The moors around the “Blue Lagoon” reservoir near Belmont (also known as
Ward’s Reservoir, and by coincidence the scene of a dramatic real-life
rescue just three days earlier see above) were a buzz of activity on the late evening of 24 March 2004 as five realistic simulations of Mountain Rescue
emergencies were acted out simultaneously. The exercise tested the Team’s
resources and control capabilities fully, and the whole thing was
experienced by a group from St David’s Church Aspull Men’s Group who joined
us for the evening’s activities. Members of the group joined the four rescue
parties, did stretcher carries, first aid, joined in line searches, and
generally got realistic first-hand experience of night-time Mountain Rescue
on Bolton’s moorland. It was a very enjoyable and valuable event for Team
members and visitors. We were also very grateful for the loan of four school
teachers from Thornleigh Salesian College who were very obliging
pretend-badly-injured excercise casualties!

Members from St David’s Church Aspull, Bolton MRT & exercise casulaty, after an enjoyable exercise.

Team members were very grateful for the generous £100 donation received from
the bedraggled church goers, presumably in appreciation of still being in
one piece!