Page 5 - 2019 AMA Winter

CHAIRMAN’S IFOREWORD
t is my privilege to have been appointed I would also like to extend a warm thank as the new Chairman of the Army you to Lieutenant General Ivan Hooper, Mountaineering Association following who on retirement from the Army, also
the AGM in September. Having been stands down as our President. Whilst
he was also appointed our next Honorary President.
I hope you continue to enjoy and find inspiration from the various articles in the rest of the Journal; of note, I would like to draw your attention to the expedition organised and led by WO2 Will Brandt (Brains) to Baffin Island, which was undoubtedly a phenomenal achievement and success. Wishing you all a very safe and enjoyable Winter season.
a member of the Association for many years (some more active than others), and more latterly fulfilled the role of General Secretary, I am continually impressed by the commitment, enthusiasm and dedication of both the Committee and its membership. With circa 2700 members, a varied programme of activity for all abilities, and an extensive range of wider benefits, our Association continues to go from strength to strength. I only hope I can do justice to the appointment and look for your continued support, energy and commitment.
In doing so, and on behalf of the Association, I would like to take the opportunity to pass on my thanks to my predecessor, Lt Col Pete Skinsley, for his extensive service to the Association over the years, especially to Sports Climbing. We look forward to seeing you back on a rope soon when time allows.
the role may be relatively invisible to many of the members on a routine basis, it is exceptionally important to our Association to help influence the senior echelons of the Army, our sponsors, and support the Committee. Despite being in exception- ally busy appointments since assuming the role in 2010, General Ivan has always made time for the Association. His wise counsel, good humour and engagement skills have been appreciated by all. We all hope you get to enjoy a slightly more leisurely pace of life, and more importantly, have more time to enjoy the great outdoors, be it on the hill or on the water. At the time of writing his successor as President is to be confirmed. However luckily, we have not lost
General Ivan to the Association as at the AGM
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY FOREWORD
Currently we have over 2600 members – our highest number ever! I hope this number continues to grow.
For some of you, things may have changed since the last edition of Army Mountaineer. Therefore, if I don’t have your up to date contact and bank details there’s a chance this may be the last journal edition you receive for a while. Please let me know if things have changed and I will ensure you receive your next journal in the post on time.
The office hours are Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 15.45pm.
For this and any other enquiries, please contact me on 01248 718364 or Mil 95581 7964 or by e-mail to secretary@ armymountaineer.org.uk
Emma Pritchard
EDITOR’S FOREWORD
Welcome back! Another six months has now passed since I last sat down to craft Army Mountaineer and it seems you’ve been busier than ever. There have been some big expeds going on over the last few months and you can read about those funded by the AMA inside.
Our guest article this time comes from North Wales local and frequent JSMTC instructor, Rebecca Coles. Rebecca and her hand picked team of pioneering female mountaineers have been embarking on Project ALPINE SPIRIT, attempting to be the first all-female team to summit all 82 of the Alps’ 4000m peaks in one season. See how she got on inside.
It wouldn’t be Army Mountaineer without our usual suspects: the AMA benefit details, meets and photography competition results; did you win £100?
I’m always available for your comments and suggestions 24/7 via email: journal@armymountaineer.org.uk. Let me know what you like and what you don’t. Otherwise, dive in and enjoy the Winter 19 edition of Army Mountaineer.
Al Topping
ARMY MOUNTAINEER / 5