Huge congratulations to our Honorary President, Mr Robert ‘Bob’ Uttley who received his MBE medal from the Queen at Buckingham Palace on November 10th. Bob was awarded his medal for Services to the Community of Calder Valley & Todmorden. Very well deserved and a proud moment indeed. Read more on the Halifax Courier website: CLICK

And the results are in… We are very pleased to announce that 35 members from CVSRT and 1 member from HVMRT successfully completed the MREW Casualty Care Examination (Theory & Practical) this weekend. For some this was their first time to take the exams whilst for most it was to recertify their qualifications. CVSRT would like to thank members of: Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO) for providing a Senior Examiner and two training casualties, Bolton Mountain Rescue Team (BMRT) for providing an assessor and to Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA) for providing four casualties. Many thanks also to the four examiners who were in attendance from Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) – from Halifax, Bradford Emergency Department,…

Having learnt from our experiences over recent years during the floods, we quickly realised the need to adopt closer working relationships with all the emergency services, partner organisations and the Environmental Agency. Floods by nature are often wide spread, devastating and generally will require immediate hands-on and intervention from many trained personnel to provide an effective response. As a direct result of Boxing Day floods, CVSRT received donations from various organisations, businesses, community groups and the public. These funds were specifically to buy specialist water rescue equipment and to train team members with new water rescue skills and knowledge. We…

The nights are now drawing in and the shorter days are with us for the next few months, and not forgetting the clocks going back on Sunday 29th October. But that doesn’t mean that the countryside is out of bounds, it just means you need to be properly prepared. Here are a few key safety considerations before venturing out onto the hills and moors. Firstly, be aware of the time. Make sure you start your journey early enough to complete the route in daylight, and be aware what time it gets dark, allowing plenty time to get home safely, even…

Roland Arnison (Roly) and his 14 years old son James Elles from Thornton, Bradford, have set their goals high with a mountain of a challenge as they attempt the complete the National Three Peaks Challenge to help raise funds for Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team (CVSRT). For those unfamiliar with the challenge, it involves climbing the three highest peaks, which are Ben Nevis (1345m) in Scotland, Scafell Pike (978m) in the Lake District and Snowdon (1085m) in Wales, all within 24 hours. To help them accomplish their challenge, they have enlisted Richard Quinn who will drive the pair between…

Calling all lovers of lush harmonies and louche singers… Do you fancy an “Evening of Love & Laughter”? Well this event is just for you. Enjoy a charming evening at Hebden Bridge Golf Club on Saturday 14th October with music from Mozart to Manhattan Transfer via Cole Porter, all performed by Due Voci and Bright Shiners. With great food and licenced bar, this promises to be a brilliant evening…and what’s more it’s also a fundraising evening for Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team. Get tickets by emailing: performancetickets1@gmail.com  or visit the events page: Evening of Love & Laughter

On Saturday 16th September, Blazing Saddles Cycles & Orange Bikes held a Test Ride Day with the kind support of Midgehole Working Men’s Club (The Blue Pig) Hebden Bridge. The event successfully forged friendships between Blazing Saddles, Orange Bikes and the Working Men’s Club, who went out of their way to make the riders feel welcome and made hot food and drinks available during the event. Anna Baker from Blazing Saddles' said, “Our intention is to link to routes around The Blue Pig to promote safer riding and hopefully improve relations between riders and walkers using the paths and trails…

Calderdale Beer & Cider Festival 2017 - “Beers of the Roses” held at The Town Hall, Hebden Bridge. This fantastic event is organised by CAMRA Halifax & Calderdale and will run from 28th – 30th September starting at 2pm tomorrow with a incredible selection of nearly 50 beers, ciders and perries from both sides of the Pennines and from around the UK. Many themed ales will be on offer with some specially commissioned for the festival so don’t miss the ‘Beers of the Roses’ Ale Trail and not forgetting to mention… back by popular demand the CVSRT 50th Anniversary Ale…

