Mike has been a member of mountain rescue for almost fifty years, having joined Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team in 1970. Since then, on his way to the national ‘hot seat’, he has taken up a variety of roles within his team, the Peak District region and nationally, from party leader, to team leader and regional incident controller, through fundraising officer to chairman of Mountain Rescue England and Wales (with the advent of the MREW CIO, that title has changed to Senior Executive Officer). He has also served mountain rescue as a search dog handler. ‘I feel genuinely honoured and humbled to receive this award,’ says Mike. ‘As a mountain rescue, you are used and committed to turning out as and when required in order to help others.To have that work recognised like this is a real honour – not just for me but for all mountain rescuers who selflessly turn out when everyone else is going home’. JUNE 2019: Queen’s birthday honour for MREW SEO, Mike France MBE
FEBRUARY 2020: Lake District mountain rescue lands prime Monopoly spot
The first landmark to be announced on a new Lake District Monopoly game was revealed in February, with mountain rescue featuring on the Electric Company utility slot. A number of charities will get to Pass Go on the new board, following a public vote that drew over 2000 nominations. Lakes chairman Richard Warren, said it was a huge ‘honour ’ to have been nominated by the public. This unique version and twist on the world’s most famous board game will feature more than thirty Lake District landmarks in place of more familiar spots like Mayfair and Park Lane. Many of the Chance and Community Chest cards will also be themed and the tokens given a Lakeland twist — including an umbrella! Appropriate that mountain rescue should feature in the utility spot, being such an integral part of the Lakes community. Get ready to throw that dice!
JULY 2019: Mountain rescue at fundraising polo match
Our Royal patron the Duke of Cambridge and brother Prince Harry took to the polo field to play the King Power Royal Charity Polo Day, raising awareness and over a million pounds for fifteen of the charities they support. Mountain Rescue England and Wales was one of those charities. The event, in Berkshire, brought together distinguished guests from around the world.
Photo: Supplied by the Royal Press Office.
23
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker