CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1088825
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team Unaudited Financial Statements
31 December 2022
The Accountancy People Manchester Ltd
2 Huddersfield Road
Stalybridge Cheshire SK15 2QA
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team
Financial Statements
Year ended 31 December 2022
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' annual report | 1 - 5 |
| Independentexaminer'sreport to theTrustees | 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Statement of financial position | 8 |
| Notes tothefinancial statements | |
| 9 - 15 |
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team
Trustees' Annual Report
Year ended 31 December 2022
The Trustees are pleased to present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2022.
Reference and administrative details
| Registered Charity name | Oldham Mountain Rescue Team |
|---|---|
| Charity registration number | 1088825 |
| Registered Office | Unit 19 Boarshurst Business Park |
| Boarshurst Lane | |
| Greenfield | |
| Oldham | |
| Greater Manchester | |
| England | |
| OL3 7ER | |
| The Trustees | Robert Tortoishell |
| Robert Jones | |
| David Wyatt | |
| Peter James Hyde | |
| Dr Andrew William Taylor | |
| Michael John Wray Nield M.B.E. (Resigned May 2022) | |
| Denzil John Broadhurst | |
| Anthony Gillon MBE | |
| Sean Reade | |
| Independent examiner | The Accountancy People Manchester Ltd 2 Huddersfield Road |
| Stalybridge | |
| Cheshire | |
| SK15 2QA | |
| Bankers | HSBC |
| 109 Union Street | |
| Oldham | |
| Lancashire | |
| OL1 1RT |
- 1 -
Year ended 31 December 2022
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team
Trustees' Annual Report (continued)
Structure, governance and management
The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland ([FRS 102] effective 1 January 2019)".
Structure
On 14 March 2022, the Charity Commission granted approval for OMRT to convert from a charitable limited company to a charitable incorporated organisation. The new constitution and bye-laws are dated 1 March 2022 and were adopted on 14th March 2022 following approval from the Charity Commission.
Governance
During 2022 the team was governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 6th February 2001. Team bye laws were made under Article 70 of the above articles and adopted by the Team on the 6th November 2001. On 14 March 2022, the Charity Commission granted approval for OMRT to convert from a charitable limited company to a charitable incorporated organisation. The new constitution and bye-laws are dated 1 March 2022 and were adopted on 14th March 2022 following approval from the Charity Commission.
Management
Under the 1 March 2022 constitution and associated bye-laws, at each AGM the Team elects four principal officers until the next AGM namely, Team Leader, Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. The Team Management Group comprises the elected officers and a number of appointed officers. Chairmanship of Team meetings is performed by the Chairperson. Separate committees look after equipment, training & medical issues. All members are encouraged to contribute to the successful running of the Team.
Risk management
The Trustees have identified that the principal risk to the Charity is the maintenance of a level of income to meet the needs of the organisation. The Team maintains a cautious approach to investment. Deposits held in any one financial institution are generally kept within the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) limit.
- 2 -
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team
Trustees' Annual Report (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2022
Objectives and activities
Summary of the objectives of the Charity
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team (“the Team” or “OMRT”) is a voluntary organisation whose objects are to relieve suffering and distress amongst persons affected by accidents or natural hazards in the area of Greater Manchester and elsewhere (“the area of benefit”).
Additional objectives and activities
The Team helps the Police in other search activities in areas and conditions where they may not have adequate resources, or experience. In addition to mountain rescue and search activities, the Team is available as a back-up for the Ambulance and Fire Service, during severe weather, major incident or where our specialist skills are needed.
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects
The Charity’s principal objective is as stated above. This is achieved by:
a) Holding and maintaining rescue equipment, medical supplies and vehicles ready for immediate deployment 24 hours a day.
b) Encouraging, equipping and advancing the training of volunteers in sufficient numbers to facilitate having available a useful number of people to attend any emergency calls.
c) Maintaining links with the rescue teams covering adjacent areas, the national body and affiliated organisations.
d) Maintaining links with local resilience forums, Police, Fire and Ambulance services through meetings and participating in joint training opportunities.
e) Incidents we attend being debriefed as soon as possible after the event, when appropriate. Regular reviews of incidents are used to highlight failings and identify improvements to equipment, methods and influence future training. The Trustees believe that the Charity’s objectives satisfy both elements of the public benefit requirement and they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance at all relevant times.
Public benefit
The direct benefits that arise are:
a) The beneficiaries are members of the general public who have become incapacitated in difficult, remote locations, possibly with life threatening or life changing injuries. They are located, treated and evacuated to the care of the health service. Positive and complimentary feedback from casualties, their families, friends and the emergency services frequently underlines the value of the service we provide.
b) Local communities benefit when the Team supports the emergency services dealing with floods, wildfires and extreme weather events.
c) Attending meetings with the emergency services, resilience forums and regional bodies keeps the Team up to date and familiar with the individuals responsible for co-ordinating incidents. d) No harm or private benefit arises from these activities.
e) The Team has a regular program of outreach activities with talks to schools, community groups and societies throughout the region. The talks promote the wider work of Mountain Rescue teams generally and are a vehicle for communicating safety outdoors.
- 3 -
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team
Trustees' Annual Report (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2022
Achievements and performance
Review of activities
The income and expenditure of the Charity is shown in the statement of financial activities on page 7.
The net income for the year was £49,690 (2021: £6,519 net expenditure) which has been deducted from the general reserve.
The Charity held fund balances as at 31 December 2022 amounting to £235,743 (2021: £186,054). In the opinion of the Trustees, these funds are sufficient to meet the Charity’s obligations for the foreseeable future.
Details relating to changes in fixed assets can be found in the notes to the statutory accounts.
The Team depends on public support in one form or another, including donations from patrons, gifts in memory, collection boxes, Friends of OMRT and money raised from various challenges and events.
Financial review
a) Going concern
There are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue.
b) Reserves policy
The Trustees have designated a portion of funds for future vehicle purchases.
The Trustees have agreed that it is prudent to maintain a level of reserves sufficient to meet at least 2 years of unrestricted expenditure, to finance cash flow requirements and to provide safeguards against a fluctuating rate of income. Our current level of reserves is consistent with this policy.
c) Investment policy
The Trustees recognise that the reserves policy means that significant amounts of cash may be held for a time. The Trustees therefore seek to achieve income through investment, only through guaranteed capital and interest generating safe investments. The Trustees review this policy annually. The Bank of England gradually raised interest rates throughout the year, but savings rates have been slow to react. Interest income from these investments continues to be low.
d) Fundraising
Income for 2022 was up £35K on the previous year. This was largely due to several grants that the Team received for various equipment and notably £50K from Greater Manchester Police Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme towards the purchase of a new minibus. The year saw a downturn in donations received despite online donations from Facebook and JustGiving remaining at the same level as the previous year.
