New Year Honours recognition for Dartmoor Rescue
We are delighted that one of the founding members of Dartmoor Search and Rescue Ashburton, Alec Collyer, received an MBE in the New Year Honours announced over Christmas.
Photo credit: Matt Austin https://mattaustinimages.co.uk/
Alec has been involved in countless searches and rescues in Dartmoor for a staggering 42 years. In 1976 he was one of the founding members of the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Ashburton Team and continues as an active volunteer to this day.
Our Team Leader Keith Lambeth said: 'To say that Alec is an important member of the team is an understatement. In a community that attracts strong and determined characters Alec still stands out and his constant sense of adventure and exploration have benefitted the team immensely. Alec has drawn on his electronic expertise to develop and lead the use of radios, from the huge surplus sets of the '70s to modern digital units. His mountaineering experience enabled him to ski through a blizzard to one benighted group on the Moor.'
'His achievements over the years would lead some to complacency but Alec continues to be a force of nature on the hill. We also benefit hugely from his dry humour and his steadfast commitment to "getting the job done" quickly and safely.
Esprit de corps is vital in a volunteer team and Alec in many ways is the embodiment of the British mountain rescue ethos.'
Alec has previously held the Chairmanship of the team and is currently the Chair of the wider Dartmoor Rescue Group which represents all 4 of the Dartmoor teams. He was recognised by the Government with an Outstanding Contribution Award, acknowledging his contribution to rescuing people in the severe weather that hit the UK in December 2009 and January 2010. He is also an active member of the Dartmoor Cave and Rescue organisation for which he has also received a long service award. He was asked by the BBC to carry the Olympic torch in recognition of voluntary search and rescue teams in the UK. He has contributed so much for so long, demonstrating selfless commitment whilst also going above and beyond in his day to day life.
We are immensely proud that Alec has been recognised with this award. Very well deserved.