On Thursday 14th September (18:30-20:30), members of CVSRT and SARDA England handlers and dogs will be giving a talk and demonstration as part of the South Pennines Walk & Ride Festival 2017. There will also be an easy, family and dog friendly walk (4miles) with Calderdale Ramblers giving panoramic views of Cragg Vale and Stoodley Pike, before returning to Craggies Café and Farm Shop for refreshments. For more information and to get involved, please visit: South Pennine Walk & Ride Festival 2017

Some of you will be aware from reading our previous articles in the Halifax Courier, that all our members, whether they are operational full team members, trainees, active supporters, dogsbodies or training casualties – everyone volunteers their time freely. They all contribute precious time that could be spent with their families and instead they dedicate this time to ensure the smooth running of the team, allowing us to continue to provide a life-saving emergency response service to the community, all in support of the statutory emergency services. In the last 12months, CVSRT members and active supporters have voluntarily contributed an…

Reek Sunday, County Mayo, Republic of Ireland. A ballistic flight from England to Ireland. 50minutes in the air, barely enough time to get the trolley around let alone drink the two bottles of wine the woman beside me buys. We land at Knock International Airport with a runway built to 747 landing standards so the Pope could land to visit the Basilica. Welcome to Knock Airport, gateway to Croagh Patrick, Curach Phádraig, the mountain of Saint Patrick. To the locals, ‘The Reek’. Car hires collected, turn left off the airport grounds straight onto a single track road with passing places,…

On Saturday 15th July 2017, Mountain Rescue members from the Mid-Pennine Region who are specially trained in water rescues techniques came together at the River Washburn in North Yorkshire to refresh their water rescue skills and to forge a stronger working relationship. Water First Responders and Swift Water Rescue Technicians from Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team, Bolton Mountain Rescue Team and Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team gathered in the river flow beneath Woodyard on the river. It’s worth mentioning that this training was made possible by a kind invitation from Halifax Canoe Club and Yorkshire Water. On limited occasions the…

At our monthly maintenance evening, CVSRT had the pleasure of welcoming Stacey McGowan and members of the Halifax Ladies Circle to our base in Mytholmroyd. Some of you may remember that the Halifax Ladies Circle kindly nominated CVSRT as their Charity of the Year last year and did a fantastic job raising funds throughout the year. The ladies kindly popped in to meet the team and present a huge cheque (literally) for an incredible £3178.67. CVSRT Leader, Ben Carter was on-hand to gratefully accept the generous donation and to thank everyone at Halifax Ladies Circle for their hard work and…

If you’re looking for a challenge that’s a bit different, here’s an idea...“Bearing Up!” is an adventure in a straight line. Conceived by CVSRT member Paul Taylor, the concept is simple… to complete a set of wild challenges following difficult lines across the landscape. The challenge is open to anyone with suitable skills and experience and it is hoped that this might ‘bear fruit’ for the benefit of Mountain Rescue in England and Wales and Scotland teams. For those unfamiliar with the term, ‘bearing’ is the direction or position of something, or the direction of movement, relative to a fixed point. It…

It’s safe to say that we are blessed with some wonderful scenery around our operational area, and now the summer holidays are in full flow we hope you are making the most of the great outdoors. There are many ways to explore the stunning countryside, and whether you're walking, climbing, running or cycling, the landscape is inspiring, but can also be hazardous. Here are several tips to keep you safe whilst you’re out and about, and before you even set off from home. Before you start and throughout the day, eat well and remain hydrated to keep your energy levels…

As well as training, fundraising, attending public events and assisting the emergency services with searches and rescues, CVSRT members are often invited along to youth groups and schools to talk about the voluntary work we do within the community and to demonstrate some of the emergency equipment and rapid response vehicles we use. Recently Hove Edge Scout Group kindly invited several team members along to one such event based at Hove Edge Scout Hut. As you can see from these photos, it was a great evening and the perfect opportunity for the girls and boys from Brighouse with some parents…

