Page 3 - 2004 AMA Summer

Foreword by AMA Chairman
In the last edition of Army Mountaineer (Winter 2003-04), Cath Davies outlined several mountaineering expeditions that had taken place, and mentioned some future plans as well.
Thanks go to those who continue to organise meets, especially to Sgt Johnny Belsham for those at New Year and Easter. This season of sport climbing has been very successful, with thriving Army Championships in May at the W ICC, near Cardiff: thanks go to Capt Tim Legge and team for organising this. We welcome back those AMA members involved in the Joint Service expedi­ tions to Makalu and Baruntse, and we look forward to hearing more details of their valiant efforts.
Turning to the future, selection weekends for the Everest West Ridge (E W R ) expedition in 2006 have resulted in two large squads, for Everest and for Lhakpa Ri. A third team is due to form, including a number of young soldiers, to tackle Island Peak. This trio of expeditions neatly covers a range of Himalayan climbing, from a challenging introduction through to exacting high altitude mountaineering. The whole project therefore appeals to a wide range of climbers at various levels, and provides aiming marks for future exploits. The build-up phase will see plenty of opportunities for training, both to gain wider experience as well as appropriate qualifications. From early 2005, teams will be selected from the squads, together with two sets of reserves who will gain from both the training and the prospect of filling vacancies.
Further ahead, 2007 sees the 50th anniversary of the AMA. You may be aware of the broad intention of seeing AMA climbing activity in many parts of the world, ideally in all continents. Given EWR the year before, we are not envisaging any one major expe­ dition, but would hope to see activity covering the spectrum of climbing, again to encourage wide and varied participation. However, such expeditions require leaders, and I appeal to those interested to contact Cath Davies. It would be great to hear more detailed plans starting to develop during the A M A Annual Weekend from 24 to 26 Sep 04 at JSMTC Indefatigable. There will be time to discuss ideas on the crags, in the bar, and during the expedition planning session on the Sunday morning.
look forward to seeing you there.
Martin Bazire
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Foreword
5 Division top-rope climbing competition 3 Exercise Sella Diamond 4 Exercise Frozen Finn 5 Ihe only way is up (and down again] 0 Exercise Norice 9 Rjukan revisited
Hot Rock Dragon 2004 12 The Dritish Army Antarctic Expedition 14 A novice’s guide to mountaineering 13 Exercise Mulas Dragon 19 RescuefromWhite Rocks, Aconcagua 20 Tragedy in Turkey 23 Exercise Tasmanian Dragon
Army Rouldering Championships 21 AMA Spring Meet 2005 21 AMA ACM weekend 26
OntheCover:
Members of 21 Signal Regiment on Exercise MULAS DRAGON to Aconcagua.
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