Page 5 - 2001/02 AMA Winter

IAMA Expedition Radio Set and Digital
EDITORIAL
Welcome to the Winter 01/02 Journal. Firstly I must explain a few changes to the AMA publications. Unfortunately due to problems with the AMA member­ ship database the Autumn Newsletter was not printed. This problem has now been rectified and all the entitled membership will be receiving the correct mailing. As you will see from this edition of the Journal we are now a full colour publication and the style of the Newsletter that accompanies the journal has changed to a single sheet flyer. This is now called the Newsletter Update. The new schedule for publications is summer and winter journals and Newsletter Updates and spring and autumn Newsletters as before. I hope the new format works for you, the membership, if not please give me a call.
Now to this edition of the magazine. There are a wide spectrum of articles in this issue ranging from accounts of climbing expeditions such as Ice Monkey and Shrivenham Santander to more factual and infor­ mative articles on adventurous training in the armed forces. Special thanks go out to Mark and Bridget Smyth for their contributions and superb collection of photographs that adorn the pages of their articles and others. It is really good to see that the AMA in Germany is alive and well, because that is where my own mem­ bership began in 1986. Thanks also go to the members that entered the AMA Photographic Competition. This is an essential source of high quality photo’s for the magazine. If you have a picture that you think would look good in the folds of the journal then please send it in.
The wind of change has also swept across the AMA and the new constitution and structure are given at the back of the journal for your record. I know that there can sometimes be a culture of change for change sake, but I can definitely say that the changes voted in at the AGM are the result of intense and open debate by the committee that I am sure will stand the test of time.
Now it’s time to remind you again to put pen to paper and produce material for the journal. If you are unsure of what is acceptable please give me a call. Once your life’s work is complete send it to:
W02 (AQMS) Willson Oxford UOTC Falklands House Oxpens Road OXFORD
0X1 1RX
Finally my tenure as the publications editor is due to end in Sep 02. SSgt Sam Marshall has filled the post of sub editor and his help in reducing the workload attached to the job has been substantial. If you would be interested in taking up the post of publications editor on the AMA committee or have any questions about the post please give me a call. I hope you enjoy this edition and all the best for the festive season.
Cheers
Steve Willson
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Camera For Hire!
HADIOS
The AMA owns a set of radio equipment for use by its members and others. The set consists of eight hand held Motorola GP68 VHF sets, one GM350 VHF base station, solar panels, video battery charger and all the ancillaries. This service has been provided by the AMA from the contributions you make as members of the association, therefore the equipment is yours and you should make full use of it. The set has been tested world wide and found to give excellent service in the mountains The hand sets (5W output) provides a good line of sight service up to 5km and more when used with the base station's 25W output. The set, or part set, is available by booking it through the Publications Editor, Steve Willson, with the following conditions.
1. The radios must be insured by the expedition for the replacement cost, details on request.
2. A hire fee, to cover maintenance and renewal, of between £50, for part of the set, up to £150 for the whole set paid to the AMA on collection.
3. The expedition must book their own frequencies through which ever country they are visiting and then inform the Publications Editor to program the radios prior to collection.
The equipment is very good and it will improve the command and control of any expedition not to mention the increased safety cover.
DIGITAL CAMERA
The AMA has added a Nikon 990 Coolpix digital camera to it’s col­ lection. This is a very high quality professional device that is capable of capturing impressive images that can be used for web pages, presentations or just snaps of your climbing. Any member of the AMA can hire this equipment for £25 (up to a month) or £50 (up to two months) for use on climbing/walking trips The AMA Journal is also always in need of quality images and the camera will be available at AMA meets to capture the action. This will be at nil cost to the meet organiser.
If you have any questions about the radio set, digital camera or their availability please give the Steve Willson a call on 94256 8351 or 01865 255351 email stevewillson@msn.com - Please make use of this kit!
C AHMY MOUNTAINEER 3