On Saturday 18th April 2015, we reported on the visit by team members Diane Blakeley and Michael Wakerley to the official opening of Rossendale and Pendle MRTs new base at Burnley, below is a detailed report by Diane on the day.

Saturday 18th April 2015. Team representatives attend Official opening this afternoon of RPMRT new Base at Burnley, Lancashire.

This morning very long serving team member Diane Blakeley – and representing the younger element in the team, Michael Wakerley, journeyed to Burnley, to represent Bolton MRT at the official opening of Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Teams new Burnley Base at Farrington Court, Burnley.

On a lovely sunny day we had the pleasure of representing Bolton MRT in our Land Rover Defender Mountain Rescue Ambulance, radio call sign ‘Bolton Mobile 4.’

We arrived at the new base just after 11am ready for the official opening at 11.30am.
Already there were lots of members of the public looking at the teams equipment and vehicles and finding out more about the teams work.

As well as chatting with current team members and friends, there was also a large number of ex-Rossendale members, many of whom I have not seen for a number of years these included Paul Higgin, Malcolm Welch, Ian Johnston, Henry Stott and Ian “Kip” brown.

Before long I was being greeted by hugs and long chats about what everyone one was doing now.

The base was officially opened by former Rossendale Team leaders Pete Durst (and former SARDA Dog Handler) and Dave Barrington both of whom I have known for many years, it was a great pleasure to introduce them to Michael and again chat and catch up.

There was lots of reminiscing with old stories told during the morning. Pete and Dave both did a speech before unveiling a special  commemorative plaque to mark this day, and officially opening the base. It was then time for coffee and cake before more chatting and photographs.

Before leaving Michael and I went into the “Leaders Office” where we chatted with current Team Leader Pete Goble about the way the team is now organised, with members being split into four teams to provide a “duty” crew each weekend, which is then supplemented by other available members.

Also in attendance was the Team Leader of Bowland Pennine MRT, Kev Camplin and Pete Farnell from Calder Valley SRT and SARDA.

We extend our full congratulations to our friends and colleagues at RPMRT, on the opening of their Burnley Base, which will greatly improve their emergency response times to the community of East Lancashire including Pendle Hill, complimenting their long established Base / HQ at Clegg Street, Haslingden.

Please also visit the website, Facebook site and Twitter feed of RPMRT for more information.