Page 5 - 2021 AMA Summer

CHAIRMAN’S IFOREWORD
t is hard to appreciate that the last Association and its members. Of note foreword I wrote for the Journal was is that we are planning to run the AMA about this time last year as we had AGM weekend from 24-26 Sep at JSMTC
of the opportunities enabled by a lack of Western clients as a result of lockdown; however I regularly ponder on the devasting impact that this must be having on their economy, and look forward to when we can return to the vast mountains and smiles of our Nepalese friends (and of course many other overseas countries who rely on Western tourism to support their local economy).
Until we can meet together in person, I wish you all well, and look forward to seeing you on the hill/on the wall soon.
Liz Dallyn
just started to enter the uncertainties of Covid-19 lockdown. I certainly did not expect to be finding myself writing another foreword whilst still in lock down some 12 months later. Although hopefully by the time you get to read this, we will be even closer to the end of the tunnel, with the sun shining, most of us vaccinated and the opportunity for slightly further afield adventures not too far away. I also hope that everyone in the AMA remains fit and well, both physically and mentally and have still managed to explore the great outdoors closer to your doorsteps.
As you will appreciate, despite the occasional attempt to do so, the AMA has not been able to conduct any activity over the last year, but are already starting to plan to regenerate activity from July onwards as long as we are allowed to do so. The Committee and wider army mountaineering network remain keen to continue to deliver in support of the
Indefatigable. Whilst we might not have been able to do as much as we would like to have done as individuals or as an Association, I thought I would take the opportunity to recognise some of those who have continued to be inspiration during these difficult and frustrating times.
As both serving and retired members of the Army I expect we were all particularly inspired by the values, virtues and humility espoused by Capt Tom who brought a smile to our hearts and reminded us why he was already a national hero. I am sure that many of us will have also followed the amazing achievement of the Nepalese Team’s first winter summit of K2 (and the last of the 8000ers not climbed in Winter), which was led by former Gurkha soldier Nirmal Purja and supported by one of our very own, Sapper Sandro Gromen- Hayes as the expedition’s cameraman. The fact that the summit was achieved by an all Nepalese Team was no doubt one
MEMBERSHIP
SECRETARY
FOREWORD
After the delivery of each journal edition I receive phone calls and emails from members who have not received their copy. This is usually due to members’ details not being correct or up to date in our database. Unfor- tunately a member calling the office or emailing me is the only way I am able to update such information and so I rely on you letting me know. If I am informed I can make any changes necessary to the details we hold such as your home address and e-mail etc; all you need to do is drop me an e-mail to the address below. Alterna- tively you can log in to your Tahdah account and make the relevant changes yourself, if you require any assistance with your Tahdah account just let me know.
The office hours are Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 15.45pm.
If you have any questions, concerns or anything at all please contact me on 01248 718364 or Mil 95581 7964 or by e-mail to secretary@army- mountaineer.org.uk.
Emma Pritchard
EADITOR’S FOREWORD
h... the end is in sight. By the time you’re reading this you’ll most likely be returning
to normal activity in your lives and I’m sure you’ll join me in a sigh of relief!
This will be my last edition as Editor of the AMA Journal. For those who have endured my ramblings for the entirety of my tenure hopefully you’ll agree that I’ll be leaving it in a much better place than I received it 6 years or 9 editions ago.
It’s been an interesting opportunity that has ultimately opened many doors for CPD and connections in the outdoor industry that I’m now benefitting from as an outdoor pro- fessional. If you want to have a go, throw your name in the hat before 25 June 21 to be voted in before the next edition will need your help.
Thanks to all those who I have met and worked with along the way. You’ve been a friendly bunch who have only ever provided me with positive comments. For this I thank you and hope, for your benefit, the next incumbent is as good as I have been.
For those who have contributed, especially those who did so willingly, your efforts have really helped and you at least benefited from a £50 voucher for your time. Special mentions must go to Duncan, Glenn, Al M, Sean M, Alun D and Paddy for writing content and being so wilco. Finally to Jayne, Jodie and Dan from Crest Publications for putting each edition together.
I now hang up my (military) boots in favour of my civis and will continue to run my outdoor photography business – Xtreme Exposures. If you see me working on the hill, do come say hello.
Thanks, Al
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