At the rescue team’s Annual General Meeting last Thursday night a special presentation was made to the longest serving member of the team.  John Mayer joined the rescue team in 1965 and has now clocked up Fifty Years of unbroken membership as a Full Operational Member.  Whilst no longer climbing the hills on call-outs, John continues in an active role as Senior Team Call-out Officer.

Nearly all the current team attended the meeting as Mike France, Chairman of Mountain Rescue England and Wales, and Ken Blakeman, Chairman of The Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation, presented John with certificates marking the milestone achievement.   Dr Mat Stagg, Vice-chairman of Buxton Team, then presented John with a gift of an engraved pewter tankard and a card wishing John many more years in active service, signed by all the team.  A gift of a bouquet of flowers was also presented for John’s wife, Julie, who has put up with John being called at all times of the day and night and has always supported his voluntary work.

John, a little humbled by all the attention, made a short speech of thanks but was later freely reminiscing with other members over a pint.

Photo credit:  BMRT.

John wondering where 50 years had gone.

(right) Dr Matt Stagg presenting a gift from the team.

(left)  Ken Blakeman presenting a 50 years of service certificate from PDMRO.

(lower)  Mike France presenting an MREW Long Service award.