With pubs and cafes now fully open, our collection boxes were once again providing a useful source of income with an increase of £1700 on the previous year.
Community groups were once again meeting up in person and requesting the services of our resident speakers. These talks raised £1600 and remain an important way for us to communicate what we do. Thank you to all the local community groups and people who have raised money for the Team in any way during 2022.
- 4 -
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team
Trustees' Annual Report (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2022
Financial review (continued)
Plans for future periods
There are no immediate material development items on the agenda. The focus is on maintaining a high state of readiness of equipment, vehicles and volunteers. In this area, continued development and use of the D4H system continues and will assist improvements in the management and control of the Team’s assets.
Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ report and the statutory accounts in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare accounts that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its income and expenditure for the financial year. In doing so, the Trustees are required to:
-
Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently.
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Observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP;
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Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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State whether applicable accounting standards and statements of the recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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Prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is it inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and which enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Trustees' annual report was approved on ___ and signed on behalf of the board of Trustees by:
_____ Trustee
- 5 -
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Oldham Mountain Rescue Team
Year ended 31 December 2022
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Oldham Mountain Rescue Team ('the Charity') for the year ended 31 December 2022.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5){b} of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
The Accountancy People Ltd Huddersfield Road Stalybridge Cheshire SK15 2QA
Date: ___
- 6 -
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team
Statement of Financial Activities
Year ended 31 December 2022
| 31.12.22 | 31.12.21 £ 41,476 12,150 454 90 779 2,093 55 |
|
|---|---|---|
| £ | ||
| Income Notes |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds |
|
| Voluntary income: | ||
| Gift Income 3 |
23,260 | |
| Legacies |
2,235 | |
| 3 | ||
| Activities for generating funds: | ||
| Fundraising - Collection Boxes 4 |
2,294 | |
| Fundraising - Talks 4 |
1,604 | |
| Fundraising - Friends 4 |
794 | |
| Fundraising - Events |
458 | |
| 4 | ||
| Investment income: | ||
| Interest Received 6 |
141 | |
| Other income: Gains on the disposal of fixed assets for the charity's own use |
450 | |
| - | ||
| - 57,097 63,616 (6,519) 192,573 186,054 |
||
| Incoming resources from charitable activities | ||
| Grants 5 |
61,125 | |
| Total incoming resources | 31,236 61,125 |
|
| Expenditure | ||
| Expenditure oncharitable activities | 38,865 3,806 |
|
| Net income/(expenditure) and net movement in funds | (7,629) 57,319 |
|
| Reconciliation of funds | ||
| Total funds brought forward | 186,054 - |
|
| Total funds carried forward | 178,425 57,319 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement of financial activities.
The notes on pages 9 to 15 form part of these financial statements.
- 7 -
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team
Statement of Financial Position
31 December 2022
| Notes Fixed Assets Tangible Assets 14 Current assets Stocks 15 Debtors 16 Cash at bank and in hand Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total Charity Funds 17 |
2022 £ £ 45,854 45,854 400 2,662 186,827 189,889 189,889 235,743 235,743 |
2021 £ £ 52,733 52,733 400 2,390 130,531 133,321 133,321 186,054 186,054 |
2021 £ £ 52,733 52,733 400 2,390 130,531 133,321 133,321 186,054 186,054 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52,733 133,321 |
|||
| 189,889 | 133,321 | ||
| 186,054 | |||
| 186,054 |
These financial statements were approved by the board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ____, and are signed on behalf of the board by:
__ Trustee
The notes on pages 9 to 15 form part of these financial statements.
- 8 -
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team
Year ended 31 December 2022
Notes to the Financial Statements
1. General information
On 14 March 2022, the Charity Commission granted approval for OMRT to convert from a charitable limited company to a charitable incorporated organisation. The new constitution and bye-laws are dated 1 March 2022 and were adopted on 14th March 2022 following approval from the Charity Commission.
2. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The statutory accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)’ and the Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Fund accounting
All general income is currently voluntary and from fund raising and is unrestricted and hence the funds can be used in furtherance of the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees.
During the year funding has been received and fund raising undertaken for a specific purchase and this income has been recorded as restricted. Restricted funds can only be used for the particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Charity.
Income
All income is recognized in the Statement of Financial Activities once the Charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to that expenditure, it is probable that economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of obligation can be measured reliably.
All expenditure is accounted for on an accrual basis. All expenses including support costs and governance costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure headings.
- 9 -
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2022
2. Accounting policies (continued)
Tangible assets
Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
Plant & Machinery 15% Reducing Balance Motor Vehicles 20% Reducing Balance Fixtures & Fittings 15% Straight Line
Stocks
Stocks and are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.
Taxation
The Charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. No provision for tax is therefore considered necessary.
Financial instruments
A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.
- 10 -
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2022
3. Donations
| Unrestricted | Restricted Total Funds | Restricted Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2021 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | |||
| Gift Income | 23,260 | 41,476 | |
| Other donations and legacies | |||
| Legacies | 2,235 | 12,150 | |
| 25,495 | 53,626 |
| 4. | Other trading activities |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | ||
| Funds | Funds | 2021 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Fundraising events | ||||
| Collection Boxes | 2,294 | 454 | ||
| Talks | 1,604 | 90 | ||
| Friends | 794 | 779 | ||
| Events | 458 | 2,093 | ||
| 5,150 | 3,416 | |||
| 5. | Other income |
|||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | ||
| Funds | Funds | 2021 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Grants | 61,125 | - | ||
| Gains on the disposal of fixed assets for the charity's own use |
6. Investment income
| Unrestricted | Total | Unrestricted | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | 2022 | Funds | 2021 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Bank interest receivable | 141 |
141 | 55 | 55 |
- 11 -
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2022
7. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type
| Unrestricted | Restricted Funds | Total | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | 2022 | Funds | 2021 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Direct costs | 13,604 | 1,841 | 15,445 | 38,511 |
| Support costs | 24,811 | 1,965 | 26,776 | 24,841 |
| Governance costs | 450 | 450 | 264 | |
| 38,856 | 3,806 |
42,671 | 63,616 |
8. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type
| Activities | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| undertaken | Support | Total funds | Totalfund | |
| directly | costs | 2022 | 2021 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Direct Costs Support costs Governance costs |
8,565 3,349 11,914 |
6,879 23,428 450 30,757 |
15,444 26,777 450 42,671 |
18,752 27,923 264 63,616 |
9. Analysis of expenditure
| Total 2022 Total 2021 £ £ |
|
|---|---|
| Rent Light and heat Insurance Repairs and maintenance Equipment Team member training Telephone Printing and stationary Computer costs Catering costs Fundraising costs Sundry expenses Motor expenses Accountancy charges Bank charges Depreciation |
15,320 15,320 2,665 1,376 2,135 2,437 10 - 5,070 28,211 2,162 950 917 987 217 48 695 898 1,153 636 180 383 1,480 955 3,338 2,820 288 264 162 - 6,879 8,331 42,671 63,616 |
- 12 -
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2022
10. Net income/(expenditure)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
| Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): | 2022 | 2021 |
| £ | £ | |
| Depreciation of tangible fixed assets | 6,879 | 8,331 |
| Staff costs |
11. Staff costs
The Charity has no employees. All officials and Team members provide their services on a voluntary basis.
