Team Leader's Report 2019
When you look back at the calibre of not only the Team Leaders but the Team members themselves that Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Team has had since its founding in the early 1960’s I’m extremely humbled to be sitting writing this report. I took over from Scott as Team Leader in March of this year and thanks to everyone in the Team it’s not been too painful an experience so far!
Scott’s decision to step down last year has left some extremely big boots to fill and on behalf of all of us at Aberdeen MRT I would like to say how grateful we are for all the time and effort he has put in during his time as Team Leader. I’m glad to say however it isn’t goodbye, and Scott is still an active member of the Team. Recharging his batteries for a second term perhaps…?
This year I’m glad to say has been a relatively quiet year for the Team with members tending to be deployed in smaller groups to a number of separate incidents in the areas of Bennachie, Scolty, Clachnaben, Forres and of course the Cairngorms. Despite this quieter period the Team has remained committed to a high level of training facilitated by our weekly Thursday night sessions and monthly team weekends.
There must be something in the Derry water at the moment as 2019 has seen more than its fair share of babies and romance. We were pleased to hear of the safe arrivals of babies Nelson and Munro whilst we have also celebrated the marriages of Jamie and Naomi, Andy and Ailsa and a proposal from Nathan to Zoe. Congratulations to all of you.
I’m pleased to welcome Richard Gill, Phil Edgley and Derek Meehan to Team life as probationers. We do however say goodbye to Chris Hind this month as he sadly moves out of the area. His love of Land Rovers and white chocolate will be sorely missed. We wish him all the best for the future.
In May we were extremely proud to see our very own Mario DiMaio receive his MBE at Buckingham Palace. This year will see Mario mark his 50th year in the Team, 19 of which were as Team Leader. He continues to be an integral part of our Team, always willing to pass on his knowledge and experience to those around him. Well done and congratulations Mario.
Throughout 2019 the Team has continued to undertake a large number of talks and event support for local clubs and organisations. Whilst this is great at helping deliver an important message on hill safety, they also play a key role in raising the awareness of the Team, as well as raising the vital funds required to maintain and replace rescue equipment.
The support team deserves a huge thank you for their commitment to meetings, events and talks. They are invaluable and very much appreciated.
I’d like to say an enormous thank you to all our supporters and everyone that took part in our sponsored walk this year! A special thank you must go to Burnside Brewery, The Bailies of Bennachie, Hillgoers and the Bennachie Hill Race for their kind donations.
I just have one final thank you for this year and it’s a big one. This one is for all the family and colleagues of our mountain rescue volunteers, because without your support and understanding none of this would be possible.
Stuart Warrender
Team Leader
