Team News

Wayne Thackray and Search Dog Dodge have achieved the standard of Search Dog – Full Grade with the Search and Rescue Dogs Association (England); their highest level of award. Over a weekend of assessment in the Brecon Beacons, Wayne and Dodge scored 100% in all four of the areas they were tasked to search. The standard of Search Dog – Full Grade is taken by dog teams after they have been operational for at least 1 year. It is designed to show that both dog and handler have matured with experience and made progress as an efficient search team since becoming operational. Wayne said “The Beacons areas are very varied in their terrain and technicality, along with the weather. But Dodge rose to the occasion in his characteristically ardent style and performed magnificently.”

Dodge, a black and white Border Collie from Scotland, is Wayne’s own dog with his training and operational expenses largely being paid for by Wayne himself. Wayne adds “Training a search dog is a huge commitment in both time and money. It takes between 2 and 3 years for a handler to train their first dog but the time and expense doesn’t end there. As search dog handlers we receive no funding from our teams, the police, or the government to cover our out of pocket costs. If we did not have very loving and understanding families backing us, myself and my fellow handlers would not be able to put in the time that is necessary to keep a search dog operational.”

So far in their career as an operational search dog team, Wayne and Dodge have attended over 100 searches and found 5 people. During this time they have travelled as far as Staffordshire and the Lake District to take part in searches and been involved in many high profile missing person cases. We are immensely proud of what they do.

When Mike France joined his local Mountain Rescue team, the M62 and Scammonden reservoir were still under construction; you could still pay for your weekly groceries with a ten bob note and get change. The car and telephone were still luxury items. That was in 1970, forty years later both the world and Mountain Rescue have changed beyond recognition.

Mike spent his youth, teens and his early twenties in scouting, being part of and leading both cubs and scouts. He was the mountaineering adviser for the Scout Association (West Yorkshire) checking people’s mountaineering skills and signing their authorisation forms. In 1970 he joined what was to become Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team. Woodhead MRT was formed in the early ’70s by the amalgamation of the Huddersfield Scout MRT, Stocksbridge Barugh Rovers and Sheffield Scout MRT that were formed after the 1964 Four Inns fatalities. Two of the teams founder members are still active engaging in support roles within the team, and in 2014 will join the team in celebrating a half century in service.

Whilst the ethos of rescuing others remains unchanged the methods & technology in MR with GPS tracking, satellite phones, the mobile phone, and satellite imagery has changed beyond Mikes wildest imaginings as a young man in the seventies. Mike recounts one particular call out as an example where it took 12 hours to mobilise the team because each member with a car had a ‘pick up list’ and would drive from one house to the next waiting for them to make flask and sandwiches and then move to the next pick up. The team can now respond to call outs and achieve 10 minute response times on certain calls.

Originally a Plumber by trade, remembering that all service to MR is on a volunteer basis, the last 25 years has seen Mike working for the National Children’s Centre in Huddersfield, initially as a trainer with young people, and then as a manager. For the last 15 years he has been part of the senior management team, working to improve the life of children, young people and vulnerable adults, through parental training, general training, changing policy through piloting projects and ensuring written reports are seen in the corridors of power.

Mikes Mountain rescue ‘CV’ is impressive by any standards. Not content with being a member of a team at the ‘coal face’ in the late seventies Mike entered the highly specialised area of Search Dog handler, training and operating on searches with his black Labrador. Like many other of the volunteers that make up our Mountain Rescue teams Mike has worn many hats during his 40 years including those 5 yrs he spent as a SARDA handler, he was also Deputy Team leader & Team Leader at Woodhead so far he has spent 14 yrs as a PDMRO Incident Controller and continues today in that role. He spent 12 yrs as PDMRO Chairman & 12 yrs as PDMRO representative to MRE&W, and is the current PDMRO Operations Support Manager, and on top of this still finds the time to be the current Chairman of the MR E&W national fundraising committee.

This contribution to Mountain Rescue has been recently officially recognised with the presentation of two Long Service certificates, one from the Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation (PDMRO) and Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MR E &W). When Mike was presented with his certificates Keith Wakeley, the current Woodhead Team Leader was heard to say “Mike has been in MR longer than I have been born”, testament indeed to Mikes length and breadth of experience and service.

Mikes 40 years in MR have taken him all over the country, seen many highs and no doubt just as many lows. The highs have to include the successful rescues, the lives saved and changed. There have been invites to meet HM the Queen at Buckingham Palace, and the regular invites to other functions where he has met many members of the royal family and one or two celebrities too.

