Only in this week's LN
Lochaber News
10 March, 2010
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Published:  21 February, 2008

MORE than 400 people packed the Nevis Centre theatre on Sunday for an event to mark the 75th anniversary of the first civilian volunteer mountain rescue team in the UK.

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The event had a strong local flavour, with a presentation by Alex Gillespie which celebrated the history of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team.

Fascinating pictures spanning more than a century and a half helped tell the story of how the Lochaber team has evolved.

Much of the material on show will now be included in an archive of the team's history.

It includes an authoritative list of all team members over the years and a chronological history of the development of climbing and rescue from the early 1800s to the modern day.

Co-presenting the evening with Alex was Dave "Heavy" Whalley, a member of the RAF until his retirement last year. Dave's humoruous and informative presentation documented his experiences with the RAF and involvement in mountain rescues across Scotland.

The evening also featured a rare showing of the BBC film, Duel with An Teallach, an epic re-enactment of a 1966 rescue in the north west Highlands.

The evening had begun with a whisky reception hosted by current Lochaber team leader, Terry Confield, which was attended by more than 100 past and current members.

Organiser Jonathan Hart said: "It was a very special night and we were delighted to have a full house at the Nevis Centre.

"Some of the photographic images were just spectacular and really hit home just what a job our volunteer mountain rescue teams do.

"I would like to thank the festival organising committee for agreeing to the donation to the team HQ fund.

"This event will leave a lasting legacy as the material we have collected in the last few months will all go into the archive of the team."



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