Over 96 years dedicated service to the team was recognised on Saturday December 8th with a Mayoral reception at Bolton Town Hall for our Deputy leader Geoff Seddon (age 51, joined 1969), Alan “General” James (53, 1968) and John Davis (49 – a mere youngster, joined 1971), the trio each receiving a 25 years Long Service Certificate from the Mountain Rescue Council of England & Wales. (Of course their service is much longer than 25 years – 32, 34, & 30 respectively, so they are all closer to their 40 years Certificate!). Presented by the Mayor & Mayoress of Bolton, all three were entirely surprised, having fallen for the teams cover story that the Mayor was to thank representatives of the team for our recent work!
“General”, an original founder team member helped set up the team in 1968 after first joining Rossendale team in 1967 and finding the travelling too much! He is now our Honorary Life Vice President. Geoff was Team Leader in the 1970s, and remains our Deputy Leader. John by his own admission continues as a humble team member.
18 team members also attended, initially being hidden from the three at Thistlethwaites Tyre depot, until the time for the surprise!! Another pleasant surprise was the appearance of ex team member Geoff Sharp, another face from our past.
This article appeared in the Bolton Evening News.
Presentation of the 25 years service to Mountain Rescue certificates to Alan James, Geoff Seddon and John Davis
