On Tuesday 2^nd May, 2017, four members of Unity Chapter 2341, which meets at Westholme, Mossley Masonic Hall, visited Oldham Mountain Rescue Team at their base of Operations, the Cross Keys Inn in Uppermill. Oldham Mountain Rescue Team is a voluntary organisation whose objective is “to save life and alleviate distress, primarily in upland and mountain areas” without cost or obligation.
The team was formed in 1964 and is just one of around 53 Volunteer Mountain and Cave rescue teams providing a search and rescue service prepared to help people in difficulties in the wild and remote places of England and Wales. 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 backup for the ambulance and fire services at busy times, during severe weather, major incident or where their specialist skills are needed. The team of 50+ volunteers provide a professional rescue service 24hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and are funded almost entirely by generous public donation.
Unity Chapter 2341decided that they were able to help the team by voting a donation of £200.00 at their Installation Meeting on 27^th April. On the 2^nd May the four companions, EComp D. Williamson (Scribe E), E Comp D J Hoyle, E Comp G R Green, and E Comp E J Howarth met the organisers and were introduced to some of the other members of the group, who meet at the Cross Keys each Tuesday. The Chapter plan to invite members of the Mountain Rescue Team to their January 2018 meeting to give a talk about their work, and with a view to supporting them in a similar manner next year.
The chapter also gave £500 to Macmillan Cancer Care, at the new Tameside Hospital Unit, as well as donating £100 to the Ashton & Mossley Masonic Fellowship.