Page 5 - 2021 AMA Summer

PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD
David Southall
As I pen this foreword, the Army sits on the cusp of significant transformational change. ‘Future Soldier’ seeks to deliver a leaner, lighter, faster whole force; better integrated, more agile and responsive with a greater ambition for routine overseas deployment. Whilst it’s also a future heavily shaped by technology in a digital age, the key component of ‘Future Soldier’, our people, remains an enduring constant. People are our competitive edge and our vital ground and the importance of investing in our people, through sports and Adventurous Training, has never been more critical.
The opportunities offered, and the activities undertaken by the AMA continue to showcase the very best examples of how we invest in, and develop this human capital. The AMA ‘offer’ is vast; from bouldering and sports climbing to mountaineering and overseas expeditions there is something for us all – novice to instructor. Indeed, this Journal is laden
with examples of what may be achieved, alongside tales of past trips and events.
As we emerge from wider Covid constraints, I believe it is more important than ever to seize such opportunities on offer. The AMA remains in good health to enable thisforyouall,bothfinanciallyandfrom a governance perspective too. My thanks therefore must also go to all who have given their time so freely and generously to support the AMA on the Committee; Major Roy Davies and Captains Al Topping and Ryan Lang, all now handover the reins from their committee posts following sterling service – thank you to all.
2022 is now fully laden with opportunity; rangingfromapotentialflagshiptri-service expedition to the Himalayas to a myriad of home-based activities such as the traditional Winter Meets in Scotland and Scrambling Meets in June. Such UK activities should also give us pause to reflect on one of the Association’s most loyal and committed supporters, Duncan Francis who has led so many of these events over
the years. Duncan now hangs up his Army Boots after a career of stellar service and selfless contribution to the AMA and wider Army Adventurous Training. Whilst you can read and recount Duncan’s exploits in the enclosed journal article, I would wish to express, on behalf of you all, our most generousthankstoDuncanforhisservice and support over so many years.
Stay safe and well and I hope to catch up with many of you in the months ahead.
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. Unfortunately, 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. Alternatively, you can log in to your tahdah account and make the relevant changes yourself. If you require any assistance with your tahdah account please let me know. Furthermore, if you have any additional tahdah accounts (MT, MTA, AMI), I am able to get these merged so that you only need to log in once. 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@armymoun- taineer. org. uk. The office hours are Monday to Thursday 9. 00am to 15. 45pm.
Emma Pritchard
EADITOR’S FOREWORD
t the time of writing, I had just UKClimbing. com Natalie Berry offers her taken over as editor and at a time insights on sports climbing at the Tokyo when the journal is in a strong Olympics. From the home team, Duncan
position. Born of Al Topping’s graft over the past 6 years, the journal has grown from strength-to-strength into what you read today; a vibrant, glitzy and interesting account of our Association’s activity and broader mountaineering insights. Al – on behalf of all our members – thank you for all you have done. As the baton passes, so does the onus to keep his vision alive, continuing to offer a journal that meets the needs of our broad membership. So, let me know your thoughts!
In this edition, you will continue to see what makes us ‘unique’ – the expeditions and meets – as well as a plethora of guest and special interest articles. Maddy Cope of Lattice Training Ltd discusses training around the menstrual cycle, and former GB climber and Editor-in-Chief of
Francis introduces the UK’s carnivorous plant life, Tarquin Shipley reminisces over his time in the Great Gully and Luke Den- by-Hollis recounts HQ ARRC’s assault on Mont Blanc. However, we must not stand still but continuously look for ways to keep the journal relevant and interesting, moving with the times and changing readership. The journal thrives on a steadfast group of contributors whose names will be familiar to you all, but to paraphrase Lord Kitchener; “your journal needs you”... if we are to continue the vibrancy that we have worked so hard to achieve. So, please keep your contribu- tions coming. Be bold, think broadly and apply your own personal touch. But until then, have a very Merry Christmas and summit-filled New Year.
Mark Gregory
ARMY MOUNTAINEER / 5