Two long serving team members, who have given the team unstinting and stirling service since joining us way back in 2003, are shortly to be rewarded for such steadfast time with us by having a full makeover, involving some would say, a little cosmetic surgery.

In 2003, Philip and Denise Frain of what was RescueEquip1 of Bolton, kindly donated to the team, completely free of charge, two Rescue Manikins namely Casualty simulators ‘Joepublic’ Adult size and ‘Joepublic’ Junior size.

Both were realistically weighted, appropriately sized, training manikins, made out of a very rugged fabric.
In team use, and entirely clothed from underwear upwards to full hill walkers / climbers outerwear (team members cast offs) and boots, we have used both manikins regularly within team exercises and joint exercises.

They’ve been submerged in reservoirs, thrown over quarry faces, left lying out on cold wet moorlands and even enjoyed some time with another mountain rescue team, and they have both certainly suffered somewhat the rigours of their ‘role’ in the team.

Now slightly battered and bruised, and in need of a makeover, including ‘restuffing!’ yesterday our Team Leader Garry Rhodes MBE recontacted Philip Frain, who immediately offered to take back both manikins, and give them a full refurbishment, guaranteeing another (at least) twelve years service in the team.

The team is very grateful to Philip Frain for agreeing so readily to do this, helped by his wife Denise, and we look forward to both ‘Joepublics’ rejoining the team very soon, suitably refreshed from their makeovers!