So what about the lows? When asked, Mike is typically upbeat, full of positivity and doesn’t dwell on the darker side of what can be seen as a Mountain Rescue member. Mike is a veteran of many major incidents; with Mike right there at the sharp end. The Lockerbie Bombing, the Kegworth Air Crash, the 2007 Floods in South Yorkshire for which Mike was awarded a Chief Constables Commendation, and more recently the A57 road closure at South Anston near Rotherham last December. Then there are the searches, and rescues – literally hundreds of them, more than he can remember and the harrowing ones he would rather forget….

Like all Mountain Rescue volunteers; on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year helping young and old, novice or experienced, night or day, rain or shine, mountain or crag, hill or dale, come what may for the last 40 years Mike France has shown to one and all that those who can, do; but those who can do more – volunteer!

On the hottest October day since 1985 shorts and t-shirts were definitely the order of dress for Woodhead MRT’s biggest fundraising event of the year.

Last Saturday 200 people headed to the moors above Penistone and Holmfirth to Grin ‘n’ Bear It to raise cash for the  rescue team. Despite recent announcements of a grant from the government to the tune of £124,000 to support the 48 Mountain Rescue teams in England and Wales, teams still need the vital support from public donations. This is why events such as this are of huge importance to the team.

The undoubted star of the day was 8 year old Aislinn Edwards (pictured below with her Dad, Nathan)from Nottinghamshire, who not only completed the 16 mile moorland route, but has so far raised in excess of £300 in sponsorship.

There were 4 routes to choose from, a 4.5 family route round Hade Edge and Hepworth with a pub stop in the middle. The 23 and 16 mile walking routes and the 16 mile runners route all meander over the peat bogs of Outer Edge and present a real challenge of navigation and stamina particularly in wet or misty weather – indeed even after the recent dry spell several people still had their running shoes pulled from their feet by the ‘bogmonster’, the area was given this nickname by several WMRT members a few years ago.

All routes were started at the recently refurbished HQ by the teams latest recruit and mascot ‘Woody’ the Search and Rescue Dog – It is planned to use Woody to go int local schools and groups to promote safety on the hills.

Team secretary and Grin ‘n’ Bear It organiser Phil Newing said “This always a huge undertaking for us, taking up many, many hours of work. All our kit has to be paid for by; donations from members of the public, legacy and fundraising. Supporting the team in fundraising is just as important as being on the hill doing the Mountain Rescue stuff. “he added “ Raising the money to provide our essential service is becoming harder month by month and without this kind of public support we would find ourselves struggling to help out local communities”

There were refreshment points around the routes and the rescue team were on hand manning checkpoints, giving directions and ready to respond if needed. On completing the challenge all participants got a home cooked hot meal & drinks to re-energise those tired legs, and a certificate of completion.

Feedback from the entrants was excellent, especially the showers at base post event. Heres hoping for another successful event next year.

The 9th Grin ‘N’ Bear It challenge takes place on October 1st 2011; and the clutch of the bog monster promises to be as soggy, and smelly, as ever!

Once again the start and finish will be at Crow Edge Community Centre (SE 180 051) where plenty of car parking is available, together with hot food and drinks.

Back from last year is the family route of just 4.5 miles together with the fell race of 16 miles and walking/running routes of 16 miles and 23 miles.

Entry for 2011 is now £10 donation in advance or £12 on the day,
Those wanting to raise a bit more money for the team can gain free entry with sponsorship of £30 or more.

For entry forms, route information and sponsorship forms see the Grin ‘N’ Bear It page.
Good luck!

This weekend  Woodhead Mountain Rescue team threw open its doors to celebrate the ‘official’ opening of its refurbished HQ. The team took on the lease of Hepshaw farm from pipe manufacturer Wavin in 1995 and over a period of 10 years refurbished 2 of the cottages to form its HQ. There was an attached barn also that was in a bad state of disrepair and in danger of falling down at one point.

Luckily thanks to Kirklees Council and the Youth Capital Fund, and of course the hard work of some key team members funding was secured to refurbish the attached barn. The refurbishment included the fitting of showers and toilets, a kitchen and a large meeting hall/lecture/training facility all with disabled access. Chairman John Howe said “Thanks to a lot of hard work we have secured the future for Woodhead MRT. Not only will the barn benefit team members, but it is a valuable resource for the young people who will use it, and the local community too ” he added “it is hoped that the barn can be used to raise funds to keep the team operational for the next 50 years, WMRT will celebrate its 50^th birthday in 2014”

The official cutting of the ribbon was performed by Emmerdale stars Matt Wolfenden and Joseph Warren – Plant. Joseph was recenty ‘rescued’ by a mountain rescue team as a plotline in December 2010, one of WMRT’s Search Dogs was used in that story line and the links were formed there.