** Statement on the BBC from the young lady who was involved in 50ft car fall on Sunday evening. ** By Nick Wilmshurst, BBC Yorkshire Live Reporter A woman who had to be rescued after her car rolled down a 50ft ravine near the M62 in West Yorkshire at the weekend says she wants to thank "the amazing people" who rescued her.Rochelle Garner, from Ripponden, West Yorkshire, lost control of her car on Sunday on the A672 near to Junction 22 of the M62 as she was following her partner in the car in front. She said: "It veered off the…

During last week’s monthly maintenance evening, CVSRT members were very pleased to welcome three guests along to The Rescue Post in Mytholmroyd. The first of our visitors were Wilma Downs and Jeni Wetton representing Hebden Bridge WI, who called in to meet the team and present a cheque for an incredible £1200. CVSRT President Bob Uttley MBE was on-hand to gratefully accept the very generous donation, which will go directly towards helping upgrade the teams radio equipment. Many thanks also to Matthew Harding from Calderfornia Clothing, pictured here with CVSRT Treasurer Matt Greaves. Matthew recently raised £450 from the sale…

WARNING: CUTENESS ALERTCalder Valley Search and Rescue Team (CVSRT) are very happy to announce that a new addition will start training very shortly in the hope of eventually joining the team!! 11weeks old Springer Spaniel ‘Orion’ with his owner and handler CVSRT Gary Smith from Todmorden, have dived straight into training which is expected to take approximately 2years to achieve the standard set by the Search and Rescue Dog Association. The pup has three distinct markings on his back that look similar to the stars in the constellation of ‘Orion’s Belt’. Orion is also known as ‘The Hunter’ in Greek…

“The greatest danger in life is not to take the adventure.” George Leigh Mallory Next month, two members of Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team are swapping the Pennines of Calderdale for the Pennine Alps and challenging themselves to climb a truly iconic mountain - The Matterhorn. This huge and near-symmetrical pyramidal peak in the Monta Rosa area of the Pennine Alps is 4,478metres (14,692 ft) high, making it one of the highest summits in the Alps and Europe.  Whilst Jacques and Rich are both competent climbers, it is still a daunting climb as they intend to make their way…

It is with great pleasure we can announce that our president of 23years, Mr Robert (Bob) Uttley has been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, and will be awarded the M.B.E. for services to the community in Calder Valley and Todmorden, West Yorkshire. Bob, who is a retired chartered accountant and financial director, has been a stalwart supporter for the local community for many years with strong connections to various organistions in Todmorden including; the Choral Society, St Mary’s Church Choir and Walking Groups and is a keen Walsden and Todmorden cricket follower. He was also the captain at…

On 27th January 2017, Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team was alerted by Yorkshire Ambulance Service to an incident [Incident 990] involving a 21yo mountain biker who had fallen off his bike whilst riding near Otley Chevin sustaining chest and shoulder injuries. 17 team members were available to respond immediately and made their way in team vehicles or directly to the casualty’s location. Once on-scene, team members quickly packaged the injured rider in a vacuum mattress and transferred him to the ambulance nearby for onward journey to hospital. After the team hands over the casualty to the ambulance service our…

Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team are very pleased to announce that we have been shortlisted for the ‘Local Charity of the Year 2017’ scheme at Sainsbury’s Brighouse and at the convenience store in Mytholmroyd. Each Sainsbury’s supermarket and convenience store has shortlisted a maximum of three charities to put forward for the customer vote. Customers can vote online by visiting: www.sainsburyslocalcharity.co.uk or via the in-store voting system. Vote online by… 1. Visiting: www.sainsburyslocalcharity.co.uk 2. Searching: 'Brighouse' and 'Mytholmroyd' 3. Voting: Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team4. Sharing and Telling: All your family and friends!   Or you can vote at your local supermarket…

Back in 2015, an author called Cathy Dyson contacted the team asking for assistance with a book she was writing. We were happy to help and provided some advice on how to remain safe whilst out exploring the remote regions of the countryside, and also what to do in the event of an emergency and you require urgent medical assistance. In return for our contribution, Cathy is kindly donating a percentage to CVSRT from the sale of the book. ‘Navigate your way around… South Pennines’ has now been published and is available to purchase online. >CLICK HERE< About the bookThe South…