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21st January 2010 COUNTRYFILES MATT BAKER HELPS OUT RESCUE TEAM
Countryfile's Matt Baker Helps Out Rescue Team
Matt Baker former Blue Peter presenter and front man for BBC's popular Countryfile programme is helping out Teesdale & Weardale Search & Mountain Rescue Team. The Team have published a book to celebrate their 40th birthday and Matt who was born in County Durham has not only written the forward but has agreed to sign copies of the book at its launch.
Cotswold Outdoor Store in Silver St, Durham City have agreed to host the launch on Saturday 23 January. They will also be selling the book on behalf of the team. Matt will be signing books in the store from 3:30pm for about an hour and the team hope lots of people will come along and meet him and some of the team members including its search & rescue dogs.
Chris Roberts, Deputy Team Leader said 'We decided that we wanted a book that would give an in depth insight into the Team, and not just a list of the things that we do. The book goes into the Team's history and gives some personal reflections of this. We have included a chapter about the area that we cover to give the reader an understanding of why we are a 'Mountain' Rescue Team. There is a chapter where Team members reflect on memorable moments during their time with the Team; and some interesting rescue stories that Team members have been involved whilst involved in their own outdoor pursuits, which in some cases gave them reason to join the Team. There are also chapters relating to the Team structure and operation. We have also included a list of Callouts, which are always good to dip into - due to our recent period of numerous incidents this is already out of date, a - 2nd edition may have to accommodate these'
He added 'Like all good ideas it needed someone to actually do the work. We were very lucky to have a Team member who's wife wanted the chance to do 'a bit of writing'. Kathrine High took on the job of collating information, getting Team members to write stories, listening to stories from those that don't like writing; in fact putting the whole thing together. It has taken just over a year to get the book finished'.
Dave Bartles-Smith Team Leader said 'All money raised from the sale of the book will go towards the purchase of an additional team vehicle. It has become apparent that we need another 4x4 vehicle to transport team members and assist at incidents. During the recent bad weather we have attended over 50 incidents all of which required this type of vehicle'.
'40 Years And Counting' will be available via the Teams website www.twsmrt.org.uk , and at the Cotswold Outdoor store in Durham City for 9.99.
NOTE TO EDITOR/REPORTER - All media respresntatives are welcome at the launch of the book at 3:30pm on Saturday 23rd January in the Cotswold Outdoor store in Silver St, Durham City. Team contact on the day will be Anthony Tubbs 07890 993 590
Notes For Editor Teesdale
& Weardale Search & Mountain Rescue Team are affiliated to the "Mountain
Rescue - England and Wales". We provide a Search and Rescue service throughout
County Durham and beyond primarily for the Police but also for the other emergency
services. All Team members are volunteers and we rely on monies raised by ourselves
as a registered charity to run the Team. Further details regarding our latest
callouts and Team information can be found on our website www.twsmrt.org.uk