12. Independent Examiner
The independent examiner The Accountancy People was paid £288 (2021: £264) during the year, of which £288 (2021: £264) related to the accounting software. There were no costs relating to the preparation and examination of the accounts during the year, nor in 2021.
13. Trustee remuneration and expenses
The Trustees have received no remuneration or expenses during the year.
14. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost As at 1 January 2022 As at 31 December 2022 Depreciation As at 1 January 2022 Provided during the period As at 31 December 2022 Net Book Value As at 31 December 2022 As at 1 January 2022 |
Plant & Machinery £ 129,687 129,687 117,926 1,764 119,690 9,997 11,761 |
Motor Vehicles £ 137,931 137,931 98,212 4,561 102,773 35,158 39,719 |
Fixtures & Fittings £ 3,695 3,695 2,441 555 2,996 699 1,254 |
Total £ 271,313 271,313 218,579 6,880 225,459 45,854 52,734 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
- 13 -
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2022
15. Stocks
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||||
| Stocks | 400 | 400 | |||
| 16. Debtors: amounts falling due | within one year | 2022 |
2021 | ||
| VAT | £ 2,662 |
£ 2,390 |
|||
| 17. Analysis of charitable funds | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| At | At | ||||
| 1 January | Income | Expenditure | 31 | December | |
| 2022 | 2022 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| General funds | 186,054 | 31,236 | (38,865) | 178,425 | |
| Restricted funds | |||||
| At | At | ||||
| 1 January | Income | Expenditure | 31 | December | |
| 2022 | 2022 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| General funds | 16,79- | 61,125 | (3,806) | 57,319 |
- 14 -
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2022
18. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds £ £ Tangible fixed assets 45,854 - Current assets 189,889 - Net assets 235,743 - |
Funds 2021 £ 52,733 133,321 |
|---|---|
| 186,054 |
19. Related party disclosures
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2022.
- 15 -
Trustees Annual Report 2022
The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland ([FRS 102] effective 1 January 2019)".
Objectives and activities:
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team (“the Team” or “OMRT”) is a voluntary organisation whose objects are to relieve suffering and distress amongst persons affected by accidents or natural hazards in the area of Greater Manchester and elsewhere (“the area of benefit”).
The Team helps the Police in other search activities in areas and conditions where they may not have adequate resources, or experience. In addition to mountain rescue and search activities, the Team is available to support the Police, Ambulance and Fire Service during severe weather, major incidents or where our specialist skills are needed.
Public Benefits Statement
The Charity’s principal objective is as stated above. This is achieved by:
-
a) Holding and maintaining rescue equipment, medical supplies and vehicles ready for immediate deployment 24 hours a day.
-
b) Encouraging, equipping and advancing the training of volunteers in sufficient numbers to facilitate having available a useful number of people to attend any emergency calls.
-
c) Maintaining links with the rescue teams covering adjacent areas, the national body and affiliated organisations.
-
d) Maintaining links with local resilience forums, Police, Fire and Ambulance services through meetings and participating in joint training opportunities.
-
e) Incidents we attend being debriefed as soon as possible after the event, when appropriate. Regular reviews of incidents are used to highlight failings and identify improvements to equipment, methods and influence future training. The trustees believe that the Charity’s objectives satisfy both elements of the public benefit requirement and they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance at all relevant times.
The direct benefits that arise are:
-
a) The beneficiaries are members of the general public who have become incapacitated in difficult, remote locations, possibly with life threatening or life changing injuries. They are located, treated and evacuated to the care of the health service. Positive and complimentary feedback from casualties, their families, friends and the emergency services frequently underlines the value of the service we provide.
-
b) Local communities benefit when the Team supports the emergency services dealing with floods,
wildfires and extreme weather events.
-
c) Attending meetings with the emergency services, resilience forums and regional bodies keeps the Team up to date and familiar with the individuals responsible for co-ordinating incidents.
-
d) No harm or private benefit arises from these activities.
-
e) The Team has a regular program of outreach activities with talks to schools, community groups and societies throughout the region. The talks promote the wider work of Mountain Rescue teams generally and are a vehicle for communicating safety outdoors.
Team Leader’s Report
2022 began on a much more even keel than the previous year, with things getting back to a more normal footing following the challenges of operating throughout the COVID pandemic. During the year we were honoured to welcome the Lord Lieutenant of Manchester to our base, who presented eligible Team Members with their Platinum Jubilee Medals.
In terms of numbers, the incidents we attended were slightly below average at 35 (with 43 casualties), with Birchen Clough and the newly named “Trinnacle Trail” continuing to feature heavily as a regular spot. In total, 1141 volunteer hours were spent on incidents alone. This is in addition to time spent on training, fundraising, equipment maintenance and PR.
Our water section continued to expand, with several members qualifying as Swiftwater Rescue Technicians. Our trainee search dog Ace made progress in his journey to becoming a fully-fledged search dog. We were able to put on our first whole weekend “Oldham Weekend” since the pandemic, which allowed us to focus on rope rescue skills over two days.
We welcomed Matt Torr into the role of Training Officer, I’d like to thank Mick Nield for his time in the role. Sean Reade took over from Nigel Hyde as Section 4 Leader; I’d like to thank Nigel for his time in the role.
