Team History
The Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association UWFRA was set up in August 1948.
It was the rescue of a lamb that first inspired Len Huff and Ken Smallpage to start the Association, the rescue of animals has continued to be a key part of the team's work.
The team was originally based in a disused railway parcel van (called ‘the hut’, as our headquarters is still called) and moved a disused signal box in October 1962. In 1976 the team moved into a new centre – the first purpose built mountain and cave rescue centre in the country – officially opened by the Prince of Wales in 1978.
This link takes you to a video about UWFRA in 1964. Can you spot any of our members?
Whilst the team has been called to assist at major national incidents, such as the Lockerbie air crash, it has also had its own difficult rescues. These have included the successful extraction of two trapped cavers through 200 metres of flooded passage at Sleets Gill and the infamous Mossdale Scar rescue in 1967.
