Minister Checks out Year of Mountains

Rheged & Keswick MRT Rescue HQ


   page updated 20/6/02 with new photos  

 

From the right, Sir Chris Bonington, Dr. Kim Howells MP - Minister for Tourism, Films and Broadcasting, David Penlington, Chairman of the Cumbrian Mountain Festival, International Year of mountains.

At the entrance of the Rheged Centre where the National Mountaineering Exhibition is held.

The difference between a modern ice climbing axe and a the older alpine axe used for walking

 

The Minister with Chris by Mallory'e tent 

Kim Howells at the Keswick Mountain Rescue Base takes a keen interest in the briefing by Mark Hodgson, Team Leader Keswick MRT, on radio communication.

Mountain Rescue radios are financed by the county police and it is important that this contribution continues as the equipment improves and new systems become available.

Perhaps not a banquet but this was 5 star hospitality for the ministers lunch.  It was commented that perhaps this is what Keswick MRT routinely provide for their members after a hard day on the hills.

Jim Coyle tries to recruit the Minister to Cockermouth MRT   

The Minister (centre) takes a moment out of his hectic schedule to enjoy the lake district scenery with members of Cockermouth Mountain Team.

(This photo was taken opposite the 'Theatre by the Lake' - a significant tourism investment located within 200 m of Keswick Rescue Base)

 

From the left, Chris Abbot , Mountain Festival IYM Co-ordinator for Cockermouth MRT, John Dempster, Chairman of Cockermouth MRT and LDSAMRA.  Cllr Alan Smith, Tourism Councillor for Allerdale District, Kim, Jim Coyle BEM, Team Leader Cockermouth MRT, Tony Cunningham MP, Allerdale Member of Parliament
Which way to Westminster?

Members of Keswick MRT who hosted the visit - from the left, Neil Dowie Secretary KMRT, Mark Hodgson Team Leader KMRT, Alan Smith, Kim, Chris Francis, member KMRT and Callout co-ordinator for SARDA Lakes (Search and Rescue Dog Association), Ian Wallace Treasurer KMRT, Chris's two KMRT Search Dogs, Mike Fanning Chairman KMRT, Tony Cunningham

The Minister and Tony with the two team leaders at the Derwentwater shore.  This vehicle is one of a matching pair of recently bought advance rescue vehicles.  Identically kitted out with rescue gear.  Bought through voluntary donations of the community and those rescued by the team over the years.

This allowed Keswick to donate their older vehicles to other rescue teams in the UK who were struggling to raise the necessary funds.