This evening prior to our departure for our weekly Wednesday nights training exercise, we were visited by four members of Bolton Liberal Democrats at our Ladybridge Hall Base / HQ, commencing at 18.50hrs.

The four were present following a kind promise made during their earlier visit of Saturday 5th April 2014, that the Executive of Bolton Liberal Democrats would make a donation to Bolton Mountain Rescue Team to recognise the work we undertake in the local community.

The four were met by our Team Secretary Gillian Gregory, Team Treasurer Martin Banks, Team Leader Garry Rhodes MBE and Life Vice President Alan James amongst other team members.

Attending was Councillor Stephen Rock (Claypool Ward), his wife Councillor Lynn Rock (Lever Park Ward), Doug Bagnall, Secretary Bolton Liberal Democrats, and Eric Hyde, Chairman, Bolton Liberal Democrats.

Together they kindly handed over a £100.00 donation to Bolton Mountain Rescue Team.

Their first visit of Saturday 5th April 2014, was alongside that of  Chris Davies MEP, Liberal Democrat MEP for North West England during a visit to our Ladybridge Hall Base / HQ.

The visit by Chris Davies MEP was in connection with his well supported campaign alongside colleague Tim Farron MP, to obtain VAT exemption for Mountain and Lowland Search and Rescue teams across the European Union.

Chris Davies MEP and Tim Farron MP believe that there is a public interest in exempting certain activities from VAT and specifically in exempting Search and Rescue Services activities including both Mountain Rescue Services and Lowland Search and Rescue Services.

Related to the previous visit of 5th April, their visit tonight was very relevant, as our four guests witnessed the team membership receiving their new issue Team Climbing Helmets (See above report) which have cost the team £2,819.38p of which we had to pay £469.90p of our hard to raise funds in VAT!

The entire team membership wishes to thank all at Bolton Liberal Democrats for this kind donation of £100.00 and their support of the campaign to exempt mountain rescue from paying VAT.

Please also see two previous website ‘News’ reports dated Saturday 5th April 2014.