Our trusty minibus, OM4, failed its MOT after many years of faithful service, however, we were extremely fortunate to be awarded a grant from Greater Manchester Police’s ARIS fund which would cover the cost of a replacement.
We joined the nation in mourning the passing of our Monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
I would like to thank our Team Members for their commitment and resilience during 2022. I would also like to thank the partners, families and employers of our members, and the local community, without whose unwavering support we would not be able to continue to operate.
Rob Tortoishell Team Leader
Incidents 2022
The objectives of the Team are as stated within the opening paragraphs of this report. The most practical way to demonstrate whether we have achieved these objectives is to list the incidents we have been called out to deal with.
Incident 01 – 23/01/22 - Dovestones, Ravenstones. 22 Team members for 4 hours 11 minutes.
Request from NWAS for assistance with 2 females fallen from rocks near Trinnacle. Injuries unknown but fall of c10m. W3W supplied and inaccurate. Multi-agency response with GMP, NWAS, HART, GMFRS in attendance, some issues with access being blocked. OMRT Casualty Carer identified site and other agencies stood down. 2x casualties with potential spinal, so MCA requested and R912 tasked. Both casualties winched on our stretchers and flown to Sheffield.
Incident 02 – 23/01/22 - Stalybridge, Walkerwood Reservoir. 23 Team members for 4 hours 47 minutes. Team received an alert from GMP about a male with serious leg injury near to Brushes Road but in a remote location. W3W provided and accurate. Casualty assessed as potential frac femur by OMRT Casualty Carer, so MCA heli requested due to the steep and slippery nature of the carry off. Packaged on stretcher, Kendrick splint applied, winter casualty bag and winched into R912, then flown to Salford.
Incident 03 –. 25/01/22 - Dovestones, plantation above Bradbury Lane. 12 Team members for 1 hour 54 minutes.
Team were contacted by NWAS, then direct by GMP search manager, for a 63yo f. Initial information was taken an overdose in a tree. W3W showed Dovestones, although spelt incorrectly. After several phone calls, information was clarified as female taken overdose, next to trees, established as plantation above Bradbury Lane. GMP were in attendance. Team assessed then packaged the casualty on stretcher and wheel for evacuation to NWAS ambulance at Kinder Intake Farm
Incident 04 – 25/01/22 – Dovestones, Alphin Pike. 23 Team members for 2 hours 53 minutes.
TL was contacted direct by a local GMP officer about an ongoing incident with a vulnerable female on Alphin. GMP officers on scene requested MR. TL contacted FDO and OMRT were activated. With an RV at White Lee Farm, Team deployed up Alphin on foot and using OM5. Casualty had taken an overdose and was very hypothermic. She was packaged on the stretcher & wheel with winter and normal casualty bags and rapidly evacuated down to the NWAS ambulance at White Lee.
Incident 05 – 30/01/22 – Stockport, Reddish Vale. 12 Team members for 2 hours 54 minutes.
Team were on exercise at Chew when NWAS asked for assistance with a male fallen from bike in Reddish Vale. Crew on scene, needed help with evacuation. Initially passed from Kinder. NWAS crew had administered pain relief and splinted due to multiple injuries. Team packaged in vac mat and stretcher, then carried to ambulance. Lock cut at gate to allow access.
Incident 06 – 13/02/22 – Dovestones, Chew Res. 4 Team members for 50 minutes.
While covering the New Chew fell race, Team members were made aware of an injured runner making his way towards the Sailing Club on hands and knees. SL & Casualty Carer located and assessed the casualty, who refused medical assistance. They persuaded him to accept a lift down to the SC with the Team Doctor. Incident 07 – 14/02/22 – Manchester, Beswick. 10 Team members for 38 minutes.
Request from GMP for assistance with the urban search for a 9-year-old female missing from home in Beswick. Subject was located by GMP as Team were deploying. GMP were limited in resources and requested Team help with the immediate area search. Because of the age of the subject, TL decided to deploy.
Incident 08 – 20/02/22 – Didsbury. 5 Team members for 7 hours.
A small water Team were deployed to assist GMFRS, Kinder MRT and Bolton MRT in response to the potential flooding incident in Didsbury.
Incident 09 – 05/03/22 – Dovestones, Ashway. 20 Team members for 1 hour 24 minutes.
GMP contacted the Team asking for assistance in locating a couple lost while out walking near Dovestones. No injuries. PhoneFind was clicked and showed their location as Ashway. A small hill party made contact with the
lost couple and, after an assessment, they were walked off to the Land Rover and given a lift to their own car. 2x W3W provided by GMP- one was accurate.
Incident 10 – 07/03/22 – Dovestones, Rams Clough. 5 Team members for 45 minutes.
Alert received from GMP about a male stuck near Rams Clough. Team put on standby but male managed to self-rescue while enquiries were being made. Male given advice by GMP.
Incident 11 – 27/03/22 – Dovestones, Birchen Clough. 20 Team members for 2 hours 54 minutes.
Alert from NWAS for 27yo male fallen 10-15m from waterfall near Dovestones. HEMS already en-route. HEMS on scene first, quickly followed by Team dog handlers. Casualty packaged onto our vacuum mattress and stretcher, then winched by R912. Transferred to land ambulance at Greenfield Reservoir for transport to ROH. Incident 12 – 01/04/22 – Middleton, Greengate. 10 Team members for 2 hours 41 minutes.
Request from GMP for a body recovery of a missing person in the Middleton area. Team assisted GMP & GMFRS with recovery up a steep banking next to a river.
Incident 13 – 13/04/22 – Dovestones, Birchen Clough. 10 Team members for 2 hours.
Team received an alert from NWAS for a 37-year-old female near Greenfield Brook. No injury details or proper location due to poor signal. TL found casualty party on the track above Greenfield Res. Casualty had fallen near Birchen waterfall and then self-rescued with the help of partner and passers-by to that point. NWAS ambulance able to access directly to casualty on the track. Casualty treated for spinal due to mechanism and multiple injuries.
Incident 14 – 20/04/22 – Dovestones, Birchen Clough. 19 Team members for 2 hours 19 minutes.
Team received an alert from NWAS for a male fallen at Birchen Clough. On arrival on scene a second casualty (child) was identified. Both casualties were from a large family party (14) who had self-rescued to the track with some members of the party becoming separated. After initial assessment both casualties were handed over to NWAS and transferred to hospital. Separated party members were quickly located and reunited with the group.
