As reported above, at the opening of the team dinner, RSH, more popularly known within the team as Bob, received his certificate for long service to Mountain Rescue.

In the whole history of the team, Bob is only the fourth recipient of this award, the previous three being Geoff Seddon, Alan James, and John Davis.

Bob joined the team in January 1980 and right up to last year was a full and active member of the callout list, since which date he has turned up for the occasional incident but now acts in a support role.

In 1981 Bob was elected our fourth team leader, a post he held for two years, other posts having included team chairman, 1984-7, and elected deputy leader 1989-90.

Bob was a founder organiser of our team’s sponsored walk and the Milliken weekend, both of which were held throughout the late 1980’s into the 1990’s. Bob holds the current post of honorary team President.

At a regional level, Bob was MPSRO secretary for over 12 years, and has also been MPSRO chairman.

By his own declaration, Bob has never been a climber but he is an experienced mountaineer, with an impressive tally of Scottish mountains, in both winter and summer conditions to his name. He has successfully completed some long-distance Munro bashing trips in Scotland as well as the Three National Peaks challenge, which he completed with a big smile on his face (and no doubt massive blisters under his feet) in under 24 hours.

Bob receiving his 25 Years of Service to MR Certificate from MR- E&W Secretary Peter Smith
Our Thanks to the Bolton Evening News for the photograph

The framed certificate for his service came from Mountain Rescue – England & Wales, the team membership however saw fit to recognise Bob’s service both in the team and at a regional level with the surprise donation to Bob during the meal of a beautiful inscribed glass plaque, and for once Bob was totally lost for words. (There were even a few tears of happiness in his eyes). A BIG WELL DONE BOB, from everybody in the team, on your achievement.