Each year we are pleased to support a local charity via our Ghyllmount Book Corner. Since it’s launch in 2009 we have raised over £10000 for various causes.
Please support us where you can by either bringing in your unwanted and used books or buying yourself a new one (or both!) You will find the book shelf in the upstairs waiting area.
Our chosen charity for 2026 is Cumbria Ore Mines Rescue Unit (COMRU)
COMRU provides specialist underground and restricted access rescue for Cumbria (including the Lake District) and offers support to Southern Scotland, Teesdale, Weardale, North Lancashire border and the North Yorkshire border. However, we have a UK wide responsibility if requested, including the Isle of Man. COMRU is one of the 12 teams that form the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association (LDSAMRA) and is a member of the British Cave Rescue Council
On call 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year
Originally formed from members of Kendal, Keswick, Coniston and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Teams in the late 1970s, the group was very informal and met only occasionally. Its only recorded callout being to a trapped prospector in the mines of the Caldbeck fells.
During the 1980s it was placed on a more formal footing and became a separate team within the Lake District to deal exclusively with mine rescue incidents. All members are experienced mine explorers/cavers and many members are also members of a surface mountain rescue team.
CAN YOU HELP?
A base for COMRU
The team does not have a fixed base, instead running two Unimog vehicles, to carry the heavy specialist equipment required for rescue from potentially complex and unstable mines.
COMRU do not currently have a base and instead rely on the good will of team members to securely house our two Unimog vehicles, provide facilities for carrying out equipment maintenance and drying and for storage of equipment. This is not a viable long term option and, in addition, the vehicles suffer from being stored outside exposed to the elements.
We have, therefore, been looking for a suitable alternative and starting to fundraise. Our needs are fairly basic; and are simply for covered, secure storage of two unimogs, a small space for storage of equipment and a small drying room in an agricultural style building. Ideally this would be located in the general area of Penrith, but it does not need to be in the town. If you have any ideas that might assist us then please get in touch.
Visit the CMRU website here
The team is a registered charity (1001285) and we rely on public donations to keep the team running. Any donation, no matter how small, is very much appreciated