Rt. Hon Angela Smith MP. Was a guest and spoke at length to praise the recent work of not just Woodhead MRT, but the other MRT’s across the country and their continuing support of the Emergency Services in ‘non’ mountain work

Other visitors to the official opening included representatives from MR E & W, neighbouring Mountain Rescue teams, The Search and Rescue Dogs Association, the Police and Ambulance Service. Former Derbyshire Constabulary Chief Constable David Coleman was present in his capacity as President of the Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation.

The day ended with an ‘unofficial’ party for members and their families and invited guests.

When Huddersfield based Consultant Osteomyologist, Dr Emma Kirke, chose to give her support to a local Mountain Rescue Team, she could not know that her idea would grow way beyond her initial expectations.

Life long rugby fan Emma, whose brother, Ian, plays for Leeds Rhinos, sponsors Huddersfield Giants’ Danny Brough and when she approached Danny to get involved he was extremely eager to join in.

Danny generously gave Emma one of his shirts which could be sold at auction for the benefit of  Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team.

Securing the shirt was only the start… the Huddersfield Giants have now come forward with a number of items to be auctioned at The Star Inn, Fenay Bridge, on June 16^th at 7.00pm.

The ‘star’ lot is a hospitality box at the Galpharm for the match against Harlequins.

Giants commercial manager Paul Cribb said “Huddersfield Giants has recently been looking at supporting local charities. Emma’s enthusiasm combined with recent newspaper and TV reports drew our attention to Woodhead Mountain Rescue and provided us with this opportunity to help out. It’s a pleasure to be of service to those that selflessly serve others”

It didn’t stop there, Emma even managed to secure 2 tickets to the British Superbikes championships at Oulton Park on July 17^th; in fact the scale of giving has been tremendous.

Emma said “To me mountain rescue are Heroes and I am sure that the people they help feel the same way too. They give a lot of themselves in so many ways. I’m sure it doesn’t seem so big to them but I admire all that they do, and just wanted to try to help a bit.” She went on to add “I am really excited about this evening and have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm it has received plus the generosity of others. I have not had to push for anything, people just wanted to give. It is fabulous.”

Full list of auction lots as of 01/06/2011

1)      Danny Brough’s last season shirt signed with personal message on the night and framed by Frame Game in Leeds.

2)      Hospitality box for the forthcoming Harlequins game

3)      Signed Giants team photo

4)      This season signed framed shirt

5)      1hr personal training session with Greg at Total Fitness

6)      Signed rugby balls

7)      Vintage Huddersfield rugby league top

8)      Sunday 12 September 1999 Huddersfield Giants vs Castleford Castleford Tigers program (12 years old immaculate condition)

9)      14th August 1997 Bramley Vs Huddersfield Giants West Yorkshire Divisional Premiership programme. (14 years old, immaculate condition, kept in its own plastic pocket for preservation.)

10)  A day out on the hills with the team. This would be tailored to suit the requirements of the winner

11)  A place on a weekend long Outdoor First Aid training course.

12)  2 tickets to Oulton Park 17th July British superbikes event provided by Tom Tunstall, with a signed team t-shirt by competitor Tom Tunstall.

13)  Family day pass at Total Fitness – provided by Bev Manageress at Total Fitness.

14)  Back neck and shoulder massage by Zoe at the Treatment Suite – Total Fitness

15)  Sabbuteo – table rugby – huddersfield giants men

16)  An overnight stay with breakfast at 315 bar and restaurant, Lepton

17)  Search dog jacket, signed by Dodge or Abbie

18) A a tour for 2 persons of the Emmerdale Village – a must for all fans of the long running and popular YTV soap, this thanks to our friends at YTV.

Local Peak District Brewers, Bradfield Brewery have donated a barrel of their very popular Farmers Pale Ale specially rebranded as ‘Rescue Ale’ with the proceeds going to the team, the 5% ABV tipple  always goes down well!

Woodhead Team Chairman John Howe, echoed Emma comments and said “I am touched by the enthusiasm and generosity of people for this project; it’s overwhelming. I would like to say a very big thank you to Emma, the Huddersfield Giants, Danny Brough, Sarah Lyon licensee of The Star,  Aura Print Uk for sonsoring the auction and printing the tickets, and everyone else who is working tirelessly to make this night a huge success. Let’s hope this is the start of a very good partnership between Huddersfield Giants and Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team.”

