Rescue team on hunt for help with anniversary book project, Teesdale Mercury

Rescue team on hunt for help with anniversary book project

May 1, 2008

NORMALLY searching for walkers stranded on hills, the Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team is now on the hunt for former colleagues, and those saved by the service, to help the group commemorate its 40th anniversary. 

Steve Owers, a long-serving member of the team, said: "To celebrate 40 years in service, we want to put a book together about the searches we have carried out. 

"We really want people who have either been part of the team or people who we have rescued to come and tell us about their story."

Since 1968, the team, which ventures out to in all weathers, and is on call 24-hours a day, has rescued hundreds of climbers and bikers who have lost their way or fallen on the hills in Teesdale and Wear Valley. 

Anyone who has a story to tell is invited to go along to a special event being held at the team's headquarters, situated just behind the police office in Barnard Castle, on May 12 at 7pm.

The team covers a huge area ranging from the coast to the high Pennines and attends between 30 and 40 call outs every year. 

Mr Owers said: "We'd be really grateful if people could come along and see us and help us get some stories together so we can try and get this book into production."

If anyone has a story, but can't make it along on the night can call Mr Owers on 01833 630999.

KAYE JEMMESON