Page 5 - RAFMA Winter 2003

Chairman’s
Squadron Leader
Colin Scott.
In May of this year, as part of the pre-expedition organisation for Makalu 2004, I was in Kathmandu during the Everest 50th anniversary celebrations. The dates of the visit were not designed to coincide with this event but rather to enable me to link up with the RN/RM team coming off Everest with a view to purchasing their unwanted equipment. My pre-expedition reconnaissance proved to be extremely useful but it also provided me with the chance to meet and talk to many of those who had been climbing on Everest and other peaks during the season. The underlying message that I received was that despite the crowds the majority of those climbing on Everest had found the experience to be truly rewarding. However, interestingly the reasons were not solely based on their reaching the top or getting high on the mountain. Many of those on the mountain had signed up as individuals, joining groups os clients and paying for the privilege. Most had arrived with the understandably selfish desire to stand on the summit of the world's highest mountain but had found the emphasis shifting as the expedition progressed. Significantly, cultural barriers had been broken down and lifelong friends had been made
with people whom they had not known barely 3 months before yet upon whom they had come to rely. Indeed, it was clearly
evident that many were surprised to find that an enormous
amount of satisfaction was derived from being part of a
team, enjoying and sharing in the success of others. My conver­
sations with these mountaineers of all nationalities reinforced my
belief that we in RAFMA are extremely fortunate to have such a
vibrant and active association, with a history and ethos to be proud
of. Few other clubs offer as wide a range of mountaineering opportu
nities and challenges as those available through RAFMA. The regular programme of weekend meets, annual olpine meets, indoor competitions and bi-annual expeditions to the greater ranges continues to be further enhanced by the meets and expeditions organised independently by RAFMA members. However, perhaps the real success of the Association is that we underpin these activities with an abundant amount of camaraderie, teamwork, commitment and enthusiasm. This aspect of our association is often taken for granted but
/ Vfefcjfiites,/ Calendars
is one that I believe is immensely important. Without it our activities and expeditions would undoubtedly be less memorable and potentially less successful. Through our service or association with the RAF the benefits of
teamwork, shared responsibility and adaptability are reinforced early rather than waiting to be being discovered on the slopes of Everest. Despite the ever-increasing operational tempo the desire to climb and explore the mountains oppears undiminished. The activities of the year are as ever well documented in this
year's journal, including journeys to the Langtang region of Nepal, climbing and ski touring in Greenland and alpine adventures in Chamonix. Importantly, new members of RAFMA are taking advantage of these opportunities, particularly the nstrudion for alpine novices that has become a feature of JSAM. Looking briefly to the future, the proposed climbing and ski touring expedition to Norway in early 2004, participation in the British Services Expedition to Makalu and Baruntse, and a RAFMA led JSAM to Zermatt show the diversify of our oversees ventures. As I prepare to handover the reigns it only remains for me to express my sincere thanks to all members of the Executive Committee, meet co-ordinators, expedition leaders and all members of the association for their kind support during my time os
Chairman. I wish you all safe climbing.
To Aduertise in this publication please call CKusiinà Mclean 1 on 01536 521126
Graphic Design Advertising¿ K
Digital Pri^ng---------- Corporate Identities
Publishing Ltd
Tel: 01733 751000 Fox: 01733 751070
milt^ilantepublishjn'a^^^g^^ww.loffcgpvblishifig.co.ok
Journal 2003
RAFMA 5