On a raining evening in May, Buxton Mountain Rescue Team, was called out, or should that be “called in” to a special task in Wilmslow.

A large part of any Mountain Rescue work is about education, community relations and helping to enforce the importance of hill safety and preparation prior to embarking on any outdoor activity. On this occasion it was a task set to team member Matt Stagg who attended Fulshaw WI’s monthly meeting helping to do just that!

Following an initial approach from the group, a whole evening was dedicated to discussing the background to Mountain Rescue in the Peak District, including, but not limited to, the famous Mass Trespass, and the event that ultimately led to the creation of the Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation, the Four Inns Tragedy in 1964, where three Rover scouts sadly lost their lives.

The evening continued by providing the specific history of Buxton Mountain Rescue Team, explaining the team capabilities, skill set, training schedules and the commitment that it takes from each of its members every minute of every day of the year to help save lives and provide medical support in wilderness locations.

Matt commented “It is a humbling experience when a local organisation welcomes Mountain Rescue to talk about the vital work we do. So much of our operational capabilities is dependent on the support of such individuals and societies and so to be offered this opportunity to repay some of the support, if only in the form of a presentation is gratefully welcomed”

Some parts of Mountain Rescue are difficult and demanding, however the evening ended in the best possible manner – a much appreciated cup of tea and a single slice (honest!) of delicious homemade cake! For some reason Matt Stagg has already offered to do the next few WI talks. He won’t say why, but we are sure it’s purely down to commitment to Mountain Rescue.