This afternoon, five team members were present at Coleman Milne, Westhoughton, to accept the delivery of our brand new purpose built, specialist ‘Incident Control Vehicle.’
Based upon a VolksWagen Crafter CR35 LWB vehicle, and registered MJ13UHT, our radio call sign ‘Bolton Mobile 6,’ this vehicle represents the eighth brand new vehicle to have been purchased throughout the history of the team.
It is also the most expensive single purchase we have ever made, with a significant part of its purchase being made possible through a large bequest from the late Mrs Jennie Hoey, in whose name the vehicle is clearly dedicated.
All five of our team members present today; Equipment Officer (Vehicles) Chris Greenhalgh, Treasurer and Incident Control Vehicle Project Officer Martin Banks, Equipment Officer (IT and Communications) Steve Fletcher, Team Leader Garry Rhodes MBE, and Trainee team member Martin Battersby were very impressed with the excellence of the completed vehicle.
The handover went smoothly, and Steve Fletcher had the honour of being the first team driver to take the wheel of this fantastic addition to the Bolton MRT now six strong vehicle fleet, on its delivery run into team ownership.
Over the next few days a small group of team members led by Steve Fletcher will now work on the IT set up of this vehicle, and some technical and programming work with the comprehensive radio fitment.
It is planned that we will have this vehicle in full team operational service by Monday evening 3rd June 2013.
As with all our vehicles (and our SAR Boat) this vehicle at a date still to be arranged over the next couple of months, will be formally dedicated and blessed at a reception evening to be held at our Ladybridge Hall Base / HQ.
It is opportune to thank all at Coleman Milne, Westhoughton, (www.coleman-milne.co.uk) who interpreted our initial outline ideas and requirements in to this superb vehicle we are fortunate to now have at our use.
As ever we would like to particularly extend our sincere thanks to Area Sales Manager / Emergency Services Sales Manager Graham Clow, Design Engineer / Project Engineer Simon Baxendale and Andrew Foster (All things Electrical) all of Coleman Milne, who have been absolutely fantastic in their understanding and interpretation of our thoughts and wishes, resulting in this truly fantastic vehicle.
Even at this early stage of having this vehicle we have already been approached by a colleague Mountain Rescue Team requesting manufacturer, construction, layout and costing information, with a view to commissioning a similar vehicle for their team.
This is the second Mountain Rescue ‘Incident Control Vehicle’ constructed by Coleman Milne, (The first being for Bowland Pennine MRT, however unlike ours, theirs was on a second hand vehicle) who normally specialise in coach built bespoke engineered Fire, Police and Ambulance vehicles alongside their traditional work on Funeral Hearses, Undertakers Ambulances, luxury Limousines, and stretch limousines.
Graham Clow, Area Sales Manager / Emergency Services Sales Manager for Coleman Milne can be contacted on 07860 380450, email graham.clow@woodall-nicholson.co.uk.
Please also see website ‘News’ reports dated 10th May, 8th May, 26th April, 12th April, 19th March, 26th February, 5th February, and 29th January 2013.