Incident 15 – 07/05/22 – Dobcross, Delph Donkey. 5 Team members for 20 minutes.
Request from NWAS for a male on an embankment, hit by a tree whilst cycling near Ladcastle Rd, Dobcross. No road access. Shoulder/ arm injury. As Team were deploying, first Team members made contact with the casualty, who was in a taxi enroute to hospital. After getting details, Team was stood down. Incident 16 – 18/05/22 – Dovestones. 15 Team members for 1 hour 18 minutes.
NWAS requested assistance with the evacuation of a 50-year-old female who had fallen off her bike and suffered an ankle injury on the Dovestones main path. Team responded with limited numbers. Casualty was treated by NWAS for a query fractured ankle before being packaged in a Team vacuum splint and stretcher and driven to the NWAS ambulance at Chew Bridge.
Incident 17 – 25/05/22 – Delph, Gledhill Mill. 11 Team members for 1 hour 16 minutes.
A Team member encountered a young male who had fallen down a banking next to a river in Delph, sustaining a fractured arm. Local people attended, treating for a fractured arm, and hauling the male up the banking on a stretcher. He was then transported to Royal Oldham Hospital by a family member.
Incident 18 – 29/05/22 – Dovestones, Wimberry Boulders. 14 Team members for 2 hours 20 minutes.
Team were contacted by NWAS requesting assistance with the treatment and evacuation of a 26-year-old male with a dislocated ankle. Initially, the location was given as Bridestones Reservoir but the W3W flagged as being at Wimberry boulders. Phonefind confirmed Wimberry boulders. Casualty Carers treated the ankle,
including reducing to aid circulation. Vacuum splint and vacuum mattress were then used before a stretcher carry down to the NWAS ambulance at Chew Track.
Incident 19 – 9/7/22 – Dovestones, Ashway. 13 Team members for 1 hour 20 minutes.
Team requested by NWAS for a female with ankle injury near Dovestones. W3W provided and accurate. Team RV'd with NWAS and met casualty at Ashway fence stile. Casualty transported to ambulance in OM5 for onward transport to ROH.
Incident 20 – 12/07/22 – Dovestones, Bill o’ Jacks plantation. 9 Team members for 3 hours 14 minutes.
GMFRS, via GMP, requested MR support with an ongoing fire incident at Bill o' Jack's plantation. Team attended in a support role until fire was under control.
Incident 21 – 13/07/22 – Dovestones, Fox Stone path. 13 Team members for 1 hour 38 minutes.
Request from NWAS for 53-year-old female near Dovestones, injuries initially unknown. Callout officer established contact with informant, location given as Fox Stone path, and indicated injury to ankle, unable to walk. Casualty Carer assessed, then casualty carried down to Chew Bridge and transported to hospital by private car due to no available ambulance.
Incident 22 – 24/07/22 – Holts Estate, woodland. 18 Team members for 1 hour 28 minutes.
Team was contacted by NWAS for assistance with a 55-year-old female who had fallen down a banking requiring steep ground extraction, with a crew on scene near Holts Estate. NWAS administered medical aid and pain relief. The casualty was placed on vac mat and stretcher followed by a steep carry with back up rope to the road and waiting ambulance.
Incident 23 – 10/08/22 – Delph, Saddleworth Hotel. 16 Team members for 51 minutes.
Team were contacted by NWAS asking for assistance with a 69-year-old female who was trapped after falling from a wall in the garden of the Saddleworth Hotel. Initially, major trauma was indicated by crew on scene, but not confirmed due to poor comms. Initial MR on scene assisted NWAS with the extraction of the female who had a head injury. She was transferred to ambulance for onward transport to hospital.
Incident 24 – 14/08/22 - Dovestones, Birchen Clough. 17 Team members for 3 hours 25 minutes.
Team received a request from NWAS to assist with an 11-year-old male fallen 5m from rock near "Jack's plantation" at the side of Yeoman Hey, suffering a broken ankle. Upon investigation, male was not at Yeoman Hey, but location was established as Birchen waterfall following a search of likely locations. He was treated by Team Casualty Carer and an NWAS paramedic, and on assessment had potential spinal injuries plus a head laceration. Coastguard was requested and he was winched by R936 and transferred at Greenfield Res dam to NWAS ambulance for onward transport.
Incident 25 – 21/08/22 - Dovestones, Birchen Clough. 21 Team members for 3 hours.
Team contacted by GMP about a 63-year-old female with ankle injury near Dovestones. No other information, no phone number, no location. Initially, Team leaders called out to carry out hasty searches of potential locations, with full Team put on standby. As TL's were RVing, further info came through with a grid ref at Birchen. Full Team activated and casualty located above the waterfall. After treatment by Team doctor for ankle injury, casualty was stretchered out of the gully with a backup rope to Middle Edge Moss, carried round, and lowered down to the weir. She was then transported in Team Land Rover to Greenfield Reservoir and transferred to NWAS ambulance for transport to ROH.
Incident 26 – 20/09/22 - Dovestones, Birchen Clough. 18 Team members for 4 hours 4 minutes.
Request from NWAS for the location, treatment and evacuation of a 52-year-old female, fallen, with a head injury in the Dovestones area. Informant calling from Yeoman Hey/ Greenfield Reservoir.
First vehicle RV'd with informant and established location as Birchen (above waterfall). Treated for c-spine tenderness, sore ribs, bump to head. Evacuation on vacuum mattress and stretcher up onto Middle Edge Moss and transferred to Helimed 75, who lifted off at dusk.
Incident 27 – 23/09/22 – Dovestones, Ashway. 12 Team members for 1 hour 23 minutes.
GMP contacted the Team with a report of 2 females and 2 dogs lost in the dark near Dovestones with no torches and phone batteries dead. After initial contact with GMP local, their general location was given as Dean Rocks. Team Leader proceeded in that direction and heard shouts for help in the clough between Dean Rocks and Ashway Moss. After locating the casualties, they were escorted down to Ashway sluice, checked over, and given a lift back to their car at Dovestones CP. NPAS attended and provided overhead lighting. Incident 28 – 30/09/22- Dovestones, A635. 3 Team members for 1 hour 31 minutes.
Request from GMP for advice and route marking concerning a crime scene on the moor near the A635 road above Upperwood House. Team Leader and 2 senior members attended but decision was made that no officers were staying on the moor overnight due to the weather. No action by OMRT apart from advice. Incident 29 – 21/10/22 – Uppermill, High Street. 4 Team members for 1 hour.
