Cumbrian Mountain Festival 2002

A celebration of life in the

Lake District  

Involvement from SARDA (Search  and Rescue Dog Association)

 (Last updated 23/9/02)  

                            

 Dialogue Across Mountains

               A British-Swiss Affair                                                    

 Patrons

 Sir Chris Bonington C.B.E., The Hon. Jim Lowther, Lord Richard Inglewood MEP and His Excellency Mr Bruno Spinner, Ambassador of Switzerland.

 This Festival is a major Cumbrian community project aimed at boosting our county’s economy after the disastrous Foot and Mouth epidemic.

The disease has severely affected businesses and livelihoods within the rural communities of the Lake District and our project is a means of stimulating regeneration in these areas. By chronicling Cumbria’s long history of Mountain culture and heritage we aim to bring tourists back to those areas worst affected.

 A series of community-based events, exhibitions and attractions, partly funded by Business Link for Cumbria, have been organised between April and November 2002. As part of ‘International Year of Mountains 2002’ this project will gain international recognition, particularly as we are working with the Swiss government to promote ‘Dialogue Across Mountains’, a celebration of the longstanding British/Swiss mountaineering and tourism relationship. 

These events will be based throughout Cumbria to form a heritage trail that can be followed from venue to venue, providing the opportunity to view works of art and memorabilia not normally on display to the public. 

[SARDA introduction to be inserted by team co-ordinator]

 Planned SARDA events are:  

Co-ordinator - Mick Guy  Tel.  01768 772463

mickguy@sarda.demon.couk

Event When Who's Organising
Day visits - venue tbc Saturday 11th May Mick Guy
Day visits - venue tbc Saturday 15th June Mick Guy
Day visits - venue tbc Saturday 17th August Mick Guy
Dog Assessment Event - Coniston  Friday 13th - Tuesday 17th September Mick Guy
     
     
 IYM Close Out Party at Wasdale Saturday 26 October 2002 Richard Warren - Wasdale MRT/LDSDAMRA

 

The SARDA main assessment course for Search Dogs will be based at St Andrews Hostel at Coniston, GR SD 302977, from the evening of Friday 13th September to approx 3 p.m Tuesday 17th September. 4 dogs are up for Full assessment as Search Dog teams, and a further 6 teams are being re-assessed for their continuing inclusion on the Callout List.
 
For each dog and handler under assessment, the course takes to form of 4 full days searching of different areas to locate casualties. These volunteers are known as "Dogs Bodies", and they are placed in position on the hillside by the assessors for the day.
 
Visitors are welcome to attend from Saturday a.m., and spend some time observing the dogs at work on the fells around Walna Scar, Coniston Old Man, Levers Water and Dow Crag. Visitors can choose to take part either as observers, or more actively as mock "casualties" for the dogs to find. You are very welcome to come for all 4 days or any combination of days, so long as you let us know by Friday September 6th.
 
You need to come prepared for full days on the hill, with boots, waterproofs, gloves, hat, and warm clothing. A thermos is a useful addition, as is a pair of binoculars. The programme will be tailored to the expertise and fitness of the individuals opting to come, and will be worked out with you on the first morning.
 
Accommodation is in Youth Hostel style accommodation, with all meals provided. Visitors will be able to listen to briefings for handlers and bodies, and listen to the excuses in the pub in the evening !
 
Please contact Mick Guy by Email mickguy@sarda.demon.co.uk, or phone him on 017687 72463 if you would like to take part.