Mayor of Matlock to climb High Tor

Later this month, Cllr David Jones intends to climb High Tor, a sheer vertical face overlooking Matlock Bath.

He will be climbing in support of Derby Mountain Rescue Team (DMRT), which he has chosen as his charity of the year.

Cllr Jone said: “The Mountain Rescue team isn’t all about mountains and climbers. Almost anyone who does anything in the countryside and gets hurt or lost could find themselves being helped by Derby Mountain Rescue.

“It could be you, or a friend or a relative. We all think it won’t happen, but it might and for a lot of people it does happen, every year.

“The DMRT is entirely a voluntary organisation. Nobody in it is paid. They give a lot and we need to give the team help so that they can keep on doing this.”

Already a keen rock climber, Cllr Jones last climbed the notoriously difficult crag over 20 years ago. This time around, he will be climbing with DMRT member, Chris Bagworth.

“It’s a classic climb, though whether I can get up it now remains to be seen,” said Cllr Jones.

“Many people in Matlock don’t realise that there’s a whole slice of the population throughout the country for whom Matlock is famous as a place to climb. As we’re raising money for the Derby Mountain Rescue Team, it seems right to do something challenging – something that’s in keeping with the nature of what they do, rather than sitting in a bath of beans.”

“I might not get up, but we’ll give it a good go! The climb we’ll be trying is at the top of the range of what I can do these days.

“I shan’t be wearing the chain of while I’m climbing. It would look good, but it would get in the way, and besides, they’re not cheap and I’m not sure our insurance would cover that!”

The climb is planned to take place on Saturday, September 21. Anyone who wishes to sponsor Cllr Jones can do so online at www.justgiving.com/David-Jones63.