT CMRTAnnual AnnualReport Report2015 2015● ● 65

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>>> climb up Sgurr an Lochain (16:15) was particularly fierce as was the run down, long. I remember crossing a snow field wearing shorts, skirting around Sgurr Beag despite our route plan as “it isn’t a Munro” and besides there was a nice traversing path round it! We paused as we descended the rocky ridge of Sgurr a’ Bhac Chaolais (17:45), to stare up at the toweringly, massive, south east face of Sgurr na Sgine and saying to Steve, “It’s almost enough to make a grown man cry”. Steve and I were now bringing up the rear of our strong party and it was 6pm, 13 hours into the run. My legs were aching and heavy and I was wary of cramp which had hit me hard on the climb up Creag nan Damh (16:58), two mountains before, causing me to drop behind. The beautiful blue-skied day was coming to an end as a cold damp mist moved in from the west.

We donned waterproof layers. “There must be a path”, I thought, but I wasn’t on a path now and no one climbs Sgurr na Sgine this way, despite it being a Munro. I thought there may be a weakness to the right but this would involve dropping height to cross below a buttress and we looked with increasing despair as our vanguard set off straight up the middle of the scree strewn, seemingly vertical, grassy face. There was no choice but to follow but as it became steeper and looser I was aware that if our leaders kicked off a stone it would be travelling too fast to dodge by the time it got to us, so I followed the rock ledges and slabs to the left to avoid their fall line. What a pleasure… scrambling on damp loose rock above a looming void in the gathering gloom. It was with relief I regrouped with the others on the top (18:43) and we made our way on slippery rocks to the pass and on towards The Saddle.

I tried to force down another Snickers bar. I was by now fed up with the taste, and looked up at the next climb which once again the others were well established on. It was Steve’s turn to speak. “Let’s pack in Mark, and go down there to the road. It’s madness to go on in this weather”. What? I couldn’t 66 ● CMRT Annual Report 2015

believe what I was hearing and then I realised it was not Steve speaking, it was “Hypoglycaemic” Steve!

“Here Steve eat this, you’re a right Diva when you’re hungry”, I said, handing him half of my unwanted bar, “if you go down there it will still take you two hours to get to the road and then there is no way you’ll hitch the right kind of lift wearing those lycra tights so it will be another hour down the road, if you’re lucky”.

And then I hit him with my clincher. “Anyway, Mike and the lads are up there and I am going on”. I turned to go and was relieved to hear Steve following. At least now we wouldn’t have a court martial for desertion on our hands. I filled my water bottle at a spring emerging from a melting snow field and summoned all my reserves to make it to the mist covered summit ridge (19:47). Two ravens stood watching my progress no doubt thinking they would soon be in for a peck of eyeball as reward for their lonely vigil!

Running along the ridge from the Saddle to Spidean Dhomhuill Bhric (20:03) and Sgurr Leac nan Each (20:15) in cold thick wet mist and with melting spring snow fields underfoot was not a place for a slip or a fall and demanded full concentration. We dropped down to a col, cut under the eastern flanks of Sgurr a’ Gharg Gharaidh and picked up a stalkers’ path which led us wearily over rough ground into the glen of Allt an Coire Uaine.

At 22:23, six of us, now separated by darkness and the final few demoralising miles of muddy, stony track and tarmac, made it. Twentyfive tops, 15 of them Munros, 55 kilometres and 5,250 metres of climb in 17 hours 17 minutes. I was so tired and it was so late that I was convinced I would be going straight to bed with no supper. However the very nice folk at the Kintail lodge had saved us pie, chips and peas which we ate with gusto, and lashings of beer till I could keep my eyes uncrossed and open no longer. I retired to the ‘Wee bunk house’ for the soundest night’s sleep I have ever had.

