2009 New Years Honours to Mountain Rescue

With the announcement of the 2009 New Year Honours list, we would like to pass our congratulations to Dr Albert Roy Cooksey, who has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for voluntary service to the Coniston Mountain Rescue Team in Cumbria.

Dr Albert Roy Cooksey, of Broughton, has been recognised for his 23 years of voluntary service as Coniston Mountain Rescue Team leader. The man who replaced Mr Cooksey – who is known as Roy to friends – as rescue team leader has paid tribute to his predecessor and friend.

Anthony Robinson said: “He was the ideal man. He could almost have been born to do it. He was a very experienced rock climber and walker in his own right before he joined the team. He was a Barrovian by birth and is currently living in the South of France. I was his deputy for the entire 23 years. He was one of the best, most experienced and most respected mountain rescue leaders in the country. He led from the front on everything.“

Also to Barry David Gregory, a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), for voluntary service to Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team, Holmfirth,West Yorkshire. Barry is a founder member of Woodhead MRT and is still involved as the Treasurer, after 44 years of service.

From all of the membership of Bolton MRT, we pass on our sincere congratulations on your awards.