While in attendance at the Grenadier Guards parade in Uppermill, Team members were alerted to a member of the public who had been involved in a low speed RTC. At the same time, 2 other casualties needed assistance for separate conditions. OMRT assisted NWAS with the casualties and traffic management. Incident 30 – 28/10/22 -Daisy Nook. 11 Team members for 1 hour 44 minutes.
Request from NWAS for assistance with the difficult extraction of a 77year old female dog walker who had suffered an ankle injury at Daisy Nook Country Park. NWAS administered medical aid before she was packaged and extracted on OMRT stretcher.
Incident 31 – 5/11/22 – Littleborough, Clegg Moor. 17 Team members for 3 hours.
Team were contacted by both NWAS & GMP for a 50-year-old male with a possible broken leg on Clegg Moor near Littleborough. GMP did PhoneFind. A Team member arrived at same time as NWAS & GMP and located casualty. Medical aid by Team and NWAS, then stretcher and wheel to ambulance. Injury later confirmed as ruptured quadricep.
Incident 32 – 13/11/22 – Greenfield, Pots and Pans. 25 Team members for 1 hour 35 minutes.
Whilst in attendance at Pots & Pans Remembrance Sunday service, Team was alerted to 3x casualties who had collapsed, and one cut finger. Casualty1 was assessed and walked off the hill by the Team to NWAS amb. Casualty2 was carried off on a stretcher to NWAS ambulance. Casualty3 was walked off by his family. Casualty4 had a dressing applied and was advised to visit A&E for stitches.
Incident 33 – 30/11/22 – Denshaw, Dowry Reservoir. 14 Team members for 1 hour 42 minutes.
Request from NWAS for assistance with the location, treatment and evacuation of 66-year-old male dog walker slipped on grass at Dowry Reservoir, sustaining a knee injury. A short search identified the casualty location where his son had arrived to take care of the dog. Treatment by Casualty Carer and NWAS Advanced Paramedic, then a stretcher carry to OM3 before transfer to the NWAS ambulance.
Incident 34 –20/12/22 – Dovestones, Middle Edge Moss. 16 Team members for 2 hours 22 minutes.
Report from GMP of 3 walkers lost after attempting the Trinnacle Trail. W3W provided by GMP indicated a location of Middle Edge Moss. A fast party were sent up Birchen and the casualties were located after they saw our lights and headed toward them. A quick assessment was carried out before guiding them back down to the weir to warm up in OM3, then back to base for full assessment, brew & warming. All casualties uninjured but cold.
Incident 35 –25/12/22 – Dovestones, Chew Brook. 13 Team members for 1 hour 46 minutes.
Request from GMP for assistance with the evacuation of a male, lost, cold possibly suicidal, in the Dovestones area. The male was located by NPAS and a GMP officer on scene. Fast party RV'd with GMP, the casualty and 3 friends. The friends were put in OM2 to warm up. The casualty was escorted to Sugar Loaf weir and then into OM3 for assessment. All were taken back to base, along with additional family members, to warm up. Casualty was assessed as very cold- treated by Casualty Carer and NWAS at base before ambulance transfer to ROH.
Over the year we assisted 43 casualties which was 10 less than those assisted in 2021 which reflects the reduction in incident numbers which were down by 15 from 50 to 35 on the previous year. Team members volunteered 1,141 hours on incidents alone, which is in addition to the considerable time spent on training and equipment maintenance.
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Type of Incident 2022
Ambulance assist- Hill
Search- Hill
1
1 1 [1] [1]
Direct approach
2 Ambulance assist- Urban
2 Search- Urban
Ambulance assist- Domestic
20
6 Water
Body recovery
Wildfire- Fire Service assist
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The above chart gives a breakdown of the types of incidents attended through the year. Once again, the majority were providing assistance the ambulance service.
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Duration of Callouts 2022
>6hrs, 1 up to 30mins, 1
>30mins to 1hr, 4
>2hrs to
6hrs, 15 >1hr to 2
hrs, 14
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The chart above shows the duration of the incidents. The one incident taking more than 6 hours was a flooding standby incident in February. Of the 15 jobs taking longer than two hours were 6 jobs in Birchen Clough.
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Number of team members attending
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20 members, 5
1-5 members, 6
6-10 members, 4
16-20 members, 9
11-15 members,
11
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Above is shown the number of Team members who attended each of the callouts.
Casualty's injury 2022
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Existing back pain,
1 Spinal, 1
Shoulder, 1
Fatal, 1
Arm, 1
Substance, 1
Collapse/ seizure, 1 Leg- lower, 8
Vulnerable, 1
Trauma, 2 Multiple, 3
hypothermia, 2
Head, 3
uninjured, 3
Leg-upper, 2
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This chart shows the type of injury which each casualty suffered. Lower leg injuries were once again the prominent injury over the year.
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Activity of Person 2022
Hill walking
N/A
1
[1]
1 [1] MFH
2 Cycling
Dog walking
3
17 Lowland walking
Fell running
3
Rock climbing
Play
6
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This pie chart shows the activity of the casualty at the time of their injury. Unsurprisingly, almost half of the casualties arose during hill walking.
Incidents by day of week - 2022
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14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Number of incidents
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As is to be expected, the weekend is the busiest time of the week. This year saw the busiest day change from Saturday in 2021 to Sunday in 2022. There were no incidents on any Thursday of 2022.
Incidents by Month - 2022
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6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Number of incidents
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January was the busiest month of the year with four of the five incidents occurring within a three-week period. No incidents were reported in June. The remainder of the incidents were spread fairly evenly across the months.
Financial Review and Treasurer’s Report
Reserves Policy
The Trustees have designated a portion of funds for future vehicle purchases.
The Trustees have agreed that it is prudent to maintain a level of reserves sufficient to meet at least 2 years of unrestricted expenditure, to finance cash flow requirements and to provide safeguards against a fluctuating rate of income. Our current level of reserves is consistent with this policy.
Investment Policy
The Trustees recognise that the reserves policy means that significant amounts of cash may be held for a time. The Trustees therefore seek to achieve income through investment, only through guaranteed capital and interest generating safe investments. The Trustees review this policy annually. The Bank of England gradually
raised interest rates throughout the year, but savings rates have been slow to react. Interest income from these investments continues to be low.
Risk Management
The Trustees have identified that the principal risk to the charity is the maintenance of a level of income to meet the needs of the organisation. The Team maintains a cautious approach to investment.
Deposits held in any one financial institution are generally kept within the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) limit.