Tickets for the Auction night Thursday 16^th June. 7.00pm are available at £5 per head, which covers entry to The Star Inn and a Pie and Pea Supper.

Tickets are obtainable now from the following outlets:

The Star Inn, Fenay Bridge

Total Fitness, Waterloo

Blackburns Outdoors, Moldgreen

Emma Kirke at The Treatment Suite, Total Fitness, Waterloo

(This is a TICKET ONLY evening, proceeds going to Woodhead MRT)

On Saturday 7th May  rescuers from Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team combined with colleagues from Glossop MRT in an operation to rescue a 19 year old man from Sheffield who had fallen approximately 10 metres (33 feet) breaking his hip and arm whilst out walking in the Crowden Valley near Black Hill.

The young man was with 2 friends when the accident happened and they raised the alarm. The North West Air Ambulance was first on scene but realised that they could not extricate the man from his location without the specialist help of mountain rescue.

Over 20 volunteers took part in the operation to package the man in a specialist vacuum mattress due to the height of his fall; he was then carried to the waiting helicopter for the short flight to a local hospital.

Woodhead MRT Team Leader Keith Wakeley said “it was first thought that the young man was in a more remote location with a long carry off, but on arrival it soon became clear that it was a straight forward extrication and carry to the helicopter”

The May Bank Holiday (2nd May) marked the second national Mountain and Cave Rescue Awareness Day.

Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team held its own programme of events on the national day, at Cannon Hall Farm, Cawthorne near Barnsley. This year the team encouraged people to ‘Go Red for Woodhead’ and show their support by wearing something red on the day.

On a warm but breezy bank holiday which saw hundreds of visitors to Cannon Hall Farm, and sincere thanks to the Farm for their generosity in allowing Woodhead MRT to use the facilities, many people had their perceptions changed and awareness raised of the work which Mountain Rescue teams do to support their local community.

There were a variety of activities, live music was provided in the morning by ex team member Tony Sturdy and his ceilidh band and in the afternoon by the Barnsley Metropolitan Brass Band; resplendent in their red and gold tunics. Penistone FM Roadshow were also on hand to provide music as well as interviews and local information. Woodhead’s 2 Search and Rescue Dogs, Abby and Dodge, wowed the crowds with their agility, speed and intelligence by demonstrating how they find lost and injured people.

An Orienteering course tested navigation and fitness, and visitors were pointed in the right direction with free Map and Compass training. Also the publics’ powers of observation were tested with an array of household items hidden in obvious, and some not so obvious, places in order to win a prize. As well as static  displays of vehicles and equipment, video and photo displays, cakes and crafts were on sale plus the chance to buy Woodhead MRT themed merchandise. There were plenty of activities and fun games for children to play, and the team medical staff gave free first aid and resuscitation awareness.

The undoubted highlight of the day was a visit by the South Yorkshire Police Helicopter. The MD902 Explorer swooped in and landed close to the main picnic area where visitors were invited to look round the aircraft and take photographs. Blessed with such fine weather an extremely enjoyable day was had by all who went. The team enjoyed meeting the local people who they serve and also took the opportunity to meet with prospective new members. As well as enjoying the displays by given by the team visitors were able to wander around the Farm, the  gardens and experience the natural beauty of the venue.

Following the huge sucess of last years Awareness Day a repeat event is being held from 10am till 4pm on Monday May 2nd at Cannon Hall Farm, Cawthorne, Barnsley.

There are many activities programmed including live music from Barnsley Metropolitain Band, Folk music, Mountain rescue themed events such as knot tying, Navigation training, First Aid training & many more.

The teams Search Dogs will be giving demonstrations of obedience and search skills and weather and operations permitting the South Yorkshire Police helicopter Call Sign Sierra Yankee 99 will be paying us a visit.

This is all possible with the kind permission of Cannon Hall Farm who have allowed us to use their marquee area and adjoining fields for our activities.

Mountain Rescue Teams are staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers giving their time (and money) to help others, not just on the moors and hills but to the wider community – here’s one day you can help us.

We hope to see you there – Monday May 2nd 10am till 4pm

Those who can, do.  Those who can do more, Volunteer.

Snippets from last years Awareness Day event courtesy of Penistone FM

Folk Music & Interview Awareness Day 2010

Phil WMRT Secretary Awareness Day Interview 2010

(Audio opens in a new window)