Mark Steel

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Limelighting and Limelighting Electrical Supplies wish the Team all the best and are delighted to support their activities Station Road, Cockermouth CA13 9PZ Tel: 01900 822480 / 821822 www.limelighting.co.uk

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For booking and further information Tel: 017687 70252 www.bridge-hotel.com E-mail: enquiries@bridge-hotel.com

The ‘Bridge’ offers: • An award winning restaurant • Magnificent, individually designed bedrooms • Luxury selfcatering apartments • Two bars, serving locally sourced, home cooked food • Expertly-kept real ales and an extensive wine list

CMRT-AnnualReport2015_print 07/05/2015 19:03 Page 68

Looking back to looking forward Developing the Team, by Chris Abbot My first association with the Team was in the early 1970s when, as a National Park Voluntary Ranger, I assisted with a climber who suffered a broken pelvis on Eagle Crag and, later, when a lady sustained a broken ankle falling on Scarth Gap. In the Ranger Service we were able to assist the Team by making a donation to help replace a vehicle damaged during a long rescue in Ennerdale. One of my colleagues was Derek Tunstall and together we set up realistic First Aid Training for the Service. When he joined the Team this evolved into us acting as casualties for the Team’s regular training sessions. I remember one time, on a fell, acting as a casualty with an open 68 ● CMRT Annual Report 2015

fracture, complete with protruding bone (thanks to the local butcher who supplied the piece of bone), only for the Team to be called to a real incident.

The comfort sack in which I had been snugly fitted was then needed for a real casualty. Soon after arrival at hospital our Team Leader received a call from one of the doctors, perplexed by the extra piece of bone in the sack!

I was fortunate to work with Robbie Coltrane in the television series Cracker and with Helen Mirren in Prime Suspect, which led to me being involved with one of the film industry’s major makeup artists. This helped me make subsequent First Aid training even more realistic!

I had always respected the Team and offered my help in any way. The result of this was being invited to assist in the development of the Team, which progressed to becoming Development Manager, a position I held for twenty years.

During the first year we identified the aims and objectives: to create sufficient income to match the Team’s operational and training needs, through a high profile both locally and nationally and being active within the local community.

I thought, “Let’s start at the top”, but unfortunately both HRH Prince Charles and the Blue Peter team were too busy to visit us during the first year (but the Prince did visit some years later).

Despite that, Smith’s Industries did kindly donate Resusi-aides for all Team members. Thanks to both designer and owner of Cockermouth’s The Sheep and Wool Centre (now The Shepherds’ Hotel) we were able to obtain a slot in their audiovisual show, together with an impressive exhibition panel and donating facility.

Following the decision to adopt Pillar as our logo, it then featured on our merchandise (see order form in the centre spread), as well as on our Rescue vehicles, letter headings, envelopes and casualty cards – and our logo continues to be visually impressive. In line with our aim to be proactive within the community the Cockermouth Carnival presented an opportunity for the Team to show its diverse ability to “do something different”. The first being a moving (in more ways than one) display of synchronised swimming, to be followed the next

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year by a display of the ‘Red Barrows’ – brilliant!

We opened our then Base, which was situated in the corner of what is now Sainsbury’s car park, to the public on regular evenings and this helped us sow the seeds and present the body, not just the face of the Team. The only problem being the Team would sometimes have to respond to Call-Outs.

In 19??, Edward Holloway, the then Team doctor, saw the way forward in the benefit of a Propac Body Monitor and our efforts were directed to that aim.

A Father Christmas stretcher-run led by one of our search dogs, was given much publicity, as was the tremendous support given by individuals and businesses alike, in kindly donating numerous prizes for a terrific raffle. The draw took place at the superb Jazz Barbe-que day, held at the home of past President and founder member, Jack Jackson (You will see one of our vehicles inscribed in memory of Jack). The great effort resulted in the Body Monitor being delivered on Christmas Eve. In those days such equipment was not as common as it is now.

Jennings’ association with the Team continued, with us running

Oppostie page: The Father Christmas stretcher run, with Chris at front right. Right: Chris with Sheila Richardson. Below: The ‘Red Barrows’.

their 1996 Open Day, resulting in a great deal of publicity and good will achieved. Our catering arrangements fell a little short, however, as 400 scones were still looking at us at the end of the day! Jennings also kindly sponsored a leaflet on the Team’s history. Long may the Jennings association continue.

A group calling themselves SPODS (Special People of Distinction), with members from all over the country, used to meet annually at the The Fish Inn at Buttermere and have long supported our Team, twice donating a floral display for one of the approach roads into Cockermouth. In 1997 one of their members, Brian Picalo, undertook a ‘Winter Walk for Life’ from John O’Groats to Land’s End and donations received from Brian’s epic walk helped in receiving our first defibrillator. I tell you it is something carrying a large display board across London when Derek and I visited Colchester to collect Brian’s initial contribution.