Assets
The Team’s assets are rescue equipment, headquarters equipment, fundraising kit, vehicles, a rescue boat, bank deposits and cash.
In preparation for the arrival of the new minibus various items including a tablet and VHF radio were purchased. Other items purchased included 1.25km of rope, fire safety equipment, 2 ground spiders, 12 helmets, and 10 pulse oximeters.
Insurance
Public Liability, Employers Liability, Management Liability, Legal Expense Cover, Medical Malpractice Liability, and Personal Accident insurance are provided nationally by Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW). Vehicle insurance is covered by a fleet policy also provided by MREW. Under this arrangement 3 vehicles are paid for by MREW with additional vehicles paid for by the Team.
This contribution by MREW represents a significant saving to the Team.
Vehicles
At the end of the 2022 the Team owned 4 vehicles: 2 Land Rover Defenders, a MAN control van, and a Honda UTV. The Team’s ageing minibus was disposed of during 2022. A replacement minibus has been ordered and should be operational by the end of the 3[rd] quarter 2023. The purchase of a new minibus has been made possible by funding from Greater Manchester Police via their Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme. The associated costs of keepings these vehicles operational is a major cost to the Team. Servicing, maintenance, and fuel were approximately £3500.
Headquarters
The rent and service charges of the Team’s business unit at Boarshurst are the Team’s largest annual commitment standing at £15,000 per annum. Utilities costs were £2,700. The IT infrastructure and hardware replacement project was delayed and will commence in 2023.
Accounts
The Report and Accounts for the operating year ending on 31[st] December 2022 follow this report.
Fundraising
Income for 2022 was up £35K on the previous year. This was largely due to several grants that the Team received for various equipment and notably £50K from Greater Manchester Police Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme towards the purchase of a new minibus.
The year saw a downturn in donations received despite online donations from Facebook and JustGiving remaining at the same level as the previous year.
With pubs and cafes now fully open, our collection boxes were once again providing a useful source of income with an increase of £1700 on the previous year.
Community groups were once again meeting up in person and requesting the services of our resident speakers. These talks raised £1600 and remain an important way for us to communicate what we do. Thank you to all the local community groups and people who have raised money for the Team in any way during 2022.
Thank you
Whilst it is not practical to list everyone within this report who has made donations during the year, the Oldham Mountain Rescue Team depends totally on public support in one form or another. Special thanks to those who have raised money for us via various challenges and events.
We are extremely grateful to all the individuals and organisations that have been involved with our work or supported us in cash or kind during the year. We wish to record a special thank you to our Patrons and the following for their continued support:
Greater Manchester Police North West Ambulance Service A Durance B Hickmott Brew On The Brow Brian Candler Churnet Valley Male Voice Choir Crompton House C of E School Daryl and Dave Hardyman Dovestones WI Duchy Of Lancaster Eileen Fairbrother Hurst Methodist Church Trust Janine Lees-Moorhouse Kevin Harrison King William IV Langley Lodge Life For A Life Memorial Forest And Gardens Livingstone Primary School Manchester Mountain Bikers Middleton Harriers Miss Beryl Schofield Model Railway Exhibition Mr & Mrs Cranston Mr & Mrs D Smith Mr & Mrs Quinn Mr Alan Brown Mr D & Mrs L Beard Mr P Bamforth Mr Shaw & Mrs Cookson Mrs Dredge Mrs J Standring Mrs P Moore Mrs P.M. Powell Mrs V Peace Nora Smith Charitable Trust Rochdale CHA Rambling Club Rotary Club of Chadderton & Failsworth Saddleworth Charity Beer Festival Saddleworth Councillors
Saddleworth Pedestrians Saddleworth Pool League Saddleworth Runners Club Saddleworth Tuesday Walkers Saddleworth Wine Circle South Pennine Long Distance Walkers St Chads Lodge Tesco The Manchester Guardian Society Charitable Trust The Ramblers Association The Rotary Club of Oldham The White Lion Delph Vibram Mountaineering Club
We would also like to make special mention of the gifts made ‘In Memory’ of:
Derek Clay Derrick Simcox Diane Liddle Ian South Kenneth Taylor Kenneth Winter Leonard Bradbury Rick Oakes William Grady
Collection Boxes
The Team would like to thank proprietors of all the businesses who have hosted a collection box for us during 2022. Thank you to the patrons of the following businesses whose collection box donations have been received this year.
Albion Farm Shop Albion Tap Apollonia House Blackburns Outdoor Buckleys Chadderton Fitness Centre Church Inn Mossley Cross Keys Inn DIY Lees Fresca Restaurants Gardeners Arms Holme Build King William IV Mossley Home Improvements Mountainfeet Old Cobblers Greenfield Rockover Climbing Royton Leisure Centre Saddleworth Outdoors Saddleworth Pool & Leisure Centre
Saddleworth Wine Vaults Simply Schoolwear Summit Up Taylor & Clifton The Bulls Head Delph The Hanging Gate The Kings Arms Grains Bar The Old Original Inn The Railway, Greenfield The Royal George The Wellington The White Hart The White Lion Delph Uppermill Post Office Village Pets Uppermill Wilberry’s Cafe Woodend Garage
Friends of Oldham Mountain Rescue Team
The Team would like to thank everyone for their continued support.
Airstone BH Allied Scaffolding Mr N Allsopp Mr M Bundy Mr SJ Burton Mike Clegg JL Colman Mr CA Coutts Mr Russell Gillian Mrs Henthorn Ms J Hill Mr & Mrs Holland Mr Roger Hope Mr B Lees Mr M Lewis Mr Stephen Loft Miss Carole Ann Mexson Mrs Percy Mr R Roberts Dr Evelyn Scott Mr & Mrs KE & M Smith Mr & Mrs I & J Tortoishell Mr M.C. Wheeler
David Wyatt Treasurer
Structure, governance and management
Legal and administrative details
During 2022 the team was governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 6[th] February 2001. Team bye laws were made under Article 70 of the above articles and adopted by the Team on the 6[th] November 2001. On 14 March 2022, the Charity Commission granted approval for OMRT to convert from a charitable limited company to a charitable incorporated organisation. The new constitution and bye-laws are dated 1 March 2022 and were adopted on 14[th] March 2022 following approval from the Charity Commission.
Team Organisation
Under the 1 March 2021 constitution and associated bye-laws, at each AGM the Team elects four principal officers until the next AGM namely, Team Leader, Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. The Team Management Group comprises the elected officers and a number of appointed officers. Chairmanship of Team meetings is performed by the Chairperson. Separate committees look after equipment, training & medical issues. All members are encouraged to contribute to the successful running of the Team.
