Page 4 - AMA Summer 2024

ARMY MOUNTAINEER ›
WPRESIDENT’S FAREWELL ››
elcome everyone to this latest edition of Army Mountaineer. Between its very healthy membership figures and continue to deliver excellent opportunities, be covers can be found a host of interesting articles – some home-grown from they expeditions or weekend meets, for people to sign up to and join in.
AMA expeditions and others from the wider mountaineering community. For this edition we are treated to articles from a duo of giants: Alan Hinkes recalls his conquest to be the first British mountaineer to summit all 14 Himalayan 8000ers, and Gurkha Veteran, Hari Budha Magar discusses life after the abrupt end to his service career and how he overcame many emotional challenges to became the first double above-knee amputee to summit Mount Everest. We have reports from Exeter UOTC on their Dolomite adventures, from a Royal Signals climbing trip to Majorca, and on the AMA’s Ex LION’S CHALLENGE in the area around Mont Blanc. With some miscella- neous articles and meet reports thrown in, our editor has once again done us proud and there is sure to be something for everyone.
I delayed writing this foreword slightly so that I could do so from a mountain hut – a much more inspiring place than my Andover office or kitchen at home. And so, I sit in the Finsteraarhorn hut looking out at the expanse of the Bernese Oberland, and feeling very much alive. One of the reasons for this trip (ski mountaineering for a week in the high Alps of Switzerland) has been to celebrate my departure from the regular Army and to look forward to whatever the future holds. I will therefore be handing over the presidential baton to Brigadier Andy Garner imminently. Andy is a keen mountaineer and long-standing AMA member, and is extremely keen to step into the role and to help drive the association forwards.
Our chairman gave an excellent update on some of the AMA’s recent thinking in his foreword to the last edition – worth a read if you missed it. We remain as an organ- isation a very broad one; from trekking to rock climbing and ski mountaineering to high-altitude expeditioning with a dozen things in between. With a recent focus on regaining some of this latter expeditioning focus, we have ensured (and must continue to) that this is in addition to everything else, and not instead of. We have
AEDITOR’S FOREWORD ››
So, what parting thoughts might I share as I leave post? Firstly, that the state of mountaineering in its broadest sense is in great health in the Army, albeit constrained by exceptionally challenging financial conditions and an Army workforce that is very heavily operationally-committed. Secondly, that the value of mountaineering activities to the Army remains understood, and has never been clearer in my mind for a generation of people expected to cope with significant uncertainty in their daily lives as war continues to rage not far from our shores. The resilience, teamwork and leadership imbued by what we do is of high worth. And thirdly, and perhaps I’m preaching to the choir here(!), but the benefits to our own minds and bodies by getting out into the hills and mountains has never been clearer or more scientifically evidenced. Switching off from our work stresses and tuning in to the environment around us, managing risk on a minute-by-minute basis and having to
work hard for our day’s objective, generating lifelong bonds with others through shared adventure, and having fun is demon- strably good for us.
I therefore finish with very sincere thanks to the committee for all that they continue to do for us, and to you as the membership for making it all worthwhile. I wish you all every success in your future endeavours, be they the elusive 7a at the climbing wall, the next Munro, an Alpine summit or a Himalayan adventure, and I hope to bump into you at some stage in
the mountains. Best wishes in climbing....
Brigadier Adam Corkery
lot has happened since the last publication efficiency. Additionally, some members have reported not receiving journals and of Army Mountaineer. We say farewell to other Committee correspondence. To address this, please verify that you have opted Brigadier Adam Corkery and extend a in to email communications through Tahdah.
warm welcome to Brigadier Andy Garner as our new President. You will hear more from Brigadier Andy in the next edition of Army Mountaineer as he shares his vision for our future.
In light of ongoing developments, the membership fee will increase to £25 starting from 2025. This change is necessary to support our growing initiatives and ensure we continue to provide valuable
resources and support to our mountaineering community.
One exciting update is the launch of our new Digital Archive, now accessible through the AMA website on Defence Connect, or via the QR code (right). This archive includes all editions dating back to 1993, available in both Adobe PDF and turning page formats, providing a comprehensive resource for all members.
The next AGM will be held virtually on 22 October 2024. During this meeting, the Association will review the achievements of the past year and seek member approval for our budget and Committee for the upcoming year. Your participation is crucial to shaping our future direction.
You’ll also notice significant changes in the journal’s format. We’ve redesigned it to reduce size and paper usage while maintaining content quality. From 2025, the Association will adopt a ‘Digital by Default’ approach. Further details on this transition and the membership fee adjustments can be found elsewhere in this issue. When the time comes, make sure you opt in for hard copy journals through Tahdah if this is your preferred format.
In line with our digital shift, we will discontinue physical membership cards in favour of digital ones. This move aligns with our commitment to sustainability and
Amidst these changes, we must also bid farewell to esteemed mountaineer Bronco Lane, a towering figure in our community whose legacy of resilience and adventure continues to inspire us all. His contributions and spirit will be deeply missed, and a dedicated feature on his life and achievements will front the next edition.
So, plenty of change is afoot. Until these updates take full effect, happy reading! Embrace these transitions with us as we move towards a more dynamic and sustainable future.
Mark Gregory
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MISSING JOURNALS
After the delivery of each journal, Emma, our Membership Secretary, receives calls and emails from members who have not received their copy. This is usually due to members’ details not being correct on Tahdah.
If you are not receiving your journal or are experiencing issues with updating your contact details on Tahdah, then please contact Emma by email or phone (Mon-Thu, 9am to 15:45pm).