By this time we had achieved our aim of having a higher profile.

To justify this, we had our first enquiry through the internet from Los Angeles.

In the run-up to our celebration of 50 years, author Sheila Richardson kindly agreed to produce a publication recording the many and varied activities of the Team.

One of the Daily Telegraph’s senior reporters being rescued resulted in a major article on the Team and donations from generous readers. About this time various publications were taking an interest and the centre spread in Dorling-Kindersley’s Big Book of Rescue Vehicles featured our Mobile 2, gave us a profile around the world. This was long before magazines like the national Mountain Rescue.

This set the scene for events to come, and when the same vehicle burst out of the Base through a colourful paper screen, to launch our ‘New Headquarters Appeal’ in the presence of TV presenter Eric Robson and legendary fell-runner, Joss Naylor, the climb was on to raise a staggering £369,000. A hive of activity ensued, with the Team being a part of the Cumbria Safety Team formed to >>> CMRT Annual Report 2015 ● 69

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>>> promote safety within secondary schools, resulting in Border TV coverage and featuring in Carlisle’s new hospital video.

Derek and I ran a Sea and Mountain Rescue weekend for the public, which continued with the Team’s involvement for thirteen years.

The year 2001 saw us prepare a gift pack, which was part of a ‘Best in Cumbria’ presentation to HRH Prince Charles. Many organisations nominated us as their charity and I was humbled by the tremendous support given to the Team. The year came to a climax with TV screens throughout the region showing our jubilation in receiving Lottery Funding for our new headquarters.

I am sure that public support was assisted by the high level of public relations built up over the years and during one of our last Open Days at our old Base, a supporter returned with a large model of our Mobile 1, which now stands proudly in the entrance hall of our new headquarters.

The Cumbria Mountain Festival was opened at Rheged

by Sir Chris Bonington, and it was with pride our present Team Leader, Mike Park, climbed to release the union flag in celebration of the occasion.

The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and the Commonwealth Games in 2002 were celebrated with the carrying of a baton around Allerdale. The Team participated in grand style by carrying it from Gatesgarth to the top of Honister Pass, an ascent of 230 metres – more than 700 feet.

The strength of the Team and the most valued support of the community was evidenced during 70 ● CMRT Annual Report 2015

The great Sedan Chair Challenge Trophy victory!

the first Open Day at our new headquarters, when, during the Christmas Lights switch-on, we had to leave our stall and respond to the first Call-Out from our new building Incidentally, in the year of our celebrating 50 years of service Corgi Classics brought one of our first ambulances to life by producing a model in Team livery of our circa-1950 Bedford ambulance. Four thousand of these were produced world-wide and quickly snapped up by keen collectors.

What great fun we had at one of the town’s Georgian Fairs, when our Team beat off the challenge of nine other teams to win the coveted Sedan Chair Challenge Trophy. It was noticed on our ‘pedigree’ we were down as “Team Spirit, out of Pager, sired by Emergency”!

In 2008 our Annual Report took a big step forward being produced in full colour and our sincere thanks must go to our graphic designers, Andy and Denise, for freely giving their time and skills on our behalf.

New video footage, taken by the Team is readily accepted by the media and has certainly increased our profile, not only

locally but nationally. No more so than when we won a BBC 999 award – a memorable occasion.

The year 2013 saw the Team mark 60 years’ service with many events in celebration.

Classic FM joined in by playing my request, Hamish MacCun’s The Land of the Mountain and the Flood, encapsulating our activities over the past 60 years!

There are now many avenues open to the public for keeping in touch with Team activities such as Facebook, Twitter and the website. The strength of the Team’s profile has been that we care. We take a pride in what we do. Nothing beats personal interaction with people we come across or who are interested in how we operate. We have given talks as far afield as Jarrow and Nottingham. If you are interested please get in touch.

Much technology is now used to respond to calls for assistance in time of need. I well remember receiving an invitation to celebrate a couple’s Golden Wedding, with the words “without Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team there would have been no celebrations”. That is what makes it all so worthwhile!

