Left to Right: Kevin Wheatley CMRT operative, John Mortimer WM Handyside, Pat Palmer IPM Handyside, Denis Stubley APGM, Dan Scoular CMRT operative, Jordan McSween Equipment co-ordinator CMRT

When Pat Palmer took over the leadership of Handyside lodge in Saltburn, he wanted to find a local charity or organisation that could benefit from his fundraising efforts during his year of office. Pat had noticed an article in a local newspaper in which the Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team (CMRT) were asking for donations towards some essential all weather gear to help with their search and rescue procedures.

Pat decided to contact CMRT to ascertain their needs and it was apparent that the funds required were something his lodge members may be able achieve.

Handyside Lodge set themselves a target of £1350 to provide three sets of clothing, which was achieved. It was then decided to approach the masonic regional charity, the Freemasons Charity of Yorkshire North and East Ridings (FCYNER) and ask them to consider contributing. FCYNER contributed another £450. FYCNER then in turn contacted the national Freemasons charity, The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) to request further assistance. The MCF added their weight to the funding to the tune of another £900.

The total of £2700 was presented to representatives of CMRT which will enable them to purchase six new all weather outfits for the benefit of their volunteer members. A very satisfactory result indeed.

CMRT require in the region of forty thousand pounds every year to enable them to fund their facilities and vehicles. They have an active group of volunteers who constantly fundraise to allow them to continue operating. The group respond to an average of sixty distress calls each year and the responders are all volunteers with particular skills to offer. There is a constant programme of training and refreshing of skills with most participants attending training sessions every week. The equipment used is extremely advanced and requires great skill to operate in difficult environments. Should new equipment be needed then the fund raising has to step up even more. CMRT are actively recruiting at the moment.