Elected officers
Team Leader: R Tortoishell Chairperson: R Jones Secretary: S Reade Treasurer: D Wyatt Appointed officers Deputy Leaders: L Allport, D Wyatt Team Doctor: Dr. A Taylor Medical Officer: I Airth Section Leaders: A Knight, J Parkinson, I Airth, N Hyde (Resigned Nov 22), S Reade (Appointed Nov 22) Training Officer: M Nield (Resigned May 22) M Torr (Appointed May 22) Equipment Officers: J Brown, I Dredge Vehicle Officer: M Owen Comms Officer: D Broadhurst
The body of the Team is divided into 4 sections. We take on trainees, who need to be experienced in relevant outdoor activities, and, after a series of training lectures, exercises and assessments are eligible to become full members. The Team is a member of the Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation (PDMRO) and is affiliated to Mountain Rescue England & Wales (MREW).
Operational Area
Our normal operating area is the local moorland and crags in the Saddleworth area of the Peak District. We are one of the 7 Teams that make up the PDMRO, which in turn is affiliated with MREW. The Team also provides an urban search and rescue service working with the Police, Ambulance and Fire Services in Greater Manchester. The Team is always available to provide similar assistance anywhere in the United Kingdom.
Risk Analysis
The work undertaken by the Team is often potentially hazardous and, whilst we have an excellent safety record spanning over 55 years the identification of potential risks and looking at how we might manage them is an important part of our Management Group’s responsibility. The Team has a documented safety policy that is available to all Team members. The three key considerations underpinning our approach to practical risks are: (a) provision of quality rescue equipment, and attention to its care and maintenance; (b) training of Team members in all aspects of rescue work; (c) regular practical exercises.
| Potential Risks | Steps to Mitigate |
|---|---|
| Ability of the Team to meet changes in organisational and operational areas. |
Regular subgroup meetings for planning three key operational areas medical, training and equipment. Regular reviews of training, equipment and medical procedures. |
| Losing touch with the changes in the statutory emergency services. |
Attend all liaison meetings with the emergency services and emergency planning departments at local and county level. |
| Financial shortfall due to failure of income streams. |
Maintain reserves in line with the stated reserves policy. Plan special fundraising activity. |
Team Address
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team (OMRT) Unit 19 Boarshurst Business Park Boarshurst Lane Greenfield Oldham. OL3 7ER
Incorporation
On 14 March 2022, the Charity Commission granted approval for OMRT to convert from a charitable limited company to a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). The new constitution and bye-laws are dated 1 March 2022 and were adopted on 14[th] March 2022 following approval from the Charity Commission.
Prior to conversion to a CIO, OMRT was a company limited by guarantee and did not have any share capital. Registered No.: 04178168
Charity Registration:
Registration No.: 1088825.
Trustees (under constitution dated 1[st] March 2022)
Robert Tortoishell 2 Lower Hey Lane Mossley Ashton-Under-Lyne OL5 9DE
Robert Jones 46 Springmeadow Lane Uppermill Oldham OL3 6HH David Wyatt 8 Leefields Close Uppermill Oldham OL3 6LA
Peter James Hyde 7 School Street Coppice Oldham OL8 1SE
Dr Andrew William Taylor 38 Summershades Lane Grasscroft Oldham OL4 4ED
Michael John Wray Nield M.B.E. (Resigned May 2022) 4 Manor Cottages Stamford Road Mossley OL5 0LH
Denzil John Broadhurst 6 Abels Lane Uppermill Oldham OL3 6ES
Anthony Gillon MBE 94 Pelham Street Ashton-Under-Lyne OL7 0DU
Sean Reade 12 Wordsworth Crescent Littleborough OL15 0RB
Bankers
HSBC 109 Union Street Oldham Lancashire OL1 1RT
Independent Accountant
The Accountancy People Phoenix House Stalybridge SK15 2QA
Team Members at year ending 31 December 2022
Name Position Occupation Rob Tortoishell Team Leader Product & Training Manager David Wyatt Deputy Team Leader/Treasurer Software Development Lead Lee Allport Deputy Team Leader Operations Director, SAR Products Ltd
Peter Hyde President Retired Dr Andrew Taylor Team Doctor Retired GP Rob Jones Chairman Accountant Adam Knight Section Leader Electronics Engineer Iain Airth Section Leader/Medical Officer School Teacher Justin Parkinson Section Leader Managing Director Sean Reade Section Leader/Secretary Retired Ian Atherton Buildings Manager Denzil Broadhurst Comms Officer Airlifting Assistant Jake Brown Equipment Officer Artist Iain Dredge Equipment Officer Network Engineer Mark Harrison MRSDE dog handler Group Finance Director Matthew Torr Training Officer School Teacher Mick Nield M.B.E. Dog handler Self-employed Builder Mike Owen Vehicle Officer Tony Tombs MRSDE dog handler Driver Trainer Stephen Ward Dog handler Shopkeeper Andrew Hadfield Self-employed Plumber Catherine Whiteman Scientist Chris Maylor Police Officer Claire Appleton Police Officer Colin Pierce Kitchen Fitter Dave Allport Technical Director, SAR Products Ltd Dave Henderson Gardener Helena Skinn Product Development Scientist Katie Johnson Chartered Insurer Kelvin Storer Retired Kevin Simmonds Group Sales Manager Lee Briggs Toolmaker Luke Viney Indirect Tax Advisor Mary Clegg Care at Home worker Mike Porritt Mechanical Design Engineer Nigel Clegg Site Inspector Nigel Hyde Retired Paul Bruton Information Science Consultant Paul Mayall Class 1 HGV driver Paul Smith Depot Manager Phil Beard Director, Height Safety Consultants Ltd Rebecca Fitton Richard Beswick Police Officer Ron McFaull Magistrate Sam Davey Builder Scott Downs Computer Network Technician Simon Taylor Shopkeeper Steven Bramwell Toolmaker Tom Mills Self-employed Builder Tony Gillon M.B.E. Civil Servant
Signed on behalf of the Trustees of Oldham Mountain Rescue Team
R Jones D Wyatt Chairperson Treasurer
Dated [TBD]
Registered Charity Number 1088825
Registered Company Number 04178168 (prior to conversion to CIO on 14 March 2022)
Fully signed copy available at Team operational base.