Chris Abbot

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1761, Cockermouth 4play Cycles, Cockermouth Allerdale Court Hotel, Cockermouth Art & Craft Shop, Cockermouth Banks, Cockermouth Bassenthwaite Sailing Club Bassenfell Manor, Bassenthwaite Belle View Inn, Cockermouth Bitter Beck Pottery, Cockermouth Bitter End, Cockermouth Black Bull, Cockermouth Black Sail YH, Ennerdale Bleach Green collection box Bolton Gate Old Rectory Bothy, Gillerthwaite Bowness Knott Bridge Hotel, Buttermere Brysons Bakers, Cockermouth Buttermere Café Buttermere YH Castle Bar, Cockermouth Cockermouth Cricket Club Cockermouth Sweet Shop Coffee and Cream, Cockermouth Commercial Inn, Dearham Crag Farm, Buttermere Croft House B&B Dalegarth House, Buttermere Derwent House Surgery, Cockermouth Derwent Lodge, Embleton Dockray Meadow, Lamplugh Duke of Cumberland, Bridgefoot Ennerdale YH Fagan’s, Cockermouth Fanny Mercer Fell Dyke Bothy Firns, Cockermouth Fish Inn, Buttermere Fox & Hounds, Ennerdale Galloping Horse, Harrington Gatesgarth Box Gatesgarth Van Golf Club, Cockermouth Grange Hotel, Loweswater Harrison’s Butchers, Cockermouth Heals Opticians

Collection boxes The Team is very grateful to the people and places who display our boxes. New box holders are very welcome. Please contact Derek Tunstall, who will be happy to supply one, on 01946 861051 or 07841 370644.

High Crag Cottage, Buttermere Higham Hall, Bassenthwaite Honister Box Honister YH Hundith Hill Hotel, Lorton Inglenook Caravan Park, Lamplugh Jennings Brewery Shop, Cockermouth Jubilee Garage, Egremont Julie’s Sandwich Bar, Cockermouth Kingfisher Hotel, Cockermouth Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater Lake District Outdoors, Cockermouth Lakeland Crafts, Buttermere Lifestyle Fitness & Shapers Gym Lifestyle Repairs, Cockermouth Lily & Co, Cockermouth Limelighting, Cockermouth Link House B & B, Embleton Liz Hunter, Cockermouth Low Park, Loweswater Maureen at Gatesgarth Melbreak Hotel Merienda Mitchells, Cockermouth Moota Garden Centre New Bookshop, Cockermouth Oasis, Cockermouth Old Posting House, Dean One Stop, Cockermouth Ouse Bridge, Bassenthwaite Paper Shop, Cockermouth Parkside Hotel, Cleator Pet Shop, Cockermouth Percy House Gallery, Cockermouth Pheasant Hotel, Bassenthwaite

Quince & Medlar, Cockermouth Rose Cottage B&B, Cockermouth Royal Yew Tree Inn, Dean Sainsburys (inside), Cockermouth Sainsburys (outside), Cockermouth Scales Farm, Embleton Shepherds Arms Ship Inn, Dovenby Simple Drinks, Cockermouth Slatefell Stores, Cockermouth Snooty Fox, Uldale Sole it, Lock it, Workington Stork Hotel, Rowrah Swan Inn, Cockermouth Swinside End, Lorton Tea and Tranquility, Cockermouth The Brow, Lorton The Old Vicarage, Lorton Tourist Information, Cockermouth Travis Perkins, Cockermouth Walkinshaw Garage, Workington Wellington Farm, Cockermouth Wheatsheaf Inn, Lorton Wheatsheaf Inn, Embleton Whinlatter Visitor Centre Whitehaven Rambling Club, Whitehaven Wild Duck, Branthwaite Wishes, Cockermouth Woodhouse Guest House Wordsworth Hotel, Cockermouth Wyndham Caravan Park, Cockermouth CMRT Annual Report 2015 ● 71

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If you need mountain rescue, dial 999, ask for Cumbria Police, then mountain rescue Text a donation on your mobile phone. Text the message CMRT11 ÂŁ20 to number 70070, and we receive a ÂŁ20 donation, simple as that! We are charged no fees for this service so we receive every penny of the amount you donate.

Make an on-line donation via the Charities Aid Foundation website; www.cafonline.org

www.cockermouthmrt.org.uk Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, PO Box